Course specification and structure
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UDPHMSCI - BSc Pharmaceutical Science

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Human Sciences
Subject Area Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 4 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The Pharmaceutical Science pathway is intended to integrate the fundamentals of chemistry and the biological sciences to produce graduates with the ability to design and use molecules to accomplish specific diagnostic and curative tasks, to develop materials for medical uses and to develop analytical strategies for measuring appropriate parameters for a wide range of applications in the characterisation of individual molecules and of complex systems. The material will be delivered by a range of mechanisms designed to allow the student to maximise the use of their preferred learning style (traditional lecture/tutorial sessions, guided independent learning, use of IT-based material such as VLOs, peer-assisted sessions).

Utilisation of the University’s VLE, WebLearn has become an invaluable tool with which to disseminate information and to support and assess student learning. Online progress tests will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Exams in several modules are delivered as online exams.

Feedback will be delivered online and through provision of tutorial questions and answer sessions and other formative exercises.

Practical skills exercises at each level are used to monitor proficiency at experimental work. Assessment of Data handling skills are embedded in practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations and seminar presentations.

The level 6 Project provides the ultimate measure of experimental and other practical skills. The excellent Science Centre also provides an unrivalled facility in which to carry out the level 6 Project module. BSc Project assessment will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation and a viva exam, designed to allow the student to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding.

Students have access to the Learning Centre situated on the North campus. This has recently been comprehensively refurbished. It provides specific group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive and regularly reviewed range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. In addition, there are newly fitted ‘all access’ areas on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge in Benwell Road. These areas come with comfortable seating and IT facilities.

Course aims

In broad terms, the aims of the single honours Pharmaceutical Science course would be to produce graduates capable of working successfully in the pharmaceutical industry. To that end, the course aims to provide an intellectual base by improving the students’ understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and biology and using this to explore the influence of molecular structure on the effectiveness of therapeutic agents. It also aims to provide the knowledge and understanding needed to develop synthetic strategies to produce desirable structures. In order that the students can function effectively in a laboratory environment, the course aims to develop to equip students with the intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of scientific data.

More generally, the course aims to develop an awareness of the ethical implications of modern scientific work and develop skills of self-evaluation and analysis to enhance career development

Course learning outcomes

On the BSc Chemistry, the QAA outcomes for Chemistry and Pharmacy have been referred to generate the generic area(s) for each specific outcome.

The learning outcomes for the BSc Pharmaceutical Science course are as follows:

By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed:

  1. a knowledge and understanding of the physical and chemical properties of elements and compounds and the ability to analyse critically how they react and interact on a molecular basis, and a knowledge and understanding of biochemical reactions;
  2. a knowledge and understanding of the chemistry underpinning the design and mode of action of therapeutical agents and of the delivery systems for such agents and design appropriate delivery systems for selected agents;
  3. a knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques and the ability to apply these techniques in the determination of the structure of a compound and/or the composition of a specified sample;
  4. the practical skills necessary to safely carry out experiments such as might be required of a competent professional pharmaceutical scientistviz the ability to devise and carry out reactions to synthesise specified compounds and to identify and perform the analytical measurements needed to characterise multi-component systems;
  5. a knowledge and understanding of the diverse modern industrial applications of pharmaceutical science and of the role of the pharmaceutical scientist in Industry.
  6. an understanding of the application of mathematical systems to model the behaviour of chemical systems and the ability to employ these to solve specific problems.
  7. the ability analyse different situations and devise approaches to solving problems showing a high level of understanding and reasoning and providing their own interpretation of information;
  8. theskills necessary to provide a realistic assessment of their own level of achievement and devise strategies for ensure their personal development is fitted to their career goals.
  9. the ability to communicate a subject clearly and accurately orally, and in a variety of forms of written English;
  10. the ability to employ a full range of investigative skills which can be applied to any set task; use analytical and reviewing skills in order to produce accurate summaries based on a body of literature.

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

- a knowledge and understanding of the physical and chemical properties of elements and compounds and the ability to analyse critically how they react and interact on a molecular basis, and a knowledge and understanding of biochemical reactions:

CH4001, CH4002, CH4005, CH5007, CH5008,
CH5009, CH5011, CH6E01, CH6009, CH6010,
CH6011, CH6061CH4003, AS5004, CH6012,
CH6060

- an knowledge and understanding of the chemistry underpinning the design and mode of action of therapeutical agents and of the delivery systems for such agents and design appropriate delivery systems for selected agents:

CH4002, CH4005, CH5008, CH5009, CH5011,
CH6E01, CH6009, CH6010, CH6011,

- a knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques and the ability to apply these
techniques in the determination of the structure of a compound and/or the composition of a specified sample:

CH4001, CH5007, CH5008, CH5009, CH6009,
CH6010, CH6061

- the practical skills necessary to safely carry out experiments such as might be required of a competent professional pharmaceutical scientist viz the ability to devise and carry out reactions to synthesise specified compounds and to identify and perform the analytical measurements needed to characterise multicomponent systems:

CH4001, CH4002, CH4003, CH5007, CH5008,
CH5009, CH6E01, CH6011

- a knowledge and understanding of the diverse modern industrial applications of
pharmaceutical science and of the role of the pharmaceutical scientist in Industry:

CH4001, CH5007, CH5011, CH6011

- an understanding of the application of mathematical systems to model the behaviour
of chemical systems and the ability to employ these to solve specific problems:

CH4001, CH4005,CH5007, CH5009, CH5011,
CH6011, CH6063

- the ability to analyse different situations and devise approaches to solving problems
showing a high level of understanding and reasoning and providing their own interpretation of information:

CH5007, CH5008, CH5009, CH5011, AS5004,
CH6E01, CH6009, CH6010, CH6012, CH6060,
CH6061

- the skills necessary to provide a realistic assessment of their own level of achievement and devise strategies for ensure their personal development is fitted to their career goals:

CH4001, CH5007, CH6E01

- the ability to communicate a subject clearly and accurately orally, and in a variety of forms of written English:

CH4001, CH4002, CH4005, CH5007, CH5008,
CH5009, CH6E01, CH6009, CH6010, CH6011,
CH6012, CH6060, CH6061

- the ability to employ a full range of investigative skills which can be applied to any set task; use analytical and reviewing skills in order to produce accurate summaries based on a body of literature:

CH4001, CH4002, CH4005, CH5007, CH5008,
CH5009, CH6E01, CH6009, CH6010, CH6011,
CH6012, CH6060, CH6061

Principle QAA benchmark statements

No explicit QAA statement exists for Pharmaceutical Science, but students would be expected to demonstrate threshold standards related to the QAA statements for aspects of Chemistry and Pharmacy.

Assessment strategy

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, oral presentations, extended essays, examinations, research project interim report, oral examination and dissertation.

Practical skills are summatively assessed through coursework assignments, including those in the project module. Data handling skills are summatively assessed by practical reports, problem solving exercises, oral presentations and examinations.

Formative assessments include group activities in tutorial classes, mini-tests and project workshops.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The course includes the option to take either a 15 credit Work Placement module at level 6 or a 30 credit Sandwich Placement module between level 5 and level 6. Students are not allowed to register for both these modules.

Course specific regulations

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

Modules required for interim awards

The cores for the award of BSc (Hons) are listed in the Course Structure. For intermediate awards, any combination of the modules from the course spec would be appropriate.

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).

Career opportunities

On completing this course, you’ll be equipped to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Our previous graduates have gone on to work at companies like BMS Healthcare, the National Health Service (NHS) and Quintiles.

You’ll also develop the numerical and analytical skills valued by employers in many other industries, such as commerce, financial services and marketing.

This course is also excellent preparation for further research or postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • a minimum of grades CCC in three A levels with an C expected in Biology and Chemistry (or a minimum of 96 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C (grade 4 from 2017) or above (or equivalent)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.

Entry from appropriate foundation or access courses will also be considered.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Pharmaceutical Science BSc Extended Degree.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes B200 (Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy): 50% , B210 (Pharmacology): 50%
Route code PHMSCI

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CH4001 Laboratory Science (for Molecular and Pharmaceu... Core 30        
CH4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry (for Molecular and P... Core 30        
CH4003 Cell and Molecular Biology (for Molecular and P... Core 30        
CH4005 Concepts in Chemistry Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CY5008 Organic Chemistry Core 30        
CY5011 Drugs: Delivery and Action Core 30        
CY5051 Quantitative Analysis Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
CY5062 Spectroscopic Methods Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
BE5058 Metabolism Option 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
BE5059 Microbiology Option 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
BE5060 Molecular Biology Option 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
BE5061 Human Immunity Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
CY5009 Inorganic Chemistry Option 30        

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CY6011 Formulation and Quality Assurance of Medicines Core 30        
CY6063 Medicinal Chemistry Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
CY6P01 Research Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
CY6053 Advanced Organic Chemistry Alt Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
CY6055 Natural Products Alt Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
CY6010 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and Materials Option 30        
CY6010A Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Option 15        
CY6051 Systems Pharmacology Option 15 NORTH AUT MON AM
CY6061 Advanced Bioanalytical Science Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
CY6065 Neuropharmacology Option 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
CY6W04 Sandwich Placement Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR NA  
CY6W54 Work Placement Option 15