Artificial Intelligence and Computational Drug Discovery and Development MS

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Drug Discovery and Development (MS in AICD3) graduate program is 1.5 years (5 quarters). Students complete 38 units of didactic courses in the first three quarters, then complete a capstone project in the following two quarters (20 weeks).

The program trains students to apply computer science, data science, statistical analysis, machine learning, and other data-driven methods to bolster the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies. The program intends to give students the competitive edge for the most desirable jobs in the biopharmaceutical industry and in academia, both of which increasingly require interdisciplinary training.

The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure mastery in computational approaches spanning systems pharmacology, bioinformatics, physiologic-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling, and pharmacogenomics, that will pave the way to transformational changes and innovation of drug discovery (e.g., identification of novel targets) and drug development (e.g., virtual human trials). Didactic courses provide students with in-depth foundational computer science knowledge and advanced computational skills, and cover the latest technological advancements while emphasizing the ethical implications and societal impacts of AI in healthcare.

The capstone project – required for graduation – is designed to enable students to gain experience applying learned tools and methodologies to drug discovery and drug development projects in an academic or industry setting, and to deeply explore fields of interest and collaborate with scientists from many disciplines. It concludes with the submission and presentation (poster and oral) of the project.

Faculty

The AICD3 faculty work in areas of relevance to the program and represent the disciplines underlying artificial intelligence and computational drug discovery and development. The faculty are from the Departments of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Clinical Pharmacy, Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Neurology and Pediatrics. The depth and diversity of expertise brought by our faculty are foundational to the AICD3 program. 

Career Outcomes

Graduates will emerge as leaders, driving innovation and shaping the future of academia, industry, and start-ups spearheading advancements across a spectrum of areas, including drug discovery, drug development, bioinformatics, pharmacovigilance, and translational medicine.

The MS in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Drug Discovery and Development program is offered by the UCSF Graduate Division. The program is administered by the UCSF School of Pharmacy. Academic appointments will be made in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, which will be the primary departmental home for program faculty and staff.

Banner image above used courtesy of Neuroscape.