Pharmaceutical Science (including foundation year)

Why study this course?

This is a four-year degree course with a built-in foundation year (Year 0). It's the perfect route into university if you can't meet the necessary entry requirements or don't have the traditional qualifications required to start a standard undergraduate degree. You'll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the traditional three-year course.

More about this course

On this unique multi-discipline degree you’ll study the science behind the design and development of new medications. By focusing on the study of lead compounds and the different criteria that affect a drug’s action in the body, you’ll also learn how side effects can be minimised and avoided through targeted treatment.

Created especially for students without standard qualifications, this four-year extended degree incorporates a one-year foundation year (Year 0), designed to equip you with all the background information and academic knowledge you need to progress on to our Pharmaceutical Studies BSc (Hons) course.

For the remainder of the degree, you'll study a diverse range of topics, from drug design to organic chemistry. Taught by experienced lecturers and experts in the field, you'll also undertake practical, hands-on experiments in our cutting-edge Science Centre, helping you gain the knowledge and lab skills you need for a rewarding career in pharmaceutical science. This degree will also give you the qualifications you need to enter a range of other fields or extend your knowledge through to a PhD.

Example Year 0 modules include:

Biochemistry (core, 15 credits);
Biology (core, 30 credits);
Chemistry (core, 30 credits);
Scientific Studies (core, 30 credits);
Foundation year project (CPS), (core, 15 credits)

The modules listed below are subject to change. Please see the university webpage for the most up-to-date full module details:

First year modules:
Introduction to Laboratory Skills (core, 15 credits);
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Cell Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits);
Fundamental Chemical Concepts (core, 15 credits);
Introduction to Organic Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits);
Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling (core, 15 credits);
Key Principles in Chemistry (core, 15 credits)

Second year modules:
Organic Unsaturated Molecules (core, 15 credits);
Principles of Pharmacodynamics (core, 15 credits);
Quantitative Analysis (core, 15 credits);
Coordination and Solution Chemistry of d and f block Complexes (option, 15 credits)
Metabolism (option, 15 credits);
Molecular biology (option, 15 credits);
Spectroscopic Methods (core, 15 credits);
Organic Ring Systems (core, 15 credits);
Principles of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Delivery (core, 15 credits);
Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry (option, 15 credits);
Human Immunity (option, 15 credits);
Microbiology (option, 15 credits)

Third year modules:
Formulation and Quality Assurance of Solutions, Suspensions and Emulsions (core, 15 credits);
Research Project (core, 30 credits);
Advanced Organic Chemistry (alternative core, 15 credits);
Natural Products (alternative core, 15 credits);
Systems Pharmacology (option, 15 credits);
Advanced Inorganic Techniques (option, 15 credits);
Work Placement (for Live Sciences) (option, 15 credits);
Sandwich Placement (option, 15 credits);
Medicinal Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Formulations and Quality Assurance of Solids and Semi-solids (core, 15 credits);
Neuropharmacology (option, 15 credits);
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (option, 15 credits);
Advanced Bioanalytical Science (option 15 credits)

Fourth year modules:
Advanced Drug Formulation (core, 20 credits);
Research Project for Pharmaceutical Science (core, 60 credits);
Drug Discovery Technology (option, 20 credits);
Drug Delivery Systems (core, 20 credits);
Pharmaceutical Analysis (option, 20 credits)

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