Pharmacology BSc (Hons) with foundation year

You will study the physiology, organisation, structure, and function of key physiologic/organ systems (e.g., nervous, musculo-skeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, gastrointestinal, and renal systems). You will investigate cause-and-effect mechanisms and the interaction between systems in maintaining homeostasis and good health. There will be some discussion of consequences of homeostatic mechanisms breaking down to foster an understanding of human body function with an appreciation of disease states. You will be introduced to laboratory-based techniques e.g., electromyography, electrocardiograms, and spirometry, for the measurement of different physiological variables. You will also develop study skills such as accessing scientific literature, appropriate referencing and academic writing.

Compulsory

This module will introduce the fundamental principles of inheritance, human genetics, population genetics and evolutionary principles. Inheritance patterns including human blood groups and mitochondrial inheritance patterns will be explored. Ethical issues surrounding access to genetic information will be discussed as well as the impact of historical events and projects. You will take part in collaborative working and develop presentation and peer feedback skills.

Compulsory

This module examines the structure and function of key biological molecules. Chemical principles relating to proteins, carbohydrates and lipids will be considered and linked to function. This module will also place emphasis on the fundamental techniques used to analyse biological molecules and the principles of these methods. The theory and practical application of relevant analytical methods will be considered. Throughout this module there will also be the development of Good Laboratory Practice and fundamental laboratory procedures and techniques. You will be introduced to R, a programming language for statistical computing and graphics, and use it in the analysis of data.

Compulsory

You will examine cellular structure, communication, enzymes and metabolic pathways in this module. Cellular interactions and cell signalling will be included and considered alongside aspects of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The energy used to drive these processes will be considered especially in relation to the role of enzymes of catalysts. Key metabolic and signalling pathways will be explored and considered in relation to drug development processes.

Compulsory

This module introduces the different types of infectious agents that are relevant to human health and considers the different ways in which these agents can be cultured, enumerated, controlled and analysed. Relevant laboratory techniques are also developed and used to consolidate the theoretical teaching. The immune system and the key components are also introduced and examined in the way in which these are relevant to preventing and eliminating infection. Current and emerging topics such as vaccination and antimicrobial resistance are also discussed.

Compulsory

In this module you will explore the application of fundamental biology principles to practical exercises, to mimic real-life scenarios in commercial and applied biology. The module considers, among other things, our genetic information, its structure, function and inheritance (genotype), and how this determines the characteristics of an individual (phenotype). The module introduces you to human individual variation and the central dogma of DNA to RNA to protein (transcription and translation). In addition, you will gain knowledge and skills relating to the retrieval and analysis of biological sequence information using bioinformatics tools and analytical software such as Excel and R. Ethical issues, such as increased access to genomic information, quality control and accreditation issues, will be considered. You will be supported to understand and practice effective collaboration strategies, including record keeping and use of collaborative software, plus giving and receiving of feedback.

Compulsory

This module integrates key disciplines of human physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology to explore disease states, their diagnosis within the clinical laboratory, and the rationale, mode of action and pharmacokinetic properties of drug therapies. The module considers four fundamental topic areas (nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems plus infectious disease) and the properties and modes of action of commonly prescribed drugs. Pharmacological considerations such as individual variation are addressed where relevant for these examples.

Compulsory

Extending from the learning in Disease Pathophysiology & Therapeutics within this module you will consider normal and pathophysiology, biochemical diagnosis and management, and pharmacological agents for therapy of disease states affecting the gastrointestinal, renal, and endocrine systems. The key pharmacological principles relating to drug mechanisms and pharmacokinetics are applied.

Compulsory

This module focuses on development of laboratory practical and associated data analysis skills that are of key importance in pharmacology, for example to measure drug and metabolite concentrations, detect drug contaminants and to determine pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters.

Compulsory

In this module, you will explore the activities of the cell that are fundamental to understanding disease states. A myriad of chemical reactions and molecular interactions allow cells to grow and divide, alter their activities and functions, organise into tissues, communicate with each other, and ultimately die. These normal processes are frequently altered or hijacked in disease. The module will also explore how novel therapeutic approaches are emerging based on this molecular understanding.

Compulsory

This module explores the immune system in both health and disease and considers pharmacological agents which modulate immune responses. The links between chronic inflammation and multiple disease phenotypes will be discussed. The ability to exploit elements of the immune system for use as stratified immunotherapies will be introduced and explored in the context of hypersensitivity reactions, allergy, and cancer.

Compulsory

This module takes the form of a group based “mini-project”. You will be recruited to research teams and act as consultants for a pharmaceutical company. The consultancy project will involve literature and technical research, laboratory practical investigation and generation of a report for the company. You will be required to apply for roles within the teams and successful appointment to the chosen project team will be determined by interview. During the project, you will then be expected to demonstrate professional behaviours and conduct, collaborative team working, leadership and time management skills. As part of this module, you will be expected consider topics such as ethical requirements, COSHH, intellectual property, confidentiality, and commercial application of research findings. The literature review, experimental planning, data analysis and critical evaluation, plus logistical considerations will help prepare you to tackle your final year capstone project.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Within this module you will study drug development processes and how these have evolved from ancient times to the current day and beyond. Starting with pharmacognosy and pre-industrial drug discovery, the module will go on to consider stages of the process including target identification, in vivo and in vitro drug screening, testing of large and small molecule compounds, compound optimisation, clinical trials and marketing. The focus will then consider recent breakthrough technologies, the impact of genomics in the development of personalised therapies and what future developments may yield.

Compulsory

This module will focus on the role of toxicology in drug development alongside testing for the presence of drugs in patients where for example, poisoning/abuse may be present. Drug abuse concerns the use of chemicals for pleasure or reward. Users of these chemicals may become dependent and suffer long term consequences for health and wellbeing. The scale of drug abuse worldwide affects hundreds of millions of individuals, putting pressure on health and social care resources. In addition, addiction to prescription medication is recognised as a growing concern. In this module you will explore the physiological mechanisms leading to drug addiction, the mechanisms of action and consequences of prolonged drug use, and strategies for detoxification and future avoidance. It also considers the role of the toxicology laboratory in monitoring prescribed drug therapies and management of accidental or deliberate overdose and ensuring the quality and safety of medication.

Compulsory

Cancer continues to be one of humanity’s greatest health challenges and consequently, the development of anti-cancer therapies to improve the clinical management of cancers has been a central objective of the pharmaceutical industry and worldwide research efforts. This module will review the multiple oncogenic processes that allow cancer to arise, including consideration of emerging cancer hallmarks of metabolic adaptation, immune system evasion and the importance of the tumour microenvironment. Advances in understanding of molecular oncology has enabled the generation of rationally designed targeted therapies which selectively interfere with discrete oncogenic effectors. This new generation of therapies for specific cancers will be covered in detail and compared to traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. Focus will also be given to new concepts that break away from traditional therapeutic paradigms by targeting the non-malignant, rather than malignant, cell components within tumours.

Compulsory

This module considers two key areas which present contemporary pharmacological challenges. Cardiovascular conditions, heart disease and stroke are still major disease concerns globally. Events occurring in the brain are complex and, in some cases, still poorly understood. This module will consider the current challenges in cardiovascular and neuropharmacology and explore the potential opportunities and barriers to future developments.

Compulsory

In this module, you will prepare for your final year research project and for life after graduation. The module will support you through the process of defining your research question, planning your experiments, and considering the most appropriate data analysis methods. The module will enhance skills in literature searching, experimental design, scientific writing, data processing and statistical analysis. You will be required to submit your proposal for ethical and health and safety approval, and to address key aspects of project management and logistics. The module will also consider how novel ideas and findings can be harnessed to deliver commercial value. The multidisciplinary nature of enterprise and innovation, opportunities for commercial development of ideas and an awareness of intellectual property will be discussed.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is for you to conduct a piece of investigative research, which may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, in a specialised area of Pharmacology/related bioscience. This module follows from Research Design and you will implement your research proposal in this module. The variety and scope of projects allows you to pursue your own interests, potentially linked to future career aspirations, and to integrate prior skills and knowledge. Thus, this module, together with Research Design provides a capstone experience and is a key requirement for graduation with an Honours classification. You will be supported and guided by your supervisor, but are encouraged to develop independence of thought, and the ability and confidence to adapt and evolve your research ideas, based on reflective practice. The skills and competencies developed during the project period that enhance employability will be articulated in a short personal skills reflection.

Compulsory