Master of Science in Clinical Neuropharmacology

The MSc in Clinical Neuropharmacology permits the students to investigate the structure and functions of the nervous system and the influence of the drugs on the nervous system. This will allow the students to apply the relevant knowledge to find novel targets and treatment to neurological and psychological disorders. The course is designed for students with a pharmacology background. Due to the rich content of the course, graduates of the program will be qualified to pursue their PhD, work in hospitals, universities, research centers, or the pharmaceutical industry.

This unique multidisciplinary program provides students with an excellent opportunity to develop a specific interest in the Clinical Neuropharmacology field required for understanding the mechanisms of pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures, and treatments of various diseases of the brain and nervous system in parallel with high involvement in psychophysics, data analysis and statistical modelling.

Strategically, the program utilizes many instructional methods, including, but not limited to, interactive lectures, seminars, computing sessions and laboratory sessions. Problem case sessions are conducted by academic and clinical experts from different subspecialties. In addition, candidates must complete clinical placements and research projects related to neuropharmacology.

The program will be conducted in collaboration with King Fahad Medical City (KFMC).

Classes

CNP 500: Structure and Function of the Nervous System

This module will provide a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. For instance, the module will start with the development of the nervous system and then students will focus on the adult nervous system.

CNP 503: Basic Concepts in Neurochemistry & Drug Discovery

This course will provide students with knowledge on molecular structures and modelling, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, principles of drug discovery, molecular cell biology underpinning drug discovery, drug metabolism, and how this knowledge is tied to drug discovery.

CNP 504: Experimental Models of Neurological Disorders

This course will provide insights into available technologies and strategies for brain drug discovery including molecular and cellular phenotypes, induced pluripotent stem cells models, single cell approaches in neurobiology, animal models, human experimental models, target discovery and validation, genome engineering.

CNP 506: Clinical trials, mobile technology, and digital health

This course will provide insights into neuroscience and ethics, ethical governance, principles and design of clinical trials, data management and analysis, trial monitoring, mobile technology for patient monitoring, and current advances in digital health

CNP 507 : Seminars & journal clubs

All students will receive seminars on ethics and neuroscience, essay writing, and information about their project rotations. Each seminar will provide written information and guidance for students. Students will also attend a journal club to critically appraise a research article on the topics covered during the two semesters of the first year.

CNP 507 B: Seminar & Journal Clubs

All students will receive seminars on ethics and neuroscience, essay writing, and information about their project rotations. Each seminar will provide written information and guidance for students. Students will also attend a journal club to critically appraise a research article on the topics covered during the two semesters of the first year.

CNP 600 : Clinical Rotation

All students will complete clinical placements during this year. They will spend 24 weeks in the psychiatry and neurology wards at KFMC. The students will apply knowledge and gain skills in delivering treatments for patients in hospital settings under the supervision of a specialist pharmacist.

CNP 600 A: Clinical Rotation A

All students will complete clinical placements during this year. They will spend 24 weeks in the psychiatry and neurology wards at KFMC. The students will apply knowledge and gain skills in delivering treatments for patients in hospital settings under the supervision of a specialist pharmacist.

CNP 600 B: Clinical Rotation B

All students will complete clinical placements during this year. They will spend 24 weeks in the psychiatry and neurology wards at KFMC. The students will apply knowledge and gain skills in delivering treatments for patients in hospital settings under the supervision of a specialist pharmacist.

CNP 601 : Research Project

Students will complete laboratory placements during this year. In addition, they will visit research labs/groups in their first term and select their project towards the end of the first year. The projects will cover various topics, from molecular to cognitive studies

CNP 601 A: Research Project A

Students will complete laboratory placements during this year. In addition, they will visit research labs/groups in their first term and select their project towards the end of the first year. The projects will cover various topics, from molecular to cognitive studies

CNP 601 B: Research Project

Students will complete laboratory placements during this year. In addition, they will visit research labs/groups in their first term and select their project towards the end of the first year. The projects will cover various topics, from molecular to cognitive studies