BSc Medical Pharmacology

In each year of the Programme, you will take Modules to the value of 120 credits. In years 1, 2 and 3, you must obtain an overall end-of-year grade of 40% or above to progress to the next year of study. The grade achieved in Year 1 does not count towards the final degree mark. The grade achieved in Years 2, 3 and 4 contributes 20%, 10% and 70% to your final degree mark respectively.

Year One

Year 1 consists of five 20-credit core double modules which run over the Autumn and Spring Semesters in conjunction with the School of Biosciences.

A 20 credit Pharmacology introductory module is run from the Medical School across the Autumn and Spring semesters.

You should develop a sound understanding of chemical and biological sciences; in particular biochemistry, physiology and genetics, to help facilitate understanding of how drugs work at molecular and functional levels.

Specifically with regard to pharmacology, you will be introduced to the scientific principles that define drug bioavailability and activity within the body including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, receptor theory, therapeutics, toxicology and abuse of drugs.

Core Modules for Year One

• Skills for Science
• Structure and Function of Living Organisms
• The Dynamic Cell
• Biological Chemistry
• Genetics and Evolution
• Foundations and Principles of Pharmacology

Year Two

Year 2 consists of six 20-credit core modules run entirely by the School of Medicine. Modules provide a systematic coverage of drugs in the domains of haematology, immunology, neurotransmission, endocrine and paracrine cell signalling, the central nervous system, cardiovascular pharmacology and cancer chemotherapy. Bespoke pharmacological ‘research techniques’ and exclusively ‘practical’ modules equip you with a sound basis for quantitative and qualitative functional studies and give ‘hands-on’ training in advanced laboratory techniques.

Those students interested in graduate entry medicine will follow a clinical anatomy module that utilizes cadaveric dissection to investigate the orientation and interpretation of the arrangement and function of the human body.

Core Modules for Year Two

• Medical Pharmacology Research Techniques
• Application of In-Vitro Pharmacology in Research
• Principles of Neuropharmacology
• Infection, Immunity and Haematology
• Pharmacology of Common Non-communicable Diseases

Optional Modules for Year Two

• Clinical Anatomy
• Tropical Disease Pharmacology

Year Three

The final year of the BSc course consists of six 10-credit core modules, a 40-credit compulsory Research Project and three 10-credit optional modules from which you must choose 2.

This year, you will study in an intensive medical research-led environment. Modules develop several selected areas in depth such as pharmacogenetics, neuropharmacology, drug development, immunology, cancer and cardiovascular medicine, and provide more practical experience in specialised techniques.

One module is designed to develop skills of critical analysis in reading scientific papers and to promote the ability to present data accurately and unambiguously. A key feature of this year is the 40-credit laboratory-based biomedical research project that promotes the development of higher critical and analytical skills.

In this year you will also integrate with a number of medical students who are undertaking an Intercalated BSc degree in Pharmacology (a 1-year course that is not the same as a 3-year BSc programme).

Core Modules for Year Three

• Critical Analysis of The Literature
• Advanced Immunology
• Research Project
• Drug Discovery and Development
• Advances in Neuropharmacology
• Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacogenetics
• Cardiovascular Medicine: an Evidence-based Approach

Optional Modules for Year Three

• Cancer Biology
• Immunopathology and Immunotherapy

How Will I Be Assessed?

Knowledge and understanding are assessed summatively through a variety of exam formats designed to test the depth, breadth, accumulation and application of pharmacological knowledge. Full details of module assessments may be found in Module Handbooks and the Assessment Handbook for the programme.

In Year 1 (level 4), there is a bias towards the use of instruments such as single best answer (SBA), multiple choice questions (MCQ) and written short answer questions designed to assess knowledge with less emphasis on higher analytical and critical skills. Summative assessment is primarily by means of unseen written examinations, generally in combination with an in-course element. In Year 1, all modules include an in-course element.

In Year 2 (level 5), the ability to integrate and synthesise material and demonstrate clear understanding is starting to be assessed through greater use of essays as compared to MCQ in summative assessment. You will be expected to develop a greatly increased knowledge base. Some of the modules are examined wholly by means of in-course assessments, with the remainder of the modules all having an in-course element.

