chapter 1: programme overview

MSC MEDICINAL NATURAL PRODUCTS AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY Programme Handbook

2015/2016

1

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this Handbook is correct

at the time of going to press (September 2015). UCL reserves the right to make

amendments to the information contained in this Handbook as a result of unforeseen

events or circumstances beyond UCL's control or if deemed reasonably necessary by

UCL.

This handbook is deemed to be the definitive version of information for all students on

this taught programme of study.

In the event that amendments are made, UCL shall take reasonable steps to notify

students as soon as possible.

11/09/2015. Version 1

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Table of Contents

1. General Information ................................................................................................... 5 PROGRAMME HANDBOOK ........................................................................................................ 5 1.2 PROGRAMME STAFF ........................................................................................................ 6

Programme Team ............................................................................................................................ 6 Programme Director ........................................................................................................................ 6 Deputy Programme Director ........................................................................................................... 6 Academic Staff ................................................................................................................................. 6

1.3 PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATION ..................................................................................... 7

2. Programme Information ............................................................................................. 9 2.1 PROGRAMME DETAILS ..................................................................................................... 9 2.2 THE MSc MEDICINAL NATURAL PRODUCTS AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY PROGRAMME ...........10 2.3 MASTER’S LEVEL DESCRIPTORS .......................................................................................10 2.4 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE ..............................................................................................11 2.5 LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS .............................................................................13 2.6 CAREER RELEVANCE AND EMPLOYABILITY .......................................................................13

3. Modules .................................................................................................................... 15 3.1 MODULE CHOICE ............................................................................................................15 3.2 MODULE OUTLINES ........................................................................................................15

PHAYG019 MEDICINAL NATURAL PRODUCTS .......................................................................... 16 PHAYG024 ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN PHYTOCHEMISTRY ................................................... 18 PHAYG026 NATURAL PRODUCT DISCOVERY ............................................................................ 20 PHAYG035 BIODIVERSITY AND MEDICINES .............................................................................. 22

4. Research Project ....................................................................................................... 24 4.1 OVERVIEW .....................................................................................................................24

5. Assessment and Regulations .................................................................................... 25 5.1 PROGRAMME REGULATIONS ..........................................................................................25

Coursework .................................................................................................................................... 25 Examinations ................................................................................................................................. 25 Resits ................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Final Degree Mark ............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Merit .................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Distinction .......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

5.2 ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................26 PHAYG019 MEDICINAL NATURAL PRODUCTS .......................................................................... 26 PHAYG024 ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN PHYTOCHEMISTRY ................................................... 27 PHAYG026 NATURAL PRODUCT DISCOVERY ............................................................................ 27 PHAYG035 BIODIVERSITY AND MEDICINES .............................................................................. 27

5.3 SCHEME OF AWARD .......................................................................................................29 PHAYG019 Medicinal Natural Products (30 credits) ................................................................ 29 PHAYG024 Analytical Techniques in Phytochemistry (30 credits) .......................................... 29 PHAYG026 Natural Product Discovery (30 credits) ................................................................. 29 PHAYG035 Biodiversity and Medicines (30 credits) ................................................................ 29

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PHAYGX96 Dissertation (60 credits) ......................................................................................... 30 Exit Awards .................................................................................................................................... 30

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Welcome from the Programme Team

Welcome to UCL School of Pharmacy and congratulations on gaining a place to study here

on the MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry (formerly MSc in

Pharmacognosy).

Pharmacognosy in the UCL School of Pharmacy has a prestigious and continuous tradition

dating back to 1843, when Prof Pereira FRS started his teaching on Materia medica. He was

followed by many more pharmacognosists who exerted a great influence in the discipline,

including Prof Wallis, Prof Fairbairn, Prof Phillipson, and Prof Evans.

Prof Heinrich, Prof Gibbons, Dr Prieto-Garcia, Dr Min Yang and Dr Stapleton form the core

academic staff contributing to its design, coordination and delivery. This also benefits from

the input of worldwide recognised experts including Prof Simmons (Director of Jodrell

Laboratories at Kew Gardens) and Prof Houghton (Emeritus Prof at King’s College) among

many others.

