Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Development and Analysis) – BSc

The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems. This includes cell structure and composition, genetics, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology.

The aim of this module is to offer an introduction to scientific mathematics providing the learner with the necessary tools to deal with the quantitative aspects of the discipline and to equip the learner with the technical skills necessary to become proficient in applying the mathematical concepts and tools for calculus to a wide range of context based examples in science.

A knowledge of physics can help learners gain a deeper understanding of many processes and phenomena associated with Chemical and Life Sciences-related disciplines. This introductory physics course is designed to provide chemical and life sciences’ students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics, illustrated and reinforced with relevant examples and applications. This course also provides learners with a strong practical foundation in the application of the Scientific Method, as well as a clear understanding of the concept of uncertainty in measurement. Facilitating learners to gain first-hand experience and proficiency of the practical techniques of measurement, data analysis and visualisation, and error analysis is another key part of this module.

In this module, the fundamentals of General and Inorganic Chemistry are introduced. The module also is focused on the core areas of physical chemistry, and places a strong emphasis on numerical problem-solving. The module is completed by exploring organic chemistry. The module has a strong focus on the development of core chemistry laboratory skills and techniques, with an emphasis on highlighting chemistry as a core experimental discipline within the STEM domain.

The aim of this module is to provide the student with a working knowledge of laboratory practices with a focus on safety.

This module aims to provide students with a range of transferable skills preparing them to learn and work in a scientific field. Students will work on individual and group based projects developing their communication and project management skills as well as their ability to work as part of a team.

The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems. This includes cell structure and composition, genetics, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology.

The aim of this module is to offer an introduction to scientific mathematics providing the learner with the necessary tools to deal with the quantitative aspects of the discipline and to equip the learner with the technical skills necessary to become proficient in applying the mathematical concepts and tools for calculus to a wide range of context based examples in science.

A knowledge of physics can help learners gain a deeper understanding of many processes and phenomena associated with Chemical and Life Sciences-related disciplines. This introductory physics course is designed to provide chemical and life sciences’ students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics, illustrated and reinforced with relevant examples and applications. This course also provides learners with a strong practical foundation in the application of the Scientific Method, as well as a clear understanding of the concept of uncertainty in measurement. Facilitating learners to gain first-hand experience and proficiency of the practical techniques of measurement, data analysis and visualisation, and error analysis is another key part of this module.

In this module, the fundamentals of General and Inorganic Chemistry are introduced. The module also is focused on the core areas of physical chemistry, and places a strong emphasis on numerical problem-solving. The module is completed by exploring organic chemistry. The module has a strong focus on the development of core chemistry laboratory skills and techniques, with an emphasis on highlighting chemistry as a core experimental discipline within the STEM domain.

This module provides students with a firm grounding in the basic applications of Information Technology for scientific data analysis. Specifically, this module provides in-depth training in the use of spreadsheet software for collating, analysing and summarising scientific data.

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of scientific topics relevant to their study programme as well as increase student engagement and problem-solving skills. The module will be delivered through a Team-Based Learning (TBL) strategy that consists of familiarisation with programme-relevant topics, in-class quizzes to assess interpretation followed by team-based discussion to enhance overall understanding.

This course will develop the students mathematical skills giving them an essential facility to solve problems in the life and physical sciences.

To examine the chemistry, structure and reactivity of the main functional groups in organic chemistry with a special emphasis on those molecules of biological interest. To develop an understanding and familiarity with mechanistic concepts. To equip the student with the necessary laboratory skills to carry out a safe synthesis and analysis of a simple organic compound.

This module provides the basic physical sciences for a theoretical and practical underpinning for later studies in dosage form design, drug absorption and pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutical technology.

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans and various other microscopic organisms. Microbiology investigates both the beneficial and deleterious role of microorganisms in modern society. This module builds on fundamental microbiological concepts studied in year 1 biology and provides the learner with knowledge of general microbiology emphasising asepsis (including cleanrooms), microbial laboratory methodologies, the control and growth of selected microorganisms relevant to the (bio)pharmaceutical industry and an understanding of the role of microorganisms in the pharmaceutical industry. This module also incorporates environmental monitoring and sterility assurances for the (bio)pharmaceutical industry

Biochemistry for Pharmaceutical Sciences provides students with the knowledge-base and skill set to engage with the scientific principles of biomolecule structure, function and physiologic context. The contribution of biochemical processes to pH homeostasis, cellular metabolism, enzymology and bio-membrane structure and transport will be emphasised. Considering physiological norms, biochemical disturbances that underlie various disease states will also be described. The relevance of biochemistry concepts and laboratory techniques in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries as well as in clinical medicine, will be elaborated.

An introduction to and the basic theory of common analytical methods including spectroscopy and chromatography techniques and titrimetry. This includes UV-Vis, IR, and fluorescent spectroscopies, column, TLC, GC and HPLC chromatrography techniques and common titrimetry methods.

This course will develop the students probability and statistical skills giving them an essential facility to solve problems in the life and physical sciences.

The module will focus on some of the core concepts of inorganic chemistry, with an emphasis on structure and bonding, reaction types, structures of solids and the chemistry of main group elements and their associated compounds.

This module will introduce students to the structure and function of nucleic acids in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and the molecular mechanisms of transcription and protein synthesis. They will appraise the roles of mutagenesis and chromosomal abnormalities in genetic disease. Students will also gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of proteins, methodologies used for protein purification, analysis and the role of proteins in the applied sciences (e.g., generation of recombinant bio/pharmaceutical products).

This module navigates the role and science of pharmaceutics in providing well tolerated, efficacious drug presentations using formulation pathways that assure compliance, convenience and stability that are capable of being manufactured accurately, reproducibly and in a cost-effective manner.

This module will cover the main organic reactions used in modern synthetic laboratories with particular respect to the design of molecules for drug discovery. Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of the main organic chemistry reactions and mechanisms used in the synthesis of drug molecules. They will be able to predict products of reactions and represent the mechanisms of the reactions using curly arrow notation and be able to design a synthetic strategy to produce a desired product.

This module builds on Analytical Techniques 1 by studying further common analytical techniques. These include atomic absorption and emission spectroscopies, mass spectroscopies including GC/MS, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. The chromatographic techniques studied include electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, ion chromatography, SFC and GPC/SEC chromatographies. Other techniques introduced include radiochemical methods, thermal methods of analysis, microscopic methods and electrochemical methods.

To provide pragmatic approaches to the role of separation science throughout the entire drug development process from drug molecule inception to marketed product.

To equip the student with a knowledge of the processes involved in the synthesