UDPHMSCI - BSc Pharmaceutical Science

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. 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 ‘all access’ areas on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge in Benwell Road and the newly fitted interactive teaching spaces in the Roding building. These areas come with comfortable seating and IT facilities.

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.

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, including regards to validity, accuracy, calibration, precision and reproducibility;
4. 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 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. 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.
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.

Laboratory Science CY4001
General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry CY4002
Cell and Molecular Biology CY4003
Concepts in Chemistry CY4005
Organic Chemistry CY5008
Drugs: Delivery and Action CY5011
Quantitative Analysis CY5051
Spectroscopic Methods CY5062
Inorganic Chemistry CY5009
Metabolism BE5058
Microbiology BE5060
Molecular Biology BE5059
Human Immunity BE5061
Research Project CY6P01
Formulation and Quality Assurance of Medicines CY6011
Natural Products CY6053
Advanced Organic Chemistry CY6054
Medicinal Chemistry CY6063
Inorganic Chemistry CY6010
Advanced Bioanalytical Science CY6061
Systems Pharmacology CY6051
Neuropharmacology CY6065
Work Placement CY6W54
Sandwich Placement CY6W04

Learning Outcomes cover LO1-10

No explicit statement exists for Pharmaceutical Science. Chemistry/Pharmacy content (where appropriate) would relate to QAA threshold statements.

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

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.

The course conforms to both the University’s Undergraduate Scheme and the University Academic Regulations.

During the induction phase of the programme students will be introduced to structured reflection on their development of Undergraduate Skills which constitute much as the substance of personal development planning. Students will undertake to produce their personal development plan (PDP) during their undergraduate career or in the workplace. PDP can include other activities outside of the academic aspect of university life.

PDP is designed to allow students to articulate the skills developed during their undergraduate career and encourages them to critically reflect on their learning experience, to set new personal and academic goals and evaluate progress made in achieving those goals. PDP activities will be specifically incorporated into core modules on the course to ensure all students undertake reflective practises throughout their course of study.

Progress with Undergraduate Skills will be articulated to students as the programme progresses through feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. This process assists students in developing as independent learners, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This will be of benefit throughout their future career. One module at each level will be used to specifically develop employability and reflective activities. At level 4 this is CY4001 – Laboratory science and at level 5, CY5062 – Spectroscopic methods. At level 6, CY6P01 – the Research project module is used – which requires research of the topic, planning and executing practical activities, analysis of results and re-evaluation of the direction of the work provides an appropriate forum to emphasise the importance of reflection and of the skills (both transferable and subject-specific) gained during the course.

The option exists for students to undertake an additional 30 credit module CY6W04 Sandwich Placement module to enhance employability. This would normally be undertaken between level 5 and 6, this would extend the period of study to four years. For part-time students in appropriate employment they can complete the module over an extended period during their degree rather than take a year out.

Students at all levels will take part in tutorials designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs.

Graduates in Pharmaceutical Science are equipped to take up employment in pharmaceutical research, development, analysis, formulation or product registration. They could also pursue careers in medical research in hospital and public health laboratories and in the food, water and agricultural industries. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed on the course are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as accountancy, journalism and marketing. The course is also a good preparation for a career in teaching.

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

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.

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 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.