The programme aims to deliver a modern, broad vision of herbal medicines and natural

products with therapeutic uses by using a blended and dynamic learning approach. Our

limited places ensure that our candidates enjoy continuous and close tuition. Full time, 4-

months research projects guarantee the acquisition of the necessary scientific skills to further

your education in a PhD programme or to work in the industry.

Completing an MSc in 12 months is a challenge, particularly for international students who

are studying in a foreign language. Moving to a new country, leaving behind family and

friends can be overwhelming. Good time management and practising and improving your

English will help you cope with the demands of the programme, as will forming friendships

with your fellow students. The relationships you build over the next year, especially those

with the School itself, will last a lifetime and we are sure that you will always look back on

your time with us with fond memories.

Do read this handbook carefully and keep it for reference throughout the year. Your tutors at

the School are here to mentor and to support you, so if you have any problems or queries do

come and talk to one of us.

We wish you good luck with your studies and look forward to getting to know you over the

coming year.

Dr Jose M. Prieto-Garcia Dr Min Yang

Programme Director Deputy Programme Director

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1. General Information

PROGRAMME HANDBOOK

This Programme Handbook provides an introduction to the programme and contains the key

information you need about the programme of study. Amongst other things, this handbook

covers the curriculum, teaching and learning, administrative procedures, key personnel and

assessment.

This handbook should be read in conjunction with the School Student Handbook which

provides information about School staff, academic regulations and policies and administrative

procedures.

The Handbook is relevant to you throughout your studies. There will inevitably be some

changes during your time with us, possibly in relation to the teaching staff, programme

content and assessment patterns and we shall keep you informed of any important changes.

However, you should make sure that you keep up to date by reading our communications,

checking the notice boards, reading your emails and browsing Moodle and the School and

UCL Websites.

More detailed information on UCL procedures and policies in relation to students can be

found on the UCL website at the following link: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students. You

can also find important on the School website here: www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacy/current-

students. Students are expected to be fully aware of procedures but, if in any doubt, please

enquire at the Student and Academic Support Office (known as the School Office – SASO).

We hope you find this handbook useful. It is revised every year to include new information

and to make it easier to use. If you have any comments about the handbook or suggestions

for improving the information provided, please forward your comments to the School Office

(SASO) (email [email protected]).

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students

mailto:[email protected]

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1.2 PROGRAMME STAFF

Programme Team

Most academic members of the Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry staff contribute to

the MSc in Pharmacognosy.

Programme Director

Dr Jose Prieto-Garcia

Room: 201d

Tel: 020 7753 5841

Email: [email protected]

Deputy Programme Director

Dr Min Yang

Room: 439a

Tel: 020 7753 5913


Academic Staff

Name Role

Dr Jose M. Prieto-Garcia Programme Director, Lecturer in Pharmacognosy

Prof Simon Gibbons Professor of Medicinal Phytochemistry and Head of Department,

Deputy Programme Director

Prof Michael Heinrich Head of Centre for Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy

Prof Peter Houghton Emeritus Professor of Pharmacognosy, King’s College London

Dr Paul Stapleton RCUK Fellow

Prof Monique Simmonds Head of Biological Interactions Group, Royal Botanic Gardens

Kew

Prof Klara Valko Senior Investigator, GlaxoSmithKline

Dr Mike Munday Academic Director of Studies and Senior Lecturer

Dr Werner Knöss Head of Department, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical

Devices, Germany



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Name Role

Dr Linda Anderson Principal Pharmacist, Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory

Authority (MHRA)

Dr Colin Wright Reader in Pharmacognosy, Bradford University

Dr Min Yang Lecturer in Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry

Dr Gary Parkinson Lecturer in Structural Chemistry

Dr Rosemary Smyth Teaching and Research Assistant

Dr. Denzil Philips CEO Denzil Philips International

Dr Ivo Pischel Visiting Senior Lecturer

Dr Rocio Alarcon Manager of the Lamoe centre, Ecuadorian Amazon.

Dr Sarah Edwards Research Fellow

Dr Geoff Wells Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry

Dr Rajindra Puri

Senior Lecturer in Environmental Anthropology,

Director of Learning and Teaching; Director of the CBCD,

University of Kent

1.3 PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATION

The School Office (SASO) is the main administrative hub for your programme of study and is

located in Room G11, Brunswick Square.

