UDPHASCA - MSci 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).
At Level 7 the course is designed to offer opportunities for advanced study in drug discovery technology, therapeutics and process development, pharmaceutical analysis, drug delivery systems, formulation technologies, quality assurance, quality by design and process analytical technologies. This programme is also suitable for those already working in industry and research facilities who have an aspiration to develop their knowledge in the design and synthesis of drugs and address the industrial pharmaceutical technologies and control that affect how these drugs are made available for health care.
The course is designed to be fully inclusive, ensuring that all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment are accessible for all students and promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary areas of the Pharmaceutical Science. Students will develop knowledge and skills which will empower them to be autonomous professional practitioners and be inclusive in their own careers and practice. The course will foster high level reasoning skills and promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD). Our graduates will go out into the world as confident, values driven and successful individuals, making a positive contribution to society. Teaching and learning activities are integrated with assessment processes in line with the School of Human Sciences learning and teaching strategy and the Education for Social Justice Framework (ESJF). A blended learning approach is utilised, accommodating different learning styles and enabling students to reach their full potential.
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.
Students will have feedback delivered online and through provision of tutorial questions and answer sessions and other formative exercises such as tests or reports. Students will also receive feedback on formative coursework assessments.
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 7 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 7 Project module. The MSci 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 MSci 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. The course will enable students to become effective learners/practitioners by developing a variety of higher-level personal skills and capabilities. To that end students are trained to plan, execute and write up a project at the masters level.
More generally, the course aims to develop an awareness of the ethical implications of modern scientific work and promote skills of self-evaluation and analysis to enhance career development. This approach will enable students to feel a sense of belonging at London Met and encourage student engagement with their learning and the opportunities offered by the University. It will also give students opportunities to share experiences whilst encouraging reflection on individual values, developing understanding of their response to wider world issues.

For levels 4 to 6, the QAA outcomes for Chemistry and Pharmacy have been utilised, to generate the generic area(s) for each specific outcome. The learning outcomes up to Level 6 are as follows:

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 therapeutic 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;
11. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline.

By the end of the course (and therefore satisfactory completion of Level 7) the student is expected to have developed:

Knowledge and Understanding
-An advanced systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of scientific topics studied, and an awareness of current issues and insights.
-An ability to apply knowledge in new contexts and in practical settings involving drug discovery, synthesis, analysis, drug delivery systems, formulation, process development, manufacturing and quality systems in pharmaceutical industry.
- The capacity to design, execute and critically evaluate research relevant to pharmaceutical science and drug delivery systems.
Teaching/learning strategies and methods:
A range of teaching methods will be employed including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals and self-directed learning. Problem-solving and literature analysis exercises will be included. Research skills are developed through the Level 6 literature-based project, and also through the ‘Research Project module’ at Level 7.

Assessment:
Summative assessment of the students’ work is based on elements drawn from the whole range of their learning experience. The variety of assessment methods include problem solving assignments, unseen tests, practical work and reports, poster and seminar presentations, dissertations, and unseen examinations. The coursework assessment elements are used formatively where possible, and additional formative assessments will be used in support of students’ development.

Cognitive skills
By the end of the course the student is expected to have developed higher-level skills that are reflected in their ability to:
- Assimilate information and developing ideas on issues, methodologies or process development.
- Explain how a working hypothesis may be devised and tested within the constraints of a pharmaceutical context.
- Critically analyse different situations and problems showing a high level of understanding and reasoning and providing their own interpretation of information.
- Organise and apply knowledge in a logical and systematic manner appropriate to the purpose or question in hand.
Teaching/learning strategies and methods:
Topic presentation in taught units will be largely evidence-based; areas of relevant current developments will be highlighted. Quantitative methods are taught explicitly in the ‘quantitative analysis’ and ‘spectroscopic methods’ modules and are embedded in other taught units. The Research Project provides an opportunity to utilise knowledge gained throughout the course in pursuit of an individual, self-directed, and focussed investigation.
Assessment:
Cognitive skills are summatively assessed by, inter alia, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, problem solving exercises, essays requiring the ability to sustain an argument, and the Research Project (MSci only) and its oral defence. Poster and seminar presentations provide scope for both peer assessment and immediate formative feedback.

