Overview
On this Pharmacology degree you will study drugs and their effects on living systems. You will take a multidisciplinary approach incorporating aspects of human physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, underpinned by chemical principles.
Successful completion of this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to contribute to current and emerging challenges in the understanding of drug actions and reactions and the development of new drugs to help fight disease.
At the end of the course you will have the skills and knowledge to meet the demand for suitably trained professionals within the global pharmaceutical industry to expedite the critical task of translating basic laboratory medical research into technology and drugs that can be used to diagnose and treat patients.
It is anticipated that on successful completion of this course you could have employment opportunities in a range of industries including pharmaceutical research and development roles, clinical trials, drug regulation and sales and marketing.
Following British Pharmacological Society (BPS) guidelines, this course is designed to give you a solid foundation in areas of biology that support an understanding of pharmacology.
You will study human biology at all levels – from molecules and cells to whole body systems.
Our multi-million pound Alison Gingell Building features a suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Royal Society of Biology
The course is mapped against the guidelines set out by the British Pharmacological Society and the Degree Accreditation criteria for the Royal Society of Biology. The course is not currently accredited, but we intend to apply for accreditation to the Royal Society of Biology later in 2020.
British Pharmacological Society
Eligibility for graduate membership of the British Pharmacological Society and the Society of Biology. Additional costs and application process may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
Our Facilities
Hospital Wards
We have two fully-equipped mock hospital wards, each containing 4 beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools.
Life Sciences Research
Our facilities include a real ambulance, which students can use as part of their studies, and a purpose-built Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre. This allows for improved training quality in patient care and patient safety.
SuperLab
The Alison Gingell building contains a state-of-the-art SuperLab, capable of holding up to 270 people at once. The lab's facilities include equipment for microscopy, DNA analysis and forensic testing.
What our alumni say
I really enjoy working in smaller groups because you get to know your fellow students and your lecturer has more time to answer individual questions.
Course information
This broad-based science degree is designed to enable you to pursue careers in integrative medical and pharmacological science or drug development.
It has been designed in response to the growing demand for a new breed of scientist who can apply scientific knowledge and skills to speed up the critical task of translating basic laboratory medical research into commercially-ready medical technology and drugs that can be used to diagnose and treat patients. This emerging area of science is known as ‘translational medicine’.
Throughout the degree you will apply pharmacology and physiology to topics including diagnosis, understanding and treatment of disease, classical clinical trial design and health outcomes, supported by our excellent laboratory facilities. Core subject areas you will study include: human biology in health and disease, clinical physiology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, drug development, bioinformatics, numeracy, statistics and computing, and a wide range of instrumentation and analytical techniques.
100%
of graduates are in work or further study 6 months after graduation
DLHE 2016/17
Course specification
Download PDF
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Average salary six months after the course (DLHE 2014/15)
In more detail...
Our experienced teaching team have worked within cardiovascular and neuro pharmacology, clinical toxicology, NHS pathology laboratories. Staff will bring their professional and research expertise into their teaching through the use of contemporary clinical case studies as the basis for problem based learning activities.
We have excellent links with domestic and international pharmaceutical companies who enhance our course through guest lectures and site visits. Many also offer professional placements, with opportunities to spend a year in industry in the UK or overseas; past students have worked at John Radcliffe Hospital and companies like Binding Site, AstraZenica and Pfizer as far afield as Canada, Spain and the Netherlands. We also offer sponsored summer studentships in a variety of areas, including anticancer, cardiovascular, antimicrobial drug discovery, toxicology, and projects in schools to enhance your employability*.
There is a focus on developing laboratory and other scientific skills, so laboratory sessions form a substantial component of the learning experience, enabling you to learn key experimental techniques and the chance to develop essential experimental, data handling and reporting skills required in biological and other careers. Other scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics are integrated within the course.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- 96% of students agreed staff are good at explaining things - NSS 2019.
- Outstanding track record in graduate employability with 100% of graduates of this course in work or further study after six months (DLHE 2016/17).
- Teaching links with the local National Health Service (NHS) cardiac rehabilitation team and with staff in hospital diagnostic laboratories.
- Extensive industry links with a number of pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Proctor and Gamble and AstraZeneca, and collaborative research links with World Precision Instruments.Access to a well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you will get hands on experience using industry standard techniques, such as flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, and confocal microscopy.
