Herbal Medicinal Science (Top-Up) - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

This top-up program in Herbal Medicine, offered jointly by London Metropolitan University and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, combines traditional medicine with modern technology. Students explore plant-derived drug creation through chemistry and pharmacology, gaining expertise in related scientific areas. The program includes a work-based placement year and prepares graduates for careers in herbal medicinal product development, quality control, and assurance work.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Provide practical experience in plant-derived drug creation using chemistry and pharmacology
• Develop expertise in related scientific areas such as cell biology, bioanalytical science, medicinal chemistry, and toxicology
• Equip graduates for careers in herbal medicinal product development, quality control, and assurance work
• Prepare students for postgraduate study in the field

Outline:

Year 3 Modules (taught at SUTCM or LMU):

• Advanced Bioanalytical Science: Explores advanced analytical techniques and their applications in determining suitable techniques for specific samples, reinforcing and building upon analysis skills from previous modules.
• Medicinal Chemistry: Focuses on strategies and methodologies used in drug design, enabling students to critically assess whether newly synthesized compounds qualify as potential drug candidates.
• Natural Products: Covers the chemical components of various natural products (terpenes, plant glycosides, alkaloids, etc.
), their extraction methods, and utilizes spectroscopic techniques for structure elucidation. Additionally, students will gain insights into the biosyntheses and synthetic methodologies of naturally occurring drugs.
• Research Project: Provides the opportunity to conduct independent research, culminating in a detailed written report and PowerPoint presentation.
• Toxicology: Expands understanding of disease and toxicity, examining the influences of endogenous and foreign compound metabolism on pathology and exploring strategies for modulating these processes in treating diseases and poisonings.

Teaching:

• **Learning resources are shared online through the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).

• **Modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions.

• **Practical sessions allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop essential laboratory skills.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment throughout the year through individual and group assignments, presentations, and practical assessments.
• End-of-year summative examinations for each module.
• A final assessed research project.

Careers:

• Herbal medicinal product development
• Quality control and assurance work
• Careers throughout science-based industries:
• Pharmaceutical
• Natural product
• Biotechnology
• Food
• Students must meet English language requirements.
• The program is a great preparation for advanced postgraduate study.
• Students have the option to complete a placement year working in the industry.
• The program costs £13,170 per year.