Pharmaceutical Science

Why study this course?

This Pharmaceutical Science MSci is a four-year course that combines bachelor’s and master's levels of study. You’ll be taught about the methods used to develop safe drugs that are able to reach specific parts of the body with minimal side effects.

This course will give you the opportunity to explore regulatory frameworks that govern progression of new chemical entities to the marketplace that will enable you to work safely in the mainstream pharmaceutical, biotech or healthcare and consumer industries. On graduation you will be able to demonstrate to future employers that you’re equipped to work ethically and professionally in the design of medicines for healthcare.

More about this course

This MSci degree is a four-year programme, developed to endow you with the knowledge and expertise to understand how modern pharmaceuticals are constructed for specific deployment and controlled release of therapeutic agents.

The course will combine elements of biology and chemistry to examine how drugs affect the human body. In your first year you’ll learn the fundamentals in both disciplines, as well as the fundamentals of lab-based work. After the first year you’ll study these topics in greater depth and have the opportunity to specialise in subjects that interest you, including inorganic chemistry, microbiology, advanced bioanalytical science, neuropharmacology and much more.

During your final year you will focus on an independent research project under the supervision of an academic who is an active researcher in contemporary drug delivery systems and emerging technologies.

All modules are taught by experts in their field and are supported by an online web-based learning environment accessible from outside the University at any time. Teaching is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical workshops. You will also have the opportunity to liaise with academic mentors to fine tune your self-directed study.

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)

You’ll be assessed via a range of methods, including presentations, log books, portfolio submissions, viva, in-class tests and unseen examinations.

In Year 4 your main focus will be the investigative project, which will build on the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in the previous three years and be assessed via a dissertation and a viva.