Course Objective

To obtain experience in doing scientific research within the fields of
molecular pharmacology/receptor biochemistry, computational drug design
or organic synthesis in one of the following settings:
- University or Academic hospital
- Research institute
- Company
The internship can be performed either within the Netherlands or abroad.

Course Content

In medicinal chemistry research, molecular pharmacology, biochemistry,
computational chemistry and organic synthesis are important for
designing and preparing small organic ligands as e.g. protein modulators
as well as to interrogate (receptor) proteins and/or signaling networks
in relation to health and disease. During the traineeship, the student
actively participates in a research project as exerted by the host
group/institute and consists of one of the following sub-disciplines:
1) Molecular pharmacology
2) Receptor biochemistry
3) Organic synthesis
4) (computational) Drug design

Attention will be paid to setting up new research/experiments, using
state-of-the-art experimental techniques, analyzing experimental results
and keeping adequate documentation. In all, the student will get exposed
to doing research as well as to contemporary molecular pharmacological,
receptor biochemistry, synthetic or computational design techniques.

Teaching Methods

Literature review, formulating a research question, conducting
experiments, keeping adequate documentation (e.g. labjournal), analyzing
data, reporting on results in progress/group meetings, in a written
thesis and final presentation within the research group.

Method of Assessment

Academic attitude, execution, oral presentation, and written thesis

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements with respect to attained courses and number of
credits apply. See the Education and Examination regulations and the
internship manual Drug Discovery & Safety. For questions, consult the
internship coordinator well in advance (internships_sf.beta@vu.nl).

Literature

Starting literature will be provided by the supervisor. The first 1-2
weeks of the traineeship will be spent on literature reading and
preparation for the project.

Target Audience

C,E,S variants of mDDS-DDTF, mDDS-DD&S, mDDS-CMCT

Additional Information

The standard length of a major internship for the Communication,
Education, or Societal variant is 24 EC (4 months). Make sure you
discuss your personal education plan with your master coordinator well
in advance. See the “Master Drug Discovery & Safety Internship manual”
for more information (rules, regulations, tips, etc.) on the internship
process. This manual can be found on the canvas community “Master Drug
Discovery & Safety”.

Custom Course Registration

The number of internal (VU) internship positions is limited. Candidates are selected based on their motivation letter and CV in an application procedure. See the canvas site “Master Drug Discovery & Safety” for more information regarding this application procedure. Be aware that for most external positions an application procedure applies as well. Before the start of the project an internship agreement has to be signed by all involved parties and the project proposal has to be approved by the VU supervisor. See the “Master Drug Discovery & Safety Internship manual” for more information on the rules and regulation regarding internships.