- Opportunities to attend guest lecturers from current practitioners in the pharmaceutical industry, laboratory research and other jobs in science in areas including pharmacogenomics, neuropharmacology, pharmacovigilance and drug transport and development.
- Research-inspired teaching with input from experts in our Applied Biological and
Provides eligibility for graduate membership of the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) and the Royal Society of Biology to assist your networking and employability.
Our main study themes are:
- Human Physiology in health and diseases: The science behind the structure and functions of the human body and the way it adapts to its environment. You will study cause-and-effect mechanisms, integrating comparisons between healthy and disease states. You’ll be introduced to laboratory techniques for the measurement of physiological variables such as metabolic rate, heart rate, blood pressure and spirometry.
- Pharmacology: The study of the mechanisms by which drugs interact with biochemical, cellular and physiological systems. This includes principles of how drugs produce beneficial effects in a variety of disease states how drug action is quantified. The mechanisms and clinical uses of drugs which act to modify or mimic peripheral nervous system function will also be considered.
- Skills in Biomolecular Science: Equips you with essential professional and practical laboratory skills, including sessions on experimental design, simple quantitative manipulation of laboratory data and the use of bioinformatics resources.
- Cell and molecular biology: Provides an understanding of the structure and functions of mammalian cells and the metabolic processes that occur within them. You will cover cell division mechanisms, energy metabolism, cell communication and cell defence, in particular looking at cancer cells. You will learn about genetic inheritance patterns linked to the understanding of DNA replication, transcription and translation, investigating complex genetic disorders such as heart disease and dementia.
- Biochemistry and microbiology: The structure of biological molecules and their functional properties within the cell, including the action of enzymes, bacterial cell structure and growth.
This course can be studied full-time over three years with the option of taking a placement or study abroad year after the second year, either studying abroad or on professional placement in an appropriate laboratory or other relevant setting, such as medical publishing. Past students have undertaken a variety of placements, working in roles involving clinical assay evaluation, pre-natal developmental research and safety testing of drugs.
Our teaching is all supported by an extensive suite of analytical and biological laboratories staffed by experienced technicians. In addition, each module is supported by extensive online material to help prepare you for your taught sessions and to assist with your personal study.
Where possible, coursework uses applied tasks that mimic the skills needed in jobs to help ensure you are attractive to future employers, such as collection and interpretation of drug dose response data to assess therapeutic and lethal ranges. The course also offers the opportunity for industry visits and fieldtrips, which have previously included a subsidised daytrip to look around the laboratories within Nottingham’s BioCity, the UKs largest bioscience business incubator in the UK (subject to additional costs and availability).
Regular research seminars by our staff and visiting lecturers will bring you the latest issues on a wide range of research topics, like a recent session on pharmacovigilance by AstraZenica. You will also have the opportunity to undertake challenging independent research projects dealing with questions at the cutting-edge of life science research, which in the past have tackled cardioprotective agents, free radicals and cellular ageing.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.”
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, tests, essays, formal examinations, practical or project work, group work, presentations and posters.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- The basic pharmacological and physiological concepts, processes and techniques, at the cellular, tissue, organ, systems and whole body levels.
- Physiological systems within the body and their modification in disease.
- The molecular processes that cause disease and the strategies that may be employed to combat or prevent them.
- Physiological integration and control.
- The importance of physiological measurement and the applications to the investigation of disease states.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Understand the classification and mode of action of drugs and newer biological treatments in development; pharmacokinetics and metabolism; drug design and formulation; bioavailability and the basis of clinical trial evaluation; and the comprehension and interpretation of experimental data.
- Work safely in the laboratory, demonstrating competence in the aspects of generic and specialised skills required in experimental biology, including experimentation and measurements on humans, safety and ethical considerations.
- Apply scientific methods to critical analysis of literature, reflection, information searching, and experimental design in the biomedical sciences, including appropriate aspects of information technology and interpretation of information through statistical methods.
- Operate, lead and collaborate in a team in order to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
In a typical teaching week, you will have up to 17 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: workshops each week.
- Medium group teaching: laboratory work each week
- Large group teaching: lectures each week.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-directed study each week e.g. working on coursework assignments. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials
Medical research takes place in higher education institutions, research institutes, hospitals and industry throughout the world. This international perspective is reflected in a number of modules on the course, which deal with issues of global importance, such as drug discovery and development from natural products including treatments for malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and worm infections (helminths).
