Pharmacology (including foundation year)BSc (Hons)

Biochemistry

This module introduces you to key biochemical concepts to provide a foundation for subsequent study in the Biosciences and Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science subject areas at Level 4.

The aim of the module is to give students the necessary background to appreciate the structure and function of the key molecules that cells are made of such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates as well as the role of biological catalysts, enzymes in the biological systems. DNA transcription and translation will also me covered and the module will finish with an introduction to the key molecules of the immune system. It will aim to give a better understanding of the ground rules of metabolism in order for students to appreciate the production ATP as the main energy currency in living organism.

Biology

This module introduces you to key concepts of cell biology and human physiology to provide a foundation for subsequent study of biological subjects at Level 4.

• You will learn about the origin of life and describe some theories of evolution and appreciate its complexity.
• You will study an introduction to the structure of cells and the concept of the cell as the basic unit of life.
• You will understand that there are a range of cell types and explain the difference between cells, tissues and organs.
• You will be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of key organ systems in the body.
• You will be introduced to the concept of cell division and mendelian genetics and inheritance.
• You will achieve a fundamental knowledge base of biology which will underpin studies at higher levels.

Chemistry

This module will be introducing you to important ideas and concepts in fundamental chemistry that will allow you to study scientific subjects at level 4.

The module aims to develop your understanding of fundamental concepts involving the molecular sciences relating to the periodic table, atomic properties, chemical bonds, simple chemical reactions and nomenclature. In addition, skills adjunct to the chemical sciences including numeracy, logical argument, research, and the utilisation of abstract models will be developed. Regular low-stakes assessments are employed to encourage learning, student motivation, attentiveness, and attendance.

Foundation Year Project (CPS)

The aim of this module is to help you gain knowledge and understanding of your subject area, and will allow you to develop skills which will be of use at higher levels. You will be conducting research into a topic relating to your course title, and to report your findings accordingly. The overall aim of this module is to provide you with fundamental subject-specific knowledge and relevant skills.

Scientific Studies

This module will be introducing you to the basic mathematical concepts needed to succeed on any science degree course, and also train you in essential scientific laboratory techniques designed to support and reinforce theoretical syllabus content. The practical section will emphasize safe practice in the laboratory environment. The mathematics section will be taught using calculations relevant to biology and chemistry to encourage connections between disciplines to be made. Supporting material will be available on-line; tutorial sessions will focus on practising mathematical techniques. Formative online pre-laboratory session questions will prepare the students in advance for the practical in question. Formative exercises will be carried out during tutorial sessions to reinforce the lecture material.

Anatomy and Physiology 1 (for Life Sciences)

This module introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of human anatomy and physiology in health and disease. It is designed for life-science students with an interest in human biology.
This module aims to provide students, through lectures, tutorials and practical classes, with a sound knowledge of human body structure using appropriate anatomical nomenclature and an in-depth understanding of the physiology of selected body systems. The module will also aim to introduce basic concepts in immunology and pathology.

Anatomy and Physiology 2 (for Life Sciences)

This module introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of human anatomy and physiology in health and disease. It is designed for life-science students with an interest in human biology.
This module aims to provide students, through lectures, tutorials, and practical classes, with a sound knowledge of human body structure using appropriate anatomical nomenclature and an in-depth understanding of the physiology of selected body systems. The module will also aim to introduce basic concepts in immunology and pathology.

Biochemistry for Life Sciences

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module is concerned with biochemistry focusing on the properties of key biochemical molecules and their role in biochemical function. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

Cell Biology (for Life Sciences)

A core module which provides students with an understanding of basic cell structures and an awareness of different cell types and relates the structure and activities of cell components to their functions and to cellular activities as a whole.
The second half of the module is concerned with biochemistry focusing on the properties of key biochemical molecules and their role in biochemical function.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically, it aims to expose students to some of the key questions of cell biology concerning cell structure and intracellular activities. Provide students with practical experience in a range of laboratory-based biological techniques. Enhance students' ability to manage themselves and to develop organisational, critical and analytical skills which are applicable to the workplace.

Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (for Life Sciences)

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualification. This module aims to provide an overview of the organisation, expression, and replication of genetic information in prokaryotes and eukaryotes together with principles of Mendelian inheritance; examine the consequences of mutation on gene expression together with an introduction to techniques of gene analysis and manipulation. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

General Chemistry

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualification. The module provides an introduction to core aspects of chemistry - concepts of naming and drawing chemical formulae, organic bonding, differing types of isomerism, moles, reaction processes, states of matter, and interactions between particles are enumerated. Students will undertake regular tests based on the material taught.

Introduction to Laboratory Skills

The module will introduce students to safe working practices in the laboratory environment (GLP), simple chemical techniques and laboratory record keeping also in keeping with GLP.

The aim of this module is to ensure that you will develop key skills and knowledge that will enable you:

1. to be familiar with the laboratory environment and to develop basic lab practice: personal safety, awareness of others;
2. to familiarise yourself with writing a scientific report: contemporary scientific record keeping, style, recording data, interpreting data and drawing appropriate conclusions from results;
3. to carry out basic lab procedures safely – handling and assembly of ‘quickfit’ apparatus; handling, purification and routine analysis of chemicals;
4. to be familiar with the learning resources and support facilities available within the Learning Centre that will assist you with your personal and professional development;
5. to develop transferable skills that will enable you to derive maximum benefit from your chosen course of study.

Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling

This module further develops the practical abilities of the student and the ability to record and process increasingly complex data. The module reinforces the importance of an appreciation of the theoretical principles underlying the procedures that will be investigated in the laboratory and in workshops. Students will also be expected to reflect on their personal and professional development throughout this module.

The aim of this module is to ensure that you will develop key skills and knowledge that will enable you to:

1. enhance your practical skills in the areas of synthesis, purification and characterisation of products;
2. enhance your skills in data recording, processing and appropriate analyses of laboratory results;
3. understand the concepts that are associated with a variety of analytical processes routinely used in a laboratory;
4. to be more aware of the parameters that govern chemical processes (on small and large scales).

Human Immunity

This module provides an introduction to physiological, cellular and molecular fundamentals of human immunology. It includes consideration of innate and acquired immune defences, genetic variation and immune defence, and immune responses or involvement in a range of pathological conditions. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
The module integrates the knowledge and skills acquired from other modules and encourages independent learning through the access of information using appropriate laboratory, primary and secondary sources, and informatics resources. It develops competence in laboratory skills through practical work, and in scientific writing. It aims to develop students’ qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment including developing ability to solve problems and gather and interpret data to inform a focussed theme and writing reports. Moreover, students have an opportunity to develop self-management employability skills by engaging fully with the learning material and opportunities made available to them, and by continually reflecting on their progress through the module using the regular feedback opportunities available to them.

Metabolism

This module focuses on understanding key principles of metabolism. These principles are illustrated through study of the major metabolic pathways. How metabolism interacts with the nutritional environment is discussed throughout the module.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications This module aims to provide an understanding of the principles of metabolism encourage an appreciation of the diversity and interconnection of metabolic pathways, and to stimulate an understanding of the applicability of metabolism in a broad range of biological context. This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and decision making

Microbiology

This module investigates the key metabolic pathways in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and investigates how these pathways, in different organisms, satisfy energy requirements for growth and reproduction using the nutrients in their surroundings. This module also examines the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which regulate microbial growth and development.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the QAA’s the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. It provides students with the opportunity to study the nutritional requirements for microbial growth and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which regulate microbial growth and development. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. Students will be encouraged to engage meaningfully through the curriculum, to enable them to reflect on, plan and review their own personal and academic skills. This will enable students to develop well supported claims to their achievements and be able to articulate these to others. The University will facilitate students in the recognition and recording of their achievements.

Molecular Biology

This module will enable students to extend their understanding of the principles of molecular biology in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, with emphasis on understanding mechanisms of gene expression, genome structure, variation and replication, and genetic inheritance and genetic causes of disease. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

The module integrates the knowledge and skills acquired from other modules and encourages independent learning through the access of information using appropriate laboratory, primary and secondary sources, and informatics resources. It develops competence in laboratory skills through practical work, and in scientific writing. It aims to develop students’ qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment including developing ability to solve problems and gather and interpret data to inform a focussed theme and writing reports. Moreover students have an opportunity to develop self-management employability skills by engaging fully with the learning material and opportunities made available to them, and by continually reflecting on their progress through the module using the regular feedback opportunities available to them.

