BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This comprehensive BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science program with Foundation Year provides a solid grounding in the science behind medicines, from drug discovery to formulation and clinical use. Emphasizing research and development procedures, it equips students with practical skills and knowledge for careers in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries, or further study. The program offers an active blended learning approach and access to state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a stimulating and supportive learning environment.

Program Outline

It equips students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries or for further study.

• Description: This program offers a solid foundation in the core subjects of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science, exploring research and development procedures applied in the industry.
It covers three main themes: Chemistry and Analysis, Formulation and Production, and Physiology and Biological Activity. The program emphasizes developing technological know-how and transferable key skills for career advancement. Students have the option to complete a one-year industrial placement after Level 5, providing valuable industry experience and enhancing their CV.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Chemistry and Analysis:
Physical chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, advanced pharmaceutical analysis.
• Formulation and Production: Formulation science, pharmaceutical formulation, sterile pharmaceutical products, industrial product development, advanced delivery systems.
• Physiology and Biological Activity: Human anatomy and physiology, principles of human biology and disease, biologically active molecules, principles of pharmacology, safety assessment of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• Structure: The program is structured over five years, including a Foundation Year and a four-year honors degree.
The Foundation Year is designed for students who lack the qualifications for direct entry into the honors degree. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, students progress directly to the first year of the honors degree.
• Course Schedule:
• Level 3:
Introduces basic scientific principles and methodologies, including human anatomy and physiology, fundamental science skills, introduction to chemistry, biochemistry and cell biology, molecular biology and genetics, and further chemistry.
• Level 4: Explores the subjects that underpin Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science in depth, covering physical properties, organic chemistry, principles of human biology and disease, formulation science, analytical chemistry, and biologically active molecules.
• Level 5: Focuses on advanced principles and techniques, including pharmaceutical formulation, synthetic and natural drugs, principles of pharmacology, sterile pharmaceutical products, pharmaceutical analysis, and principles of cosmetic products.
Students can choose optional modules like a sandwich year placement, study year abroad, or study semester abroad.
• Level 6: Emphasizes research and development procedures applied in the industry, covering research methods and project, industrial product development, advanced pharmaceutical analysis, advanced delivery systems, and safety assessment of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• Individual Modules:
• Human Anatomy and Physiology:
Develops knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of key physiological systems and metabolic processes.
• Fundamental Science Skills: Provides and develops the basic skills required for successful study in molecular bioscience areas.
• Introduction to Chemistry: Covers introductory laboratory skills and fundamental physical and inorganic chemistry concepts, alongside a brief introduction to organic chemistry.
• Further Chemistry: Covers fundamental organic chemistry concepts.
• Physical Properties: Introduces the basic principles of physical chemistry as they relate to the formulation of drug products.
• Organic Chemistry: Explores the structure, bonding, functionality, and reactions of organic molecules with specific reference to pharmaceutically important drugs.
• Principles of Human Biology and Disease: Explores principles of human physiology and pathology with respect to homeostatic mechanisms.
• Formulation Science: Introduces the physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients and the basic principles of pharmaceutical formulation.
• Analytical Chemistry: Provides a basic, practical, and relevant mathematical and analytical chemistry foundation for the quantitative aspects of all Pharmaceutical modules.
• Pharmaceutical Formulation: Introduces the formulation, manufacture, and testing of solid oral pharmaceutical dosage forms (tablets and capsules) as well as the development of oral modified release dosage forms.
• Synthetic and Natural Drugs: Presents and illustrates the principles and processes involved in the discovery, acquisition, and analysis of a range of natural, synthetic, and biotechnologically produced drugs.
• Principles of Pharmacology: Develops knowledge of the anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological organization of biological systems.
• Sterile Pharmaceutical Products: Covers the formulation, preparation, manufacture, and quality control of sterile products.
• Pharmaceutical Analysis: Develops knowledge, practical experience, and interpretation skills necessary for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of chemical species relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Principles of Cosmetic Products: Develops knowledge of the scientific principles applied in the preparation and analysis of cosmetic products.
• Sandwich Year - Pharmaceutical Science: Provides students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner, complementing their program of study at LJMU.
• Study Year Abroad - Pharmaceutical Science: Provides students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner, complementing their program at LJMU.
• Study Semester Abroad - Pharmaceutical Science: Provides students with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner, replacing one semester of their LJMU program at level 5.
• Research Methods and Project: Enables students to plan, execute, and report results of a research project in the area of pharmaceutical sciences, using a range of appropriate resources and methodology.
• Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis: Provides the concepts and practical experience necessary for a career in an analytical role in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Advanced Delivery Systems: Presents and illustrates methods for the formulation and application of advanced drug delivery systems.
• Safety Assessment of Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: Provides an awareness and understanding of preclinical testing and management and regulation of clinical trials in the process of drug development.

Assessment:

• Methods: Assessment varies depending on the modules chosen but typically includes a combination of exams and coursework.
Assessment styles include laboratory reports, essays, presentations, online exercises, and formative assessments.
• Criteria: Most modules have an assessment weighting of 60% Exam: 40% coursework.
Examinations comprise multiple-choice questions, written answers, or problem-based questions. Feedback is provided on all formatively and summatively assessed coursework, normally within 15 working days after the assessment deadline.

Teaching:

• Methods: The program adopts an active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
This includes lectures, workshops, tutorials, online activities, and laboratory practical sessions.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced and dedicated staff committed to high standards of teaching and learning.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes learning through problem-solving and data interpretation, developing practical, research, and transferable skills.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, biotechnological, food, healthcare, and related industries.
• Opportunities: Career fields include research and development, formulation science, quality control, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, clinical trial management, process development, and product registration.
The program utilizes state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching spaces, providing a first-class study environment.
• Support and Guidance: Students are allocated a personal tutor for the duration of their course and participate in small tutorial groups.
Individual support is also available from supervisors during research projects. The school promotes a learning environment that supports equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI).
• Go Abroad: LJMU offers international opportunities for students, including study abroad programs, work placements, internships, and summer schools.
The Go Citizen Scheme helps with costs towards volunteering, individual projects, or unpaid placements worldwide.

Tuition fees

• Home full-time per year: £9,250
• International full-time per year: £18,250
• International year 2: £1,850
• Placement year international: £3,830
All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.