Transferable Skills
By the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:
- Display the interpersonal skills required to work in a scientific, particularly laboratory, based environment.
- Implement an advanced information search and extract relevant information.
- Communicate a subject clearly and accurately orally, and in a variety of forms of written English.
- Select and obtain information and to interpret that information, drawing conclusions from and recognising the limitations of the available data.
- 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.
Teaching/Learning Strategies and Methods:
Communication skills will be developed through formative feedback of student work, and analysis of published literature. Use of appropriate technologies pervades all the modules. There is a significant element of independent learning in all modules. Self-evaluation of work follows on from the critical, evidence-based approach adopted in the taught units.
Assessment:
All assessment is in oral or written form, and throughout the course emphasis will be placed on development of both general communication skills and also on the requirements of formal scientific writing. Systematic and consistent referencing will be a requirement. Use of technology is implicit in all work requiring literature exploration, and in the written or oral presentation of work. Use of laboratory equipment is also heavily dependent on computer skills.

Subject-specific Practical Skills
Students should be able to demonstrate development of practical skills through:
- Experience of advanced or novel practical methodologies.
- The application of knowledge to practical problems, including test selection and the design of appropriate experimental protocols with due regard to safety and quality control issues.
- Experience of IT software and databases e.g. in drug discovery, therapeutics, formulation, drug delivery systems and in searching biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical literature.
- Comprehension and application of technologies in discovery, formulation, and manufacture of modern medicines.
- The organisation and execution of practical work in an extensive Research Project (MSci only).
Teaching/Learning Strategies and Methods:
Practical laboratory skills will be taught through hands-on-experience, reflection and problem solving in laboratory sessions. Some observation of demonstration material will also be utilised.
Assessment:
Formative assessment is given continuously during the sessions in the dialogue between the demonstrating staff and the students. Practical skills will be assessed in the Research Project and the Laboratory Practice module by the results obtained and their contribution to the overall standard of achievement.

Principal QAA Subject Benchmark Statement

Assessment and feedback are key means through which to engage students in processes that support their development, success and employability, while connecting with their own identities, experiences and cultural capital. The assessment strategy is aligned with those of the School of Human Sciences and the ESJF.
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.
All assessments are second marked by an appropriate member of staff and discussions are held if any discrepancies are highlighted. Once agreed, samples are verified by an external examiner who will scrutinise the sample of work for quality.

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.

Level 4 Year 1 - All modules are core: BE4053, BE4055, CY4071, CY4081
Level 4 Year 2 - All modules are core: CY4051, CY4061, CY4070, CY4080
Level 5 Year 3 - All modules are core: CY5070, CY5073, CY5080, CY5083
Level 5 Year 4 - Core modules: CY5051, CY5062. Optional modules: CY5071 (Default), CY5081, BE5058, BE5059 (Default), BE5060, BE5061
Level 6 Year 5 - Core modules: CY6073, CY6083. Optional modules: CY6051 (Default), CY6065 (Default), CY6071, CY6081, BE6W67, CY6061
Level 6 Year 6 - Core modules: CY6063, CY6P01. Alt-core modules: CY6053, CY6055 (Default)
Level 7 Year 7 - Core modules: MS7048, MS7032. Optional modules: MS7029 (Default), MS7050
Level 7 Year 8 - Core module: CY7P01

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

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

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 CY4080 – Laboratory Techniques and Data Handling and at level 5, CY5062 – Spectroscopic methods. At level 6, CY6P01 – the literature based Research project module is used – which requires research of the topic, planning and executing reflective 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 project competencies section provides students with the opportunities to reflect on their learning, this is also included in the Graduation Statement as part of their PDP submission. The end task is to complete a mock job application including a CV, cover letter and personal statement. These aspects are developed more fully in the Level 7 Research project module, CY7P01.
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 also have the option to take the 15 credit BE6W67 – Work placement module which requires a shorter placement.
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.

In line with the University Careers Education Framework (CEF), careers, employability and enterprise information and guidance is provided to students in a timely manner, to facilitate students taking maximum advantage of extra-curricular opportunities and help to develop, student self-awareness, self-belief and confidence to achieve realistic career goals.
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.

Following successful completion of this course you will be able to go into roles relating to:

• the formulation and manufacture of pharmaceuticals
• pharmacovigilance
• drug safety
• regulatory affairs

There is also a strong emphasis on developing transferable skills throughout the course, equipping you with extensive analytical and mathematical skills, which would allow you to pursue roles in teaching, finance, management and more.

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

• a minimum of 112 points from A levels including a C in Chemistry, or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma or Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits
• GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

You will be considered on a case-by-case basis if you hold relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience.

You will also be considered if you are currently completing Level 4 (Year 1) or 5 (Year 2) from an appropriately matched Pharmaceutical Science BSc course and would like to transfer to an MSci.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this integrated master’s degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing Pharmaceutical Science (including foundation year) BSc (Hons).