Principles of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Delivery

This module will equip students with a fundamental understanding of drug preformulation/formulation and different routes of administration. Throughout the module students will develop an ability to simulate data important to the subject matter.

This module aims to equip students with information on how to (a) preformulate drugs – medicines (b) explain kinetic processes involving medicines (c) understand how various pharmaceutical formulations can exert different biological outcomes. Understanding and appreciating the physiological aspects of the human body and physicochemical properties of drugs are essential to explaining how these processes affect the behaviour of different medicines.

Principles of Pharmacodynamics

This module will equip students with a fundamental understanding of the actions and fate of drugs in the human body. Throughout the module students will develop an ability to collect, manipulate and interpret experimental data important to the subject matter.

This module aims to equip students with information on how formulated drugs – medicines, (a) get into the body (b) get around the body (c) how they act on the body and (d) how they get out of the body. Understanding and appreciating the physiological aspects of the human body and physicochemical properties of drugs are essential to explaining how these processes affect the behaviour of different medicines.

Quantitative Analysis

Description: This module will develop problem solving and report writing skills in qualitative analytical chemistry and will enable students to identify analytical substrates on the basis of combined analytical results from a variety of sources. Key areas to be explored are principles of analysis, chromatographic separation techniques, and electroanalysis. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the QAA’s the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Spectroscopic Methods

Description: This module will develop problem solving and report writing skills in qualitative analytical chemistry and to enable students to identify analytical substrates on the basis of combined analytical results from a variety of sources.

Biochemical Pathology

This module will enable students to extend their understanding of disease. Students will learn how these pathological processes can be modulated in the treatment of disease and poisonings.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to understand the principles and practices of biochemical pathology . This will be by expanding a student's knowledge and understanding of human biotransformations (metabolism) particularly as they influence the nature of disease(pathology) and toxic states (toxicology). Students will engage with problems in and pathology and study a range of topics including metabolic pathology. They will be given the opportunity to study the aetiology and treatment of disease.

Neuropharmacology

The aim of this module is to provide students with an appreciation of neurotransmitter receptor physiology, with the aim of using this to gain understanding of the mechanism of action of drugs which are used to treat key neurological disorders of the central nervous system including depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. Students will also gain experience at generating, handling and analysing neuropharmacological data. The module provides students with fundamental pharmacological knowledge and skills.

Systems Pharmacology

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of how drugs are used to treat key diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and infection, and gives students experience at generating and handling pharmacological data. The module provides students with fundamental pharmacological knowledge and skills.

Toxicology

This module will enable students to extend their understanding of disease and toxicity. They will study the influences of endogenous and foreign compound metabolism on pathology. Students will learn how these pathological processes can be modulated in the treatment of disease and poisonings.

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to understand the principles and practices of biochemical pathology . This will be by expanding a student's knowledge and understanding of human biotransformations (metabolism) particularly as they influence the nature of disease(pathology) and toxic states (toxicology). Students will engage with problems in toxicology and pathology and study a range of topics including forensic, regulatory and environmental toxicology and metabolic pathology. They will be provided with an understanding of the key role of foreign compound (xenobiotic) metabolism in biochemical toxicology and given the opportunity to study the aetiology and treatment of disease and poisonings.

Project

This module will enable students to demonstrate the skills necessary to carry out a scientific programme requiring significant research. It will allow students to demonstrate the final development of their subject knowledge, skills and understanding through extended research based on laboratory, literature/meta-analysis of databases or bioinformatics research. This research will lead to the presentation of a detailed written report.
The research project and laboratory skills sessions will enable students to carry out at least 24 hrs on directed competency skills-based activities and an equal amount of time on independent work-related learning activities on various themes approved in conjuction with the School Employer Liasion Board. In addition students will spend 230 hours on project-related activities

This module aims to encourage the student to reflect and build upon their subject knowledge and expertise by means of a specific investigation requiring significant research; develop the skills necessary to plan, carry out, analyse and report upon the results of an experimental or analytical programme on a scientific topic; allow the student to demonstrate that s/he has achieved a high level of personal development through working independently with the minimum necessary supervision; allow the student to demonstrate their understanding and application of safe and considerate working practices, particularly within the laboratory.
In addition the module will also encourage students to develop professional work-related learning skills through the competencies skills sessions which have been developed to map to and are responsive to employers requirements.

