Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Through a blend of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, students gain a comprehensive understanding of drug discovery, development, and treatment of various diseases. The program emphasizes future skills and employability, preparing graduates for careers in clinical trials, drug research, and other pharmaceutical and healthcare fields.

Program Outline

This course, Pharmacology BSc (Hons), delves into the intricate world of medicinal drugs, exploring their mechanisms in treating and preventing diseases.

• How drugs interact with the body and their target sites
• The development and testing of new drugs
• The broader societal implications of pharmacology

Outline:

The Pharmacology BSc (Hons) is structured over three years of full-time study, with options for a sandwich year, a foundation year, or part-time study.

• The Biochemical Foundations of Life (30 credits): Students explore the fundamental workings of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in the body, examining their roles in energy production and other vital processes.
• Scientific and Laboratory Skills (30 credits): This module focuses on developing essential scientific and laboratory skills, covering experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and time management.
• Research Methods and Skills (15 credits): This module focuses on further developing research skills, including literature evaluation, scientific writing, data analysis, and critical thinking.

Year 3:

• Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science (30 credits): This module provides insights into recent advancements in biomolecular science, highlighting their societal impact and exploring ethical and policy considerations.
• Project (Bioscience) (30 credits): This final year module allows students to undertake an independent research project in an area of interest.
• Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics (30 credits): This module introduces students to the processes involved in genome stability and variability, covering topics like mutation, recombination, and bioinformatics.

Assessment:

The program employs a variety of assessment methods, including coursework, practical assessments, and exams.

• Year 1: 39% coursework, 13% practical, 48% exams
• Year 2: 43% coursework, 5% practical, 53% exams
• Year 3: 53% coursework, 13% practical, 33% exams
Feedback is provided within 20 working days of assessment submission.

Teaching:

The course is delivered through a blend of scheduled and guided independent study. Scheduled learning and teaching include:

• Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge and theoretical concepts
• Seminars: Facilitating discussions, debates, and application of concepts
• Practical sessions: Providing hands-on experience in laboratory settings
• Workshops: Developing specific skills and practical applications
• Conferences: Exposing students to current research and industry trends
• Field trips: Providing practical learning opportunities outside of the classroom
Guided independent study involves:
• Reading articles and books
• Working on projects
• Undertaking research
Postgraduate students may also contribute to teaching seminars under faculty supervision.

Careers:

Graduates of this program possess a wide range of career options, including:

• Drug research: Conducting research to discover, develop, and test new drugs
• Medical writing: Preparing scientific documents, reports, and publications
• Pharmaceutical marketing: Promoting and marketing pharmaceutical products
• The program offers a work placement year option, allowing students to gain valuable work experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
The course is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in pharmacology, preparing them for a variety of career paths in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare industries.

Fee category Amount Home (UK students) £9,250 Foundation Year: £9,250 International Year 1 (2025/26): £18,500Year 2 (2026/27): £19,200Year 3 (2027/28): £19,900Year 4 (2028/29): £20,700 A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Fee category Amount Home (UK students) £9,250 Foundation Year: £9,250 International Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100 A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. Need to know more?