Opening Hours and Contact Information

Hours: 09.00 to 17.00 (Monday-Friday)

Location: Room G11, Brunswick Square

Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 20 7753 5831

Fax: +44 (0) 20 7753 5829

E-mail: [email protected]

You may also need to visit the UCL Student Centre on some occasions and further

information can be found here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/student-centre


http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/student-centre

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Postgraduate Programmes Manager

Dr. Smyth provides general support on academic and welfare matters for students on the full-

time postgraduate programmes at the School (MSc and MRes).

Dr Rosemary Smyth

Room: 432

Tel: 020 7753 5950


END OF SECTION 1


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2. Programme Information

2.1 PROGRAMME DETAILS

Award:

MSc Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry

Awarded by:

University College London

Department:

Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry

Length and Mode: 1 year full-time

Credits: 180 credits at Level 7

ECTS: 72 ECTS

Programme Director: Dr Jose M. Prieto-Garcia

Deputy Programme Director: Dr Min Yang

Teaching site

UCL School of Pharmacy

29/39 Brunswick Square

London WC1N 1AX

UK

Tel: 020 7753 5800

Fax: 020 7753 5829

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2.2 THE MSC MEDICINAL NATURAL PRODUCTS AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY PROGRAMME

The MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry is a 12 month full-time taught

postgraduate programme intended for those who wish to prepare for PhD-level research in

natural product science or to pursue a career in the phytopharmaceutical industry or a

government regulatory body.

The programme is designed for students wishing to pursue a natural sciences oriented

career in research and development in the herbal, phytopharmaceutical or (health) food

sector as well as in drug discovery. Other opportunities exist in the context of regulatory

requirements and the media/consumer support.

2.3 MASTER’S LEVEL DESCRIPTORS

Master’s level awards are set at Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education

Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) published by the Quality

Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Descriptors for the Level 7 qualification are

in two parts – (1) what each student must demonstrate in order to gain the award, and (2) the

wider abilities that the typical student is expected to develop.

The MSc degree is awarded to students who have demonstrated:

1. Systematic understanding of knowledge and skills required in the application of

pharmaceutical care.

2. Critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in pharmacy practice.

3. Comprehensive understanding of techniques applied to advanced scholarship in

pharmaceutics, which include problem solving skills, evaluation, research methods

and data analysis.

4. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of

how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret

knowledge in pharmaceutics.

5. Conceptual understanding that enables the student to:

Evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline,

and

Evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where

appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

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Typically, holders of the MSc degree will be able to:

1. Deal with complex issues both systemically and creatively, make sound judgments in

the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist

and non-specialist audiences;

2. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act

autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent

level;

3. Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding through continuing

professional development, and

4. Develop new skills to an advanced level in pharmaceutics.

and will have:

5. The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:

The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;

decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations, and

The independent learning ability required for continuing professional

development.

2.4 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The MSc programme comprises two main components: (1) four full time taught modules (30

credits each) and (2) a full time, 4 months research project (60 credits worth). The taught

modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and written examination.

Students take two modules in the first term and a further two modules in the second term,

followed by a substantial research project in the final term.

The first term will cover in depth the basis for the medicinal use of natural products (Module 1

PHAYG019 Medicinal Natural Products) and the analytical methods for their quality control

(Module 2: PHAYG024 Analytical Techniques in Phytochemistry).

The second term will cover the Pharmacognosy discipline in further depth with lectures on

how to interpret, design and apply analytical and bioassay methods for the bioguided

isolation natural products (Module 3: PHAYG026 Natural Product Discovery) how to

interpret, design and apply ethnopharmaceutical studies of plants and the philosophy behind

their uses in traditional systems of medicines and their place in the developing global

phytopharmaceutical industry Module 4: PHAYG035 Biodiversity and Medicines). The last

term is dedicated full time to the research dissertation (PHAYGX96).

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MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry

First term

(Oct-Dec)

Medicinal Natural

Products

PHAYG019

30 credits

Analytical Techniques in

Phytochemistry

PHAYG024

30 credits

Second term

(Jan-Apr)

Natural Product Discovery

PHAYG026

30 credits

Biodiversity and Medicines

PHAYG035

30 credits

Third term (May-Aug)

Research Project &

Dissertation

PHAYGX96

60 credits

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2.5 LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

Teaching is via Lectures (theoretical & practical), participation at workshops, seminars and

forums, and visits to external companies.

