BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science with Foundation Year

This module helps introduces essential concepts of human physiology, pharmacology and toxicology, helping you to build a solid foundation for more advanced topics later in your degree. The module is structured around four themes Human Physiology: You will gain an understanding of human physiological systems which underpin the disciplines of pharmacology and toxicology. Pharmacokinetics: You will explore how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes and excretes drugs. Pharmacodynamics: You will explore what drugs do to the body to elicit a therapeutic effect. Toxicology: You will explore adverse effects of therapeutics and chemicals. Teaching combines lectures, interactive workshops based on the lecture content and on-line multiple-choice quizzes with integrated feedback. All of which will assist you in applying theory to practice. The summative assessment consists of 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs).

Introduction to Medicines is your first step into the world of pharmaceuticals and how medicines work. This module gives you a broad overview of what medicines are, how they’re developed, and how they interact with the human body. You will explore the journey of a medicine, from discovery and formulation to how it’s absorbed, distributed, and eliminated. You will learn about key concepts in drug design, dosage forms, routes of administration, and the basics of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. We’ll also introduce the role of regulatory bodies and the importance of safety, quality, and ethics in medicine development. Teaching includes lectures, workshops, and case-based learning to help you apply theory to real-world scenarios. You’ll begin developing the scientific and professional skills needed for careers in pharmaceutical science and pharmacology. This module sets the foundation for a pathway into the pharmaceutical industry by making connections between science and clinical relevance. It will use group discussions and workshops to deepen your understanding. By the end of the module, you’ll have a clear understanding of how medicines are made, how they work, and why they matter.

This extended induction module supports your transition into university life and introduces you to your chosen academic discipline. It helps you build confidence, develop a strong academic identity, and understand the expectations of university study. You’ll explore key academic practices including independent learning, digital literacy, and ethical academic conduct—such as referencing, plagiarism awareness, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in line with university policy. This module will also support learning in other modules by establishing key scientific communication skills that will lead to better understanding. The module is structured around seven themes identified by students as essential to their university experience: Ready to Study: Clear guidance on expectations, transitions, and workload planning. Academic Skills and Educational Gain: Development of foundational academic skills including time management, critical thinking, and digital fluency. Career Readiness and Professional Identity: Early exploration of career pathways, CV building, and professional behaviours. Personal Development and Belonging: Activities that foster confidence, inclusion, and identity within the university community. Social Engagement and Community Building: Opportunities to connect with peers, staff, and wider university life. Feedback and Reflective Practice: Structured opportunities to receive, apply, and reflect on feedback to support growth. Wellbeing and Student Support: Embedded access to holistic support services and strategies for success. This module lays the foundation for future development, including the Level 5 Professional Development module/embedded placement experiences.

Introduction to Pharmaceutics provides a foundational understanding of the science behind the formulation, development, and delivery of pharmaceutical products. This module introduces students to the principles governing drug dosage forms, their design, and the factors influencing drug performance in vivo. Topics include the physicochemical properties of drugs, solubility, stability, and the role of excipients in formulation. Students will explore the various routes of drug administration and how these impact absorption, distribution, and therapeutic effectiveness. The module emphasizes the relationship between formulation and patient outcomes, highlighting key dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, solutions, suspensions, and controlled-release systems. Practical sessions and case studies will illustrate how pharmaceutics integrates chemistry, biology, and engineering to ensure safe and effective medicines. Students will also gain insight into regulatory considerations and quality assurance in pharmaceutical manufacturing. By the end of the module, learners will understand the scientific principles underpinning dosage form design and appreciate the critical role of pharmaceutics in translating active pharmaceutical ingredients into clinically useful medicines. This module is essential for students pursuing careers in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, or drug development.

Medicinal Chemistry explores the intersection of chemistry and pharmacology, focusing on the design, synthesis, and mechanism of action of biologically active compounds. This module introduces students to the principles underlying drug discovery and development, including structure, activity relationships (SAR), physicochemical properties, and the role of functional groups in modulating biological activity. Students will examine how molecular structure influences absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), as well as strategies for optimizing drug candidates for efficacy and safety. The course covers major drug classes, their therapeutic targets, and the chemical basis of their pharmacological effects. Emphasis is placed on understanding how medicinal chemists apply organic and analytical techniques to solve real-world problems in healthcare. Through case studies, students will explore historical and contemporary examples of successful drug design, alongside emerging trends such as computational approaches and green chemistry in pharmaceuticals. By the end of the module, students will develop the ability to critically analyze drug structures, propose modifications to improve activity, and appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of modern drug development. This module is ideal for students pursuing careers in pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, or related fields.

This module builds on the foundational skills and reflective practices introduced in the Level 4 'Succeeding at University' (or locally named equivalent) module, supporting students to deepen their professional identity and career readiness. It is designed to support learners in developing the knowledge, skills, and reflective practices essential for continuous professional growth in a dynamic and evolving workplace. Through a mix of practical experience and professional development sessions, this module will enable learners to explore essential themes such as personal effectiveness, leadership, communication, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. Drawing directly from work experience and/or professional setting, learners will reflect on their real-world experiences to deepen their understanding of what it means to grow and succeed in their chosen field. Students may draw on case studies or sector examples to connect theory to practice. Learners will engage in self-assessment, goal setting, and action planning to identify their strengths and areas for development. The module emphasizes reflective practice as a tool for professional learning and encourages learners to critically evaluate their experiences and performance in real-world contexts.

From Bench to Bedside explores the journey of a therapeutic concept from initial discovery through to clinical application. This module provides an integrated overview of the drug development process, highlighting the scientific, regulatory, and ethical considerations involved in translating laboratory research into safe and effective medicines. Students will examine key stages including target identification, lead optimization, preclinical testing, and clinical trials, as well as the role of formulation, manufacturing, and quality assurance. The module emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of modern drug development, drawing on medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and regulatory science. Case studies of successful and failed drug candidates will illustrate the challenges and strategies employed in bringing innovations to market. Emerging trends such as personalized medicine, biologics, and advanced delivery systems will also be discussed. By the end of the module, students will understand the critical steps and decision-making processes that underpin the development of new therapies, gaining insight into how scientific discoveries are transformed into real-world healthcare solutions. This module is ideal for students interested in pharmaceutical research, clinical development, or careers within the life sciences industry.

Preparing for Employment is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to transition successfully from university into professional practice. This module focuses on career development strategies, employability skills, and the expectations of employers within the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. Students will explore topics such as CV and cover letter writing, interview techniques, networking, and professional communication, alongside an understanding of workplace culture and ethics. A key component of the module is an independent research project, allowing students to investigate a topic relevant to their career aspirations. This project will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills, while providing an opportunity to demonstrate initiative and creativity. Students will present their findings through a written report and oral presentation, simulating real-world professional scenarios. By the end of the module, learners will have a clear understanding of how to market their skills effectively, apply for roles strategically, and engage with continuing professional development. This module is essential for students aiming to secure employment in pharmaceutical sciences, healthcare, or related industries.