The School of Life Sciences offers participation in a range of annual cultural exchange trips to Africa, Europe and the USA (subject to additional costs, availability and meeting any applicable visa requirements). For example, our ‘DASH to Africa’ (Department of Applied Science & Health) expedition helps to raise awareness of genetic albinism and enables students to undertake voluntary work within the African community. Students are expected to demonstrate entrepreneurship by organising fundraising activities to cover half the costs of the excursion and additional costs may apply.
The course provides the opportunity for online collaboration with overseas institutions on a joint problem-based learning assignment. For example, previous students have joined others from University of Seville investigating the prevalence and approach to managing neurodegenerative disorders and the differing policies with regard to legal highs within the UK and Spain. Our sandwich degree option also allows a year’s work placement or study, which can be taken abroad.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say
I have always had a keen interest to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical field and my course has provided the key skills I need to pursue my dreams and aspirations in this field. Studying the pharmacology module has broadened my knowledge about drugs, drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry, while other modules, such as physiology, biochemistry and cell/cancer biology, have enlightened me in the sciences.
I have especially enjoyed the opportunity to have a one-to-one relationship with all lecturers and their willingness to provide support when approached.”
Entry Requirements
What our students say
From a very young age I was interested in all aspects of medicine and pharmacy. In high school, I was the top of my class in chemistry and biology, and I wanted to continue with a broad course in which I can exercise both my passions. While researching universities, I found that Coventry University was very popular among other future students in Romania and my hometown, but also the friendly atmosphere on campus and with staff and students seemed to stand out.
I was attracted by the variety of modules; the subjects included cellular biology, biochemistry, complete anatomy and physiology, and many more surrounding domains such as microbiology, cancer biology, genetics, bioinformatics. This course has prepared me with the knowledge to pursue many options, either medicine, an academic career, medical research or industry.”
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
EU student fees
EU nationals and their family members starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say
From a very young age I was interested in all aspects of medicine and pharmacy. In high school, I was the top of my class in chemistry and biology, and I wanted to continue with a broad course in which I can exercise both my passions. While researching universities, I found that Coventry University was very popular among other future students in Romania and my hometown, but also the friendly atmosphere on campus and with staff and students seemed to stand out.
I was attracted by the variety of modules; the subjects included cellular biology, biochemistry, complete anatomy and physiology, and many more surrounding domains such as microbiology, cancer biology, genetics, bioinformatics. This course has prepared me with the knowledge to pursue many options, either medicine, an academic career, medical research or industry.”
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
This course is specifically designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required for a career in a range of sectors in a variety of roles in companies and organisations in both the UK and abroad. In addition to discipline specific theory and practical laboratory competence, you will also develop transferrable skills in digital fluency, numeracy, communication and teamwork.
A large number of medical scientists are employed by companies in the pharmaceutical industry, where they are involved in discovering and developing drugs and carrying out clinical trials.
Medical scientists may also work for contract research organisations (CROs) or academic departments within universities on research projects. There are also career options within government laboratories (including environmental agencies), charity-funded research organisations, such as the Medical Research Council (MRC), and with other research institutes.
The scientific knowledge and skills you acquire during the course can be a useful basis for a career in: teaching; technical and scientific writing (such as medical writing or writing for the media); clinical trials; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; medical publishing or other information services; regulatory affairs or sales and marketing. Opportunities also exist for postgraduate study upon successful completion of the course, at both masters and PhD level.
We are committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Talent team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
94%
satisfaction for the quality of this course.
National Student Survey (NSS) 2016
Where our graduates work
Our graduates have gone on to careers in drug discovery and development, clinical trials development and governance within the pharmaceutical industry and university and hospital departments. Recent examples include working as a regulatory strategist and trials manager for Pfizer, as an education administrator for Education for Health and as activities coordinator for the TLC group.
of our graduates are employed or in further study six months after finishing the course (DLHE Survey 2014/15).
What our students say
From a very young age I was interested in all aspects of medicine and pharmacy. In high school, I was the top of my class in chemistry and biology, and I wanted to continue with a broad course in which I can exercise both my passions. While researching universities, I found that Coventry University was very popular among other future students in Romania and my hometown, but also the friendly atmosphere on campus and with staff and students seemed to stand out.
I was attracted by the variety of modules; the subjects included cellular biology, biochemistry, complete anatomy and physiology, and many more surrounding domains such as microbiology, cancer biology, genetics, bioinformatics. This course has prepared me with the knowledge to pursue many options, either medicine, an academic career, medical research or industry.”
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