Self-directed learning is allocated as many hours as contact hours with the staff. It is

supported by our (1) virtual learning system which provides with all teaching materials in

electronic form (2) library services providing an extensive range of textbooks and access to

electronic journals together with guidance on how to use scientific software. The course is

assessed by marked assignments (essays, videos, and multimedia presentations), research

projects, dissertations and past exam papers. You receive feedback on all your assessed

work, with particular emphasis being given to the development of skills through the period of

each module.

Some lectures and seminars in the first term are shared with the MSc in Drug Discovery and

fourth year students on the Master of Pharmacy degree. This is because the material is

highly relevant and pertinent to the course.

The teaching in the second term will be more specialised and there will be a heavy input by

World recognised experts in Natural Products from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, King’s

College London and the Universities of Bradford and Reading.

2.6 CAREER RELEVANCE AND EMPLOYABILITY

Completing this degree course will equip you with a set of key transferable skills which will be

relevant for the workplace as well as providing you with a base of postgraduate level science

knowledge and understanding. You will learn to critically evaluate current research and

advanced scholarship within Pharmacognosy, as well as evaluating research methodologies.

You will learn to deal with complex issues and make sound judgments and decisions in

complex and unpredictable situations.

You will learn to communicate information and conclusions to specialist scientific audiences,

work effectively as part of a team, and demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling

and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a

professional level.

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The nature of this qualification will develop your independent learning skills, such as critical

reading, as well as enhancing your ICT skills for both literature searching and managing

information and strengthening your communication skills with others in both professional and

academic contexts.

Having this qualification coupled with practical experience could open up career opportunities

in various scientific and medical research fields in the public and private sectors, for example,

in the pharmaceutical companies, medical research, universities, commercial laboratories

and independent healthcare providers.

END OF SECTION 2

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3. Modules

3.1 MODULE CHOICE

All of the modules for the MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry are

compulsory so students are not required to choose modules.

Term 1 – 2 core modules

PHAYG019 Medicinal Natural Products 30 credits

PHAYG024 Analytical Techniques in Phytochemistry 30 credits

Term 2 – 2 core modules

PHAYG026 Natural Product Discovery 30 credits

PHAYG035 Biodiversity and Medicines 30 credits

Term 2 & 3 – core research module:

PHAYGX96 Dissertation - MSc Medicinal Natural Products

and Phytochemistry 60 credits

3.2 MODULE OUTLINES

You will receive more detailed Module outlines at the start of the module and the content may

be slightly different to the information published here. This is because staff are constantly

updating their teaching in light of developments in current research and new thinking.

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First Term

PHAYG019 MEDICINAL NATURAL PRODUCTS

Module Leader(s): Dr Jose Prieto-Garcia and Prof Michael Heinrich

Learning Outcomes

The student will gain a critical knowledge of the theoretical background and current

application of the main Analytical Techniques used in Modern Phytochemistry for the study of

crude drugs and extracts

Topics

1. Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products (THMPs)

a. Background of the European Directive

b. Quality, Safety, Efficacy

c. Current Role in the healthcare system

2. Homeopathic products

a. Regulation


c. Current Role in the healthcare system

3. Food Supplements and Nutraceuticals

a. Regulation


c. Their role in health

4. The use of medicinal natural products by different cultures

a. An introduction to Ethnopharmacology

b. Traditional Chinese Medicine

c. Ayurveda

d. Western Phytotherapy

e. The role of CAM in modern healthcare systems

5. Clinical and Recreational Use of Natural Products

a. Medicinal Natural Products from microorganisms

b. Anticancer Natural Products from Plants

c. Natural drugs of abuse and ‘legal highs’

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Teaching and Learning Strategy

Lectures

Theoretical Lectures will take place in a lecture theatre. Invited speakers of Worldwide

recognised prestige such as Prof Monique Simmons (Kew Gardens), Prof Werner Knoess

(European Medicines Agency) and Dr Linda Anderson (MHRA-British medicines agency)

among others will join the teaching staff.