Research Project

This module will enable students to demonstrate the skills necessary to carry out a scientific programme requiring significant research. It will allow students to demonstrate the final development of their subject knowledge, skills and understanding through extended research based on laboratory, literature or field work, or meta-analysis of databases. This research will lead to the presentation of a detailed written report and a Powerpoint presentation of results. This module aims to encourage the student to reflect and build upon their subject knowledge and expertise by means of a specific investigation requiring significant research; develop the skills necessary to plan, carry out, analyse and report upon the results of an experimental or analytical programme on a scientific topic; allow the student to demonstrate that s/he has achieved a high level of personal development through working independently with the minimum necessary supervision; allow the student to demonstrate their understanding and application of safe and considerate working practices, particularly within the laboratory.

Advanced Bioanalytical Science

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
The module aims to develop students’ understanding of advanced bioanalytical techniques and to enable students to determine which analytical technique is suitable for a particular type of sample. The module will reinforce and build on analysis skills introduced in CH5007 and provide an opportunity for students to interpret more advanced data, particularly spectra and chromatograms and to solve defined problems. The students will gain practical experience in selected analytical techniques.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts. The module should also help students to gain the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling

The module uses online public databases and software to extract, analyse and interpret nucleic acid and protein sequences and to model the structures of RNA and protein sequences. Genomics, in particular, with an emphasis on pharmacogenomics and phylogeny are covered.

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. The module aims to provide familiarity with the primary and secondary databases used to analyse DNA, RNA and protein sequence, expression and structure, within and across genomes. Students will be given the opportunity to develop informatics skills for extracting, analysing and presenting data to extract biological knowledge. The principles of macromolecular, and in particular protein structure will be applied to the building of molecular models using modelling and graphics software. Applications of modelling will emphasise the importance of protein-protein interactions and protein-drug interactions. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Formulation and Quality Assurance of Solutions, Suspensions and Emulsions

This module will introduce students to scientific principles underlying the formulation, industrial manufacture and quality assurance of commonly used pharmaceutical solutions, suspensions and emulsions. Students will learn a body of technical knowledge and acquire practical skills in the design, manufacture and quality evaluation of various pharmaceutical products.

The module aims to consolidate and expand on concepts introduced at prerequisite module CY5083 to ensure students have (a) a solid scientific grasp of physicochemical and biopharmaceutical factors that influence formulation, manufacture and stability of pharmaceutical solutions, suspensions and emulsions (b) enable students to understand the characteristics and rationalise the design of major pharmaceutical drug dosage forms highlight in the latter (c) expand the students’ practical skills in pre-formulation studies, physical and chemical testing, bioavailability considerations, excipient selection and production methods to ensure quality, safety and drug efficacy (d) encourage critical awareness of the pharmacopoeia and regulatory requirements associated with the manufacture of pharmaceutical solutions, suspensions and emulsions.

Formulations and Quality Assurance of Solids and Semi-solids

This module will introduce students to scientific principles underlying the formulation, industrial manufacture and quality assurance of commonly used pharmaceutical solid and semi-solid formulations. Students will learn a body of technical knowledge and acquire practical skills in the design, manufacture and quality evaluation of various pharmaceutical products.

The module aims to consolidate and expand on concepts introduced at prerequisite module CY5083 to ensure students have (a) a solid scientific grasp of physicochemical and biopharmaceutical factors that influence formulation, manufacture and stability of pharmaceutical solid and semi-solid products (b) enable students to understand the characteristics and rationalise the design of major pharmaceutical drug dosage forms highlight in the latter (c) expand the students’ practical skills in pre-formulation studies, physical and chemical testing, bioavailability considerations, excipient selection and production methods to ensure quality, safety and drug efficacy (d) encourage critical awareness of the pharmacopoeia and regulatory requirements associated with the manufacture of pharmaceutical solid and semi-solid.