In Year 3 (level 5), the Professional Placement will be assessed as follows:

• Placement Supervisor's Assessment (15%)
• Critical Incident Reflective Portfolio (15%)
• Written Report (70%)

In the Final Year (level 6), the highest levels of understanding and a broad knowledge of the subject extending in selected areas beyond core material is expected. In addition to the assessment of this knowledge, understanding of scientific data and its interpretation is incorporated into questions in unseen written papers and forms the basis of the in-course assessment for the project and summative oral student presentation.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

Knowledge & Understanding

Upon successful completion of the program you should be able to demonstrate:

• The scope and range of pharmacological preparations, including the acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge regarding their origins, development and use from previous and current literature
• The related disciplines of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology as relevant to understanding and investigating pharmacology
• How the different systems of the body interact to maintain homeostasis, respond to environmental challenges, undertake physical and mental activity in health and in disease, and the role of drugs in modulating these processes
• The principles that underpin drug development, safety evaluation and the practice of evidence-based therapeutics
• The complex biological and other inter-relationships involved in the health of individuals, communities and populations
• How knowledge has advanced in selected areas of pharmacology by critical evaluation and a sceptical approach to experimental evidence from the past and most recent scientific literature
• How to apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply this in order to initiate and carry out various projects
• How the underlying concepts and principles described above are applied outside the context in which they were first studied, including the application of these principles in an employment context
• The main methods of enquiry in pharmacological research and the ability to be sceptical and evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems.

On successful completion of the PPY you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the methodologies/experimental/analytical techniques used during your placement and apply such knowledge in a wider context
• Demonstrate the use of initiative in dealing with issues/problems in the working environment
• Describe and define information from the scientific literature relevant to your placement, and in doing so evidence a critical understanding of the subject area
• Recognise the limits of such knowledge, and relate the influence this may have on analyses and interpretations of acquired data
• Demonstrate how a critical understanding of underlying concepts and principles learned during your first two years at University has been applied in an employment context
• Identify and reflect on opportunities for informal learning and explain how such experiences have impacted your personal objectives and development
• Demonstrate a range of skills and attributes which will enhance your graduate employability (awareness of application/selection interview processes, communication, report-writing, time management, self-motivation, independence, adaptability and teamwork/networking).

Intellectual Skills

On successful completion of the program you will be able to demonstrate:

• The use of a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis
• Effective communication of information, arguments, and analysis, in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• The ability to undertake further training, develop existing skills, and acquire new competencies that will enable you to assume significant responsibility within organisations
• The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment require the exercise of initiative, personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts
• The ability to manage your own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources.

Professional Practical Skills

On successful completion of the program you will be able to demonstrate:

• An in-depth conceptual understanding of current knowledge and critical analysis
• The application of evidence-based medicine and dealing with complex issues systematically and creatively
• An ability for problem-solving and decision-making by enabling the effective utilisation of evidence and communication of important concepts to colleagues and others
• The ability, through the research-focused elements, to develop and enhance skills in literature review, critical evaluation, research design, research methodologies, data collection, data analysis and research principles
• The promotion of practical skills through fostering an interdisciplinary evidence-based learning environment where professionals learn about best practices within their own profession
• An appreciation of where your input and skills can be used effectively to complement those of other professionals involved in various fields including pure research, drug development and patient care
• Assessment through reflection and show your ability to translate the research evidence into the working environment and critically appraise, in an objective manner, your own practice
• The development of excellent oral and written communication skills to aid teamwork and dissemination of research.

Transferable/Key Skills

On successful completion of the program you will be able to demonstrate:

• Effective communication skills (using all media)
• Sensitivity to ethical implications of advances in pharmacological and health-related fields
• The construction of reasoned arguments and implement an evidence-based approach or practice
• Independent learning and thinking
• Effective working as an individual and in a team
• Effective time management and the ability to meet deadlines
• Enhanced self-directed study
• Good critical analysis/evaluation of data and written reports
• Imagination and innovation in their approach to new situations and problems
• Flexibility and creativity within organisational and professional contexts

This course can lead to careers in medical and scientific research and pharmaceutical and biological industries.

A large proportion of BSc Medical Pharmacology students continue their studies by pursuing a PhD or master’s degree programme. Many go on to study for a degree in Medicine.

Alternatively, some students use the BSc degree as a well-recognised vehicle to enter careers in dentistry, veterinary science, NHS laboratories, scientific information, medical writing, patent law, graduate entry managerial programmes, teaching and various non-science disciplines

Graduate Careers

• Pharmaceutical Researcher
• Pharmaceutical Development