Pharmacology (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

Designed specifically for students without the standard qualifications required for entry onto a traditional three-year programme, this four-year BSc Pharmacology extended degree includes a comprehensive foundation year – Year 0 (Level 3). Taught by experts in the field, this initial year of tuition will equip you with the academic knowledge you need to progress and succeed on our Pharmacology BSc (Hons), which constitutes the remaining three years of study.

Designed to prepare you for a career in pharmacological research, throughout the degree you’ll study the effects of different chemical compounds on living systems and learn how different drugs can be used to treat illnesses, from cancer to schizophrenia. Taught through lectures, tutorials and practical hands-on sessions in our state-of-the-art Science Centre, you’ll also learn how to analyse pharmacological data, study the techniques behind drug development and screening, and hone the key laboratory skills vital for a career in pharmacology.

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)

Modules listed are subject to change. For full, up-to-date module details please visit the course page on the University website.

Year 1 modules include:

Introduction to Laboratory Skills (core, 15 credits);
Anatomy and Physiology 1 (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits);
Anatomy and Physiology 2 (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits);
Cell Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits);
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling (core, 15 credits);
Biochemistry (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits);
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits)

Year 2 modules include:

Principles of Pharmacodynamics (core, 15 credits);
Quantitative Analysis (core, 15 credits);
Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits);
Metabolism (core, 15 credits);
Principles of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Delivery (core, 15 credits);
Spectroscopic Methods (core, 15 credits);
Human Immunity (core, 15 credits);
Microbiology (core, 15 credits)

Year 3 modules include:

Systems Pharmacology (core, 15 credits);
Toxicology (core, 15 credits);
Research Project (core, 30 credits);
Project (core, 30 credits);
Biochemical Pathology (core, 15 credits);
Neuropharmacology (core, 15 credits);
Systems Pathology (option, 15 credits);
Bioinformatics and Molecular Modelling (option, 15 credits);
Formulation and Quality Assurance of Solutions, Suspensions and Emulsions (option, 15 credits);
Virology (option, 15 credits);
Medical Genetics (option, 15 credits);
Advanced Bioanalytical Science (option, 15 credits);
Formulation and Quality Assurance of Solids and Semisolids (option, 15 credits);
Sandwich Placement (option, 30 credits);
Work Placement (option, 15 credits)

You’ll be assessed through datasheets, comprehension exercises, progress tests, examinations and practical portfolios.