BSc (Hons) Pharmacology with Foundation Year

This module aims to introduce students to basic theoretical and practical concepts in medical and environmental microbiology. This includes the structure and function of organisms from each kingdom, their uses in the environment, laboratory or industry and gives them a broad introduction to the field microbiology in general. The module also focusses on terrestrial microbes in the environment, biotechnology and marine microbiology. Additionally, it aims to highlight the impact of microorganisms on the human host that can lead to disease and show how these aetiological agents can be controlled or treated via pharmaceutical agents and public health measures. The module through practical sessions aims to develop analytical and basic microbiological lab skills.

The module studies cell biology, biochemistry and genetics through investigation of cell structure and organelles, enzyme action and metabolism and gene structure, function and expression. The changes to module learning outcomes have been made as a requirement for accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. New module outcomes include: LO3 Acquire basic demonstrable knowledge of statistical analysis of biochemical data. LO4 Perform within teams to design and present experimental strategies for investigation of molecular biology and biochemical phenomena. The teaching activity for LO4 will be a group presentation focussed on designing an experiment based on lipids, sugars, proteins, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate metabolism, genetic inheritance, DNA mutation, the cell cycle, mitosis or meiosis. Students will be provided with a problem based on each area and they will design experiments in a research proposal format to solve the problem. They will deliver their research proposal as a team presentation. Other changes made as required by the Royal Society of Biology include modifications to learning content, i.e. inclusion of biodiversity and natural selection learning content. The biodiversity and natural selection part of the 4PY013 module will be delivered as an online lecture (2 h) and a face-to-face problems workshop (1h). Laboratory skills competency will be assessed in a 0% weighted assessment.

This module introduces you to a range of experimental protocols and subsequent data analysis. Material to be covered in lectures includes toxicology, the autonomic nervous system, obesity, the pituitary and the adrenal cortex.

This module will provide you with a fundamental knowledge of drug action. This knowledge is required to underpin further study in pharmacological aspects of pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, and pharmacology.

This module provides an introduction to the academic skills (e.g. numeracy, literacy, scientific writing, practical and critical thinking skills) required at undergraduate level. The lectures and activities associated with this module will allow students to gain an insight to identifying suitable tools/resources and apply the knowledge as part of developing their independent learning skills.

This module will provide you with practical experience of using in vitro organ baths, data analysis, data interpretation and presentation of results. Organ baths are a common technique used by the pharmaceutical sector, which are easily adaptable for testing a wide variety of tissues. In these practicals, you will be generating data from isolated living tissue. Your time spent in the laboratory will be supported by classroom based activities. Lectures, workshops and class discussions will provide information about experimental pharmacological principles and good experimental design.

This module aims to provide you with further knowledge and understanding of drug mechanisms of action in current therapeutic practice.  Here, first line treatments will be studied and assessed along with some second and third line treatments.  By further developing your knowledge base of how drugs work, this will increase your ability at being able to estimate and predict likely common side effects, cautions and contraindications.

An intermediate level study of the molecular aspects of living organisms, with particular reference to: The biochemistry of the major metabolic pathways; The biosynthesis of macromolecules; The nature of genetic material, DNA structure and replication, and how this contributes to disease; RNA transcription and translation; Molecular biology techniques; Bioenergetics, glycolysis, the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and electron transfer, lipid metabolism and nucleic acid metabolism will be major biochemical themes.

This module aims to provide an appreciation of the importance of microbiological contamination in relation to the production and preservation of pharmaceutical products. Your lecture notes and handouts should be supplemented by further reading from the recommended module textbook, from references given in lectures, and from further reading. Practical sessions will reinforce scientific theory and instruct you in professional Standard Operating Procedures for production of sterile pharmaceuticals.

This module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the principles of pharmacology and various modes of intervention in current therapeutic practice. In addition, you will be provided with an introduction to the pharmacological basis of therapeutics, how common side effects can occur and the basis of how drugs are used as a means of therapeutic intervention.

This module aims to embed the key knowledge about gene and genome structure. It will describe the use of fundamental techniques such as PCR and sequencing. It will then explain how the latest bioinformatic techniques can be used to study genetic elements. Computer based tools used to aid gene manipulation will be analysed. Key bioinformatic topics will be database searching, sequence retrieval, BLAST, translation, protein analysis, phylogenetics, restriction maps and PCR primer design. Applications to pharmacogenomics will be discussed.

This module allows you to gain experience in a range of experimental protocols and subsequent data analysis. Each session will be hosted by a research active group leader. Sessions will bring together lectures with practical skills used frequently in the laboratory.

This module provides you with an opportunity to develop a professional vision in a relevant area of interest in the discipline of your individual supervisor(s). The investigation will normally be research based and involve the generation of novel data. Assessment will comprise a written report and a presentation.

This module provides an introduction to pharmaceutical biotechnology and aspects of molecular biology. There are two integrated themes that run concurrently. Part 1 - Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and part 2 - Molecular Biology for Pharmacy. At the end of the module you will have an understanding of the importance of the main groups of microorganisms in pharmaceutical science and how microorganisms can be genetically manipulated to produce useful medicinally active compounds.