Pharmaceutical Sciences BSc

In the first year, you will learn key biochemical and cellular principles, physiological processes, and essential laboratory techniques, while developing communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. 

The module aims to provide you with an introduction to the classification, structure, and function of cells, as well as cell communication and division. It also introduces the flow of genetic information and principles of genetic laws. Another key objective is to enable you to acquire laboratory skills necessary for visualising and studying cells, with examples of diseases resulting from abnormal structure and/or function.

In the second year, you will deepen your understanding of drug design and development and learn to turn scientific ideas into commercial products, considering the UN Sustainability Goals. If you are on the pharmaceutical chemistry route, you will also gain practical skills in inorganic, analytical, and organic chemistry.

This module provides you with the skills to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, in preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills for scientific research design. Specific research skills include analytical techniques and provides you with an insight into the translation of science into real-world solutions and the factors affecting innovation, and knowledge production and transfer.

This module introduces you to pharmaceutical chemistry. It examines the essential biochemistry on which understanding of medicinal chemistry is built and discusses strategies involved in developing an effective drug. You will develop a complete appreciation of the structure and function of various drug targets i.e. receptors, enzymes and nucleic acids. You will also investigate how drugs interact with their target through intermolecular bonding forces and the rationale behind how drugs are synthesised/designed.

The module aims to provide you with comprehensive knowledge of the principal concepts involved in pharmaceutical product design and development. The first part of the module focuses on the traditional techniques that are used to analyse, separate, and characterise pharmaceutical compounds. The second part of the module focuses on investigating the main aspects of formulating and manufacturing an active principle ingredient (API). The legislation concerning the production, delivery and control of medicinal products produced by industries will also be explored

This module builds upon the principles and concepts of organic chemistry. You will develop a more complete appreciation of some of the chemical reactions relevant to biochemical processes and drug synthesis with emphasis on carbonyl chemistry and pericyclic reactions, integrating mechanisms and arrow pushing. The laboratory practical in this module provides you with essential skills in experimental techniques in organic chemistry, and a variety of modern techniques in instrumental analysis.

This module aims to equip you with a wide range of knowledge and skills pertaining to physical and inorganic chemistry concepts with a focus on biochemical applications. The module builds upon concepts learnt in year one.

The module provides you with comprehensive knowledge of the steps to which a drug is subjected towards the end of its development by taking into consideration the scientific and technological aspects of the design and manufacture of dosage forms. The first part of the module focuses on the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and the physicochemical considerations of dosage forms. The second part focuses on the advanced drug delivery platforms and radiopharmaceuticals.

In the final year, you will further develop your cognitive and practical skills to solve real-world pharmaceutical problems, and carry out ethical research. 

This module provides knowledge of all the key processes involved in bringing a drug to the market and the associated challenges. The module will focus on the science and technology used during the discovery process, from identifying medical needs, to the discovery of a drug candidate and understanding how to interpret results from molecular modelling programs to provide insights into drug design. The module also analyses all the necessary steps to transform a drug candidate into a market-ready product, including preclinical and human clinical trials, economics of drug discovery, regulatory controls and manufacturing processes.

This module builds on the skills you acquired when undertaking the research methods module in year 2, and from the knowledge gained throughout the programme to date. Further development of analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style is promoted. You will be enabled to pursue areas of individual interest within the area of pharmaceutical and chemical sciences and will have the opportunity of gaining increased theoretical and practical knowledge in your chosen specialist field.

This module explores pharmacology, physiological systems and regulation, cellular and molecular perspective, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of drug action, clinical application, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. You will learn to apply pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics principles to propose drug dosage regimens that optimise the therapeutic benefit whilst minimising toxicity.

This module provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of advanced inorganic, physical and polymer chemistry. This module’s specific focus is on the structural elucidation of inorganic materials and synthesis and classification of polymeric materials.

This module provides an overview of useful reactions in synthetic organic chemistry. You will learn to design synthetic routes for complex organic molecules, focusing on mechanistic aspects and stereochemistry control. You will also independently apply key organic reactions from Years 2 and 3, enhancing your knowledge and understanding of organic chemical transformations in the lab.

The module teaches you the advanced methodologies and technologies that are required for the analysis of biological samples in medical and pharmaceutical research. The curriculum will cover a broad range of bioanalytical techniques, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, immunoassays, and molecular biology methods. You will gain a thorough understanding of the principles underlying these techniques and their applications in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and biomarker discovery. We explore a combination of cutting-edge instrumentation, automation, and data analysis tools to make sure you are aware of the complexities of modern bioanalysis.

Independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study that will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations, and examinations.

Teaching vs independent learning

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Pharmaceutical Chemistry route

Year 2

Year 3

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Here is a guide to the part time and full-time study schedules: 

• Full time: 2-3 days on campus
• Part time: 1-2 days on campus. 

Plus independent learning, assessment and field trips - during the semester and after the end of semester two. 

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of: 

• 3 hours of interactive learning sessions
• 4 hours of laboratory practical
• 2 hours of seminars
• 3 hours workshops. 

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

Your learning will be assessed regularly and is made up of 100% coursework.

Coursework, examinations and practical assessments 

Assessments within a module take place either at both the midpoint and conclusion of the module, or only at its end. The table below is a good approximate guide of the balance between the various types of assessments. 

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Route

Pharmaceutical Sciences Route

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback including on formative assessment and summative assessments.