Multimedia-Forum

Discussion of some topics take place after watching carefully selected films and videos.

Self Directed Learning

A case study of the use of medicinal natural products by patients will be allocated to groups

of students. You will present your results in public at the end of the module.

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PHAYG024 ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN PHYTOCHEMISTRY

Module Leader(s): Dr Jose Garcia-Prieto

Learning Outcomes

The student will gain a critical knowledge of the theoretical background and current application of the main Analytical Techniques used in Modern Phytochemistry for the study of crude drugs and extracts, including:

1. Pharmacopoeial Methods

a. Macroscopy

b. Microscopy

c. Ashes, Water content, Insoluble matter

2. Extraction procedures

a. Liquid extraction from solid plant materials

b. Liquid-Liquid extraction (partition)

c. Steam distillation

3. Colorimetric Analysis

a. Qualitative

b. Quantitative

4. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

a. Classic TLC

b. High Performance TLC

5. Instrumental Chromatography

a. High Performance Liquid Chromatography

b. Gas Chromatography

6. Mass Spectrometry

a. Small molecules

b. Macromolecules

7. Electrophoresis

8. X-Ray diffraction

9. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

10. Descriptive Phytochemistry

a. Phenolic substances

b. Alkaloids

c. Terpenes

d. Microbial secondary metabolites

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Lectures

Theoretical Lectures will take place in a big lecture theater together with MSc Drug Discovery students (MADD module).

Practical lectures

About 50% of this module takes place in our new brand teaching laboratories. You will receive a Laboratory notebook where to record your experiments.

Workshops

They will take place usually in small seminar rooms and are attended only by MSc in MNP&P students

Self Directed Learning

A number of student-lead seminars will cover Descriptive Phytochemistry, namely the description and structure of the main Natural Products classes.

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Second Term

PHAYG026 NATURAL PRODUCT DISCOVERY

Module Leader(s): Dr Jose Garcia-Prieto and Dr Paul Stapleton

Learning Outcomes

The student will gain a critical knowledge of the theoretical background and current application of the main Chemical and Biological Techniques used to discover new drugs from natural products.

Topics

1. Methods in Natural Product Drug Discovery

a. Extraction, separation methods (isolation) and structure elucidation

b. Chemical diversity and its importance

c. Industrial approach to natural drug discovery

d. Assay (target) selection, project teams, dereplication

e. Natural product libraries and other approaches

f. Case studies – examples of drugs from natural sources

2. Elucidation of Natural Products

a. Mono- and bi-dimensional NMR techniques

3. Semi synthesis of natural products

4. Fundamentals on the design of biological assays

a. The Scientific method

b. Design of Experimental Protocols

c. Basic statistical concepts

d. In vitro vs. In vivo assays

5. Major drivers for natural products research

a. Antioxidants

i. Generalities: radical scavenging and lipoperoxidation

ii. Practical: the DPPH assay

b. Cytotoxicity

i. Generalities: Apoptosis and necrosis

ii. Practical: Cell culture techniques

c. Neurodegeneration

i. Generalities: Alzheimer and Parkinson disease

ii. Practical: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

d. Antibiotics

i. Generalities: antimicrobials

ii. Practical: MICs

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Lectures

Theoretical Lectures will take place in a small lecture theatre together with MRes students.

Practical lectures

They will give you hands on experience in a range of bioassays and takes place in our new brand teaching laboratories. You will receive a Laboratory notebook where to record your experiments.

Workshops

They will take place usually in small seminar rooms and are attended only by MSc in MNP&P and MRes students

Self directed learning

A number of scientific papers seminars covering aspects of this module will be critically reviewed.

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PHAYG035 BIODIVERSITY AND MEDICINES

Module Leader(s): Dr Jose Garcia-Prieto and Prof Michael Heinrich

Learning Outcomes

The student will gain a critical knowledge of the theoretical background and current

application of the main Chemical and Biological Techniques used to discover new drugs from

natural products.