Medical Genetics

Description: This module builds on the knowledge and understanding developed at level 4, through the module Cell and Molecular Biology. It will also be underpinned by topics covered in the module entitled “Molecular Biology”. In this module specific diseases will be used to illustrate genotype/phenotype relationships. The module will address the application of current knowledge to clinical practice in the NHS and will examine how a family with affected offspring, would be counselled.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. The module aims to help students develop their understanding of genetic mutations and how they relate to human disease. It will enable students to relate disease phenotype to mutations in gene products or aberrations in gene expression. The module develops an understanding of how human biology has been enriched through the huge increase of genetic data now available. The lectures and practicals enable students to appreciate how these data have allowed the development of novel therapeutic strategies, predictive testing and illustrate how an affected family may be counselled with respect to their inherited condition, in the UK NHS. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Programming for Science

The aim of this module is to provide students with an appreciation of how to use MATLAB® and how this can be applied in the sciences. Students will also gain experience at handling and analysing scientific data. Students will also learn how to plot data, have the opportunity to make GUIs (general user interfaces) and even make interactive games as a fun way to educate others about their area of scientific study. The module will be highly interactive allowing students to develop confidence in writing MATLAB scripts. The module provides students with fundamental computer programming skills which will give them the tools to use other computer programming languages such as Python and C. Students will also develop their logic and problem solving skills.

Sandwich Placement

One year of work based learning. Work experience based full-time in an organisation with roles relevant to the academic programme of study and at an appropriate level of responsibility. Relevant organisations include; NHS, research, industrial and private medical laboratories. Learning would be driven by practical experience in the work place. Progress and development will be assessed against an agreed framework of objectives as defined in the learning agreement. 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.

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

The module aims to: Provide experience of the technical expertise, knowledge, pressures and opportunities within the context of the scientific workplace; increase awareness of the scope, structure and operation of the host organisation, from a career perspective; develop generic competencies as outlined in the registration portfolio or work based learning portfolio; maximize employability by developing the student’s ability to work (at a certain threshold level) in a professional capacity.

Systems Pathology

This module characterises the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical investigation and treatment of selected systems diseases that make a significant contribution to morbidity and mortality within healthcare. Aspects covered begin with an overview of pathology, followed by a systems approach to disease, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune disorders, obesity, diabetes, inborn errors of metabolism, nutritional deficiencies, and cancer
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. More specifically the module aims to provide an opportunity for in-depth study of selected body systems with reference to the pathogenesis of disease, its diagnosis and therapeutic options. The module will also highlight the pivotal role of pathology in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of disease. In addition students will be shown how body structure and function continues to change throughout the lifespan with reference to the increasing incidence and pathophysiology of selected “age-related” systems diseases. Students’ ability to research and evaluate biomedical issues and present their findings in a cogent manner will be developed.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Virology

This module will focus on the structure, genome and replication strategy of viruses, their role in disease, epidemiological factors that facilitate transmission and their control with antiviral drugs and vaccines.
This module aims to provide students the opportunity to study the genome classification, structure, function, and replication strategy of viruses using specific examples where appropriate. Students will explore virus-host interactions and will need to appreciate some of the epidemiological factors facilitating transmission and strategies for disease control. These control measures will include some consideration of human behaviour and animal husbandry, vaccination/immunisation and the use of antiviral drugs. Finally the applications of recombinant viruses in medicine and biotechnology will be introduced.

Work Placement (for Life Sciences)

Description: This module focuses on extending students' learning experience by providing them with an opportunity to tackle real-life problems, appropriate to their academic level, by undertaking a short period of professional activity in the workplace. The placement needs to be approved prior to being undertaken, by the work placement coordinator. It is expected that the student should work for 140 hours, for which they will be required to provide evidence (completed in the summer or part-time over the Autumn or Spring semester). The suitability of the opportunities will be assessed on an individual basis. Where required, students will be supported in finding suitable opportunities and with all aspects of their job search and applications. However, it is the students’ responsibility to obtain suitable employment, and roles cannot be guaranteed. DBS checks and or Hep B vaccination may be required for some placements (NHS or School-based).
This module aims to provide the student with an opportunity to: Increase their personal and professional development and gain experience of the culture and structure of a working environment; evaluate, and critically reflect on, the workplace as well as the student's role and contribution to it; and to apply previously-learnt academic knowledge to the task in hand. Explore employment options and consider future career plans. It will also ensure that suitable health and safety requirements are in place and the work activity will be approved by the module team in advance.