UDHMDSCI - BSc Herbal Medicinal Science (Top-Up)

The Herbal Medicinal Science (Top-Up) pathway is intended to integrate the fundamentals of chemistry and the biological sciences as related to biologically active plant materials. It aims to produce graduates with the ability to isolate, evaluate and use molecules derived from multi-constituent preparations. These molecules are used to accomplish specific diagnostic and curative tasks and can be elaborated for medical use. The pathway is also intended 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 formative material will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress.

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

Practical skills exercises are used to monitor proficiency in undertaking experimental work. The 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 also have access to the Learning Centre situated on the North campus. 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 BSc Herbal Medicinal Science (Top-Up) course would be to produce graduates capable of articulating to a number of scientific opportunities. To that end the course aims to establish the fundamental chemical principles underpinning this area of study. This programme will provide students with the knowledge of the key analytical techniques available for the separation, purification and identification of chemical components in plants. Students will be exposed to a range of scientific techniques to examine problems of a chemical and biological nature and learn how to apply the principles of critical analysis, to enable evaluation of data against quantifiable and verifiable scientific principles. The programme will develop understanding of the scope and limitations of the use of herbal extracts for the treatment of selected illnesses.

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.

Students will be encouraged to engage meaningfully with personal development planning (PDP), to enable them to reflect on, plan and review their own personal and academic skills. PDP will enable students to develop well supported claims to achievements and be able to articulate these to others and the University will enable students to recognise and record their achievements.

On the BSc Herbal Medicinal Science (Top-Up), the QAA outcomes for Chemistry (where appropriate) have been referred to generate the generic area(s) for each specific outcome.
By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed:
1. A knowledge and understanding of the chemical properties of elements and compounds, critically analyse how they react and interact and a knowledge and understanding of fundamental biochemical reactions;
2. A knowledge and understanding of the chemistry underpinning the design and mode of action of therapeutical agents derived from plants and of the delivery systems for such agents;
3. A knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques for determination of the structure of a compound and/or the amount present in a specified sample;
4. The practical skills necessary to safely carry out specified experiments and the analytical skills to interpret results obtained from experimental work and draw appropriate conclusions as to requirements for future work;
5. A knowledge of the chemistry, pharmacology and analytical science of plant-derived drugs using leading edge technology as found in modern herbal medicinal science.
6. Analyse different situations and problems showing a high level of understanding and reasoning and providing their own interpretation of information;
7. Provide a realistic assessment of their own level of achievement and devise strategies for ensure their personal development is fitted to their career goals.
8. Communicate a subject clearly and accurately orally, and in a variety of forms of written English;
9. Employ a full range of investigative skills which can be applied to any set task;
10. Use analytical and reviewing skills in order to produce accurate summaries based on a body of literature.

Cell Biology CY4054SU
Quantitative Analysis CY5051SU
Synthetic Techniques for Herbal Medicinal Science CY5052SU
Toxicology BE6057
Advanced Bioanalytical Science CY6061
Natural Products CY6054
Medicinal Chemistry CY6063
Research Project CY6P01

Learning Outcomes cover LO1-10

No explicit statement exists for Herbal Medicinal Science. Chemistry 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 conforms to both the University’s Undergraduate Scheme and the University Academic Regulations.

The cores for the award of BSc (Hons) are listed in section 22. For intermediate awards, any combination of the modules from the course specification would be appropriate.

At appropriate times during the programme students will be introduced to structured reflection on their development of Undergraduate Skills which constitute much of the substance of personal development planning. Students will undertake activities 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. By way of the project CY6P01 students will fully develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement. Students will also participate 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. The project 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.

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

Graduates in Herbal Medicinal science are equipped to take up employment in Herbal Medicinal research, development, analysis, formulation or product registration. They could also pursue careers in medical research, in hospital and public 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.

On graduating, you'll be well equipped to pursue a career in herbal medicinal product development, quality control and assurance work.

You'll find career opportunities throughout the science-based industries, particularly the pharmaceutical, natural product, biotechnology, food and agricultural sectors.

The programme is also excellent preparation for advanced postgraduate study.

In addition to meeting the University’s standard entry requirements, Government quota and non-quota students get on to the programme through the Chinese University Matriculation exams:

• this programme is only available for Shanghai students studying on the BSc (Hons) Chinese Medicinal Science / BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicinal Science (Dual Award), which is delivered by us in collaboration with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SUTCM)
• no other students are eligible for this programme, and therefore will not be offered to UK/EU or other candidates