BSc (Hons) Pharmacology 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.

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.

This is the first of three modules that will allow you to focus on the physiology of some normal body systems, understand the pathology of a selection of disease states and then get to see the pharmacology behind how medications can be used to treat these conditions. At level 4, you were introduced to the concept of pharmacodynamics and in this module, you will now see a lot more to do with drug mechanisms of action. Once you understand how a drug works, it is then possible to relate this to how common side effects occur (unintended but predictable and often mild), why certain cautions and contraindications may be in place and why adverse drug reactions can happen (issues that may pose significant health risks). Pharmacokinetic details of medications will also feature in this module, which will explain why certain routes of administration will be used and why a patient’s kidney and liver function may be a consideration when choosing a course of treatment. This module is designed to begin your appreciation of how drugs are used clinically to treat patients.

This is the second of three modules that focuses on the normal function of some body systems, to enable student to investigate how various disease states occur and understand the pharmacology behind the treatments used in these conditions. This module will also provide you with practical experience of using common experimental techniques used by Pharmacologists. In addition to further developing your practical skills, you will also gain more experience in analysing data, interpreting what your data is showing and then presenting these results. This will add to your appreciation of how drugs are used clinically to treat patients as well as begin to see some of the methods and techniques that are commonly associated with the research and development conducted by Pharmacologists.

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.

This is the final of three modules that focuses on a range of disease states and pharmacological interventions used to treat specific conditions. As such, this module is structured and advances on five specialist themes delivered at level 5, which may include; Cardiovascular pharmacology Endocrine pharmacology Cancer pharmacology Central nervous system pharmacology and Anti-microbials. Assisted by weekly lectures and interactive workshops based on the lecture material, you will continue to apply your understanding of pharmacological principles including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, common side effects, contraindications and adverse drug reactions. As part of each specialist theme, a seen essay will be set, which you are expected to complete in preparation for the end of semester summative examination. You will therefore be encouraged to engage with peer-reviewed publication sources to critically evaluate existing therapies and current advances in each of the five specialist themes.