Topics

1. Biodiversity, Conservation and Ethnopharmacology: The Fundamental Challenges

a. Generalities some theoretical considerations

b. Drugs from Natural sources – Extracts as ‘actives’

c. Travelling people – migration and the changing needs in ethnopharmacology

d. Value chains – new research needs in medicinal plant research

e. Risk of herbal medicines in a changing environment

f. How to communicate in ethnopharmacology: writing a scientific paper

2. Qualitative and quantitative methods in Ethnopharmacology

3. New Medicines-based Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous and Intelectual Property

Rights from an Ethnopharmacological perspective

a. Generalities

b. The Convention on Biodiversity (CBD)

4. Ethnobiology

a. Generalities

b. Visits and activities in Allotments and Gardens

5. Exploitation and Protection of the Biodiversity

a. The CBD

b. Regulation of borderline medicinal products

6. Botanical Gardens: repositories of the biodiversity

7. A walk through the Rainforest

a. Tropical Plants as a source of medicines: The case Curare and Atracurium

b. Conservation and ethnobotany in the Amazon: The case of Yasuni Park

c. Tropical Fungi as a source of medicines: Visit to Hypha Discovery

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Super Learning days

Each topic is developed in Thematic days including two-super learning days with students at the University of Kent, one super learning day at Kew Gardens, one super learning day on the rainforest at the school of pharmacy.

Self-directed learning

An ethnopharmacological paper will be critically reviewed.

A monograph for a medicinal plant will be written.

Visits

Urban ethnobiology (Allotments in Canterbury)

Monographies in The Mecklenburg garden

Visit plus lecture in the Chelsea Physic garden

Visit plus lecture in the Royal Botanical gardens at Kew

Visit plus lecture at Hypha Discovery, a natural products drug discovery company.

END OF SECTION 3

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4. Research Project

4.1 OVERVIEW

PHAYGX96 Dissertation – MSc Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry

Module Leader(s): Dr Jose Garcia-Prieto and Prof Simon Gibbons

A major component of the MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry course is

the research project. Projects will be assigned in December and will be supervised by an

academic member of staff from the School who has a research interest in natural product

science. This will cover a number of diverse topics ranging from isolation of bioactive

products, natural product synthesis, analysis of natural products and herbal medicinal

product use in the community.

The projects will be undertaken in the laboratory of a member of staff between May and

August inclusive. Students are expected to develop their own research ideas and

experimental series in discussion with their supervisor and complete a comprehensive

literature review to supplement their work. Results will be written up and submitted as a

dissertation and presented in an oral presentation at the end of the year in the first week of

September.

END OF SECTION 4

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5. Assessment and Regulations

5.1 PROGRAMME REGULATIONS

The full Programme Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Programmes can be found on the

UCL website at the link below. Students must also read the information contained in

the School Student Handbook. We have included a brief summary of the main regulations

in this handbook; however students must read the regulations in full.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ras/acd_regs

Coursework

Students must complete a number of formative and summative assignments. Formative

assignments give feedback to students on their performance but do not count towards final

marks (however, it may still be a requirement to complete these). Marks for summative

assignments do count towards the final mark for each module. The minimum pass mark is

50%.

Examinations

Students will normally take written examinations for term 1 modules in January and written

examinations for term 2 modules in April-June. Resit examinations are normally held in the

last week of August or the first week of September and will be of the same format and

duration as term 1 and 2 examinations. The minimum pass mark for examinations is 50%.

Overall module marks

Your overall mark for each module will be made up of your coursework and exam marks. Most modules are assessed by 33% coursework and 67% examination.

Aggregation

To pass a module you must obtain overall at least 50%, including a coursework mark of 50% at minimum. If you achieve between 40% and 50% in your exam and your overall module mark calculates at over 50% then you are permitted to pass the module.

Resits

The regulations permit students a first opportunity at an assessment and one resit

opportunity only (at the discretion of the Board of Examiners). No further opportunities are

permitted. The higher of the marks achieved at the first attempt and the re-sit attempt will

apply. Students cannot resit modules which they have passed.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ras/acd_regs

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Condoning

Please refer to the Post Graduate Taught Academic Regulations, Section 3 (3.2.4)

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/srs/academic-regulations

Final Degree Mark

The overall pass mark for the award of the MSc is 50%. The final degree mark is calculated

on the average module marks weighted according to the number of credits they carry. The

Master’s degree is worth 180 credits in total so a 30 credit module would contribute 30/180

to the final mark.

Criteria for the Award of Pass, Merit and Distinction

Please refer to the Post Graduate Taught Academic Regulations, Section 2 (2.10.6)


5.2 ASSESSMENT

First term

PHAYG019 MEDICINAL NATURAL PRODUCTS

Formative assessment

A series of MCQs will challenge your understanding of the lectures received. This will not

contribute to the final mark of the module but you need to pass with 80%.

Student presentations of a Case-Study

Your performance and self-directed study related with descriptive phytochemistry will be

assessed by means of your presentation of a class of secondary metabolites.

Student presentations of a poster

Your performance and self-directed study related with the potential and limitations of

promising medicinal natural products will be assessed by means of your presentation of a

topic of your choice in the form of poster.

Unseen Paper

Your performance in an unseen paper covering ALL materials imparted in the lectures

during the module.



27

PHAYG024 ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN PHYTOCHEMISTRY


A series of MCQs will help you understanding of the practicals and lectures received. You can take the MCQs as many times as you need until scoring over 80%. This will not contribute to the final mark of the module though.

Laboratory Notebook

Your performance and self-directed study related with practical lectures will be assessed by means of your laboratory notebook.

Student-Lead Seminars

Your performance and self-directed study related with descriptive phytochemistry will be assessed by means of your presentation of a class of secondary metabolites

Unseen Paper

Your performance in an unseen paper covering ALL materials imparted or self-studied during the module.

PHAYG026 NATURAL PRODUCT DISCOVERY


A series of workshops will guide you on how to apply different analytical techniques to the isolation and structural elucidation of small natural drugs.

Laboratory Notebook

Your performance and self-directed study related with practical lectures will be assessed by means of your laboratory notebook.

Coursework

Your performance at the critical review of carefully selected scientific papers will be assessed.

Unseen Paper


PHAYG035 BIODIVERSITY AND MEDICINES


A series of workshops and outdoor activities will guide you on how to apply different ethnobotanical methods.

28

Coursework

Your performance at the critical review of a scientific papers and the writing of a monograph will be assessed.

Unseen Paper


29

5.3 SCHEME OF AWARD

The Scheme of Award sets out the individual assessment components and their relative

weighting. Students will be subject to the scheme of award in effect at the time they start the

programme. The MSc is worth 180 credits. It is comprised of 120 credits of taught modules

and a 60 credit dissertation.

The MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry comprises the following

weighted assessment components:

PHAYG019 Medicinal Natural Products (30 credits)

Assessment Component Weighting

Coursework 33%

Unseen 3 hour written examination 67%

PHAYG024 Analytical Techniques in Phytochemistry (30 credits)


Coursework 33%


PHAYG026 Natural Product Discovery (30 credits)


Coursework 33%


PHAYG035 Biodiversity and Medicines (30 credits)


Coursework 33%


30

PHAYGX96 Dissertation (60 credits)


Presentation 10%

Dissertation 90%

Exit Awards

Credits Award name:

MSc 180 MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and

Phytochemistry

Postgraduate

Diploma

120 PG Dip Medicinal Natural Products and

Phytochemistry

Postgraduate

Certificate

60 PG Cert Medicinal Natural Products and

Phytochemistry

END OF SECTION 5

31

Appendix 1: Calendar

The MSc is a full-time, twelve-month programme. Students should not plan any

activities to interfere with the 9:00am – 5:00pm schedule, Monday – Friday for the

entirety of the programme.

Event Date

Induction Week 28 September 2015

Term 1 Starts 28 September 2015

Classes start 05/10/2015

Term Ends 18 December 2015

Term 2 Starts 11 January 2016

Examination Period 11 – 15 January 2016

Term 2 Ends 24 March 2016

Term 3 Starts 25 April 2016

Examination Period April - June 2016

Research Project Starts The day after your last exam paper

Term 3 Ends 31 August 2016

Deadline for Project Submission 2 September 2016

Resit Examination Period Late August/Early September 2016

Important Notes

1. UCL School of Pharmacy reserves the right to change these dates if necessary. The

School will inform students of any changes.

2. Students must ensure that they are available to attend all classes throughout the terms.

3. Students on full-time Taught Master’s programmes study for a full calendar year.

Therefore students are expected to study beyond the end of the third term to prepare

their dissertation in time for submission in September.

chapter 1: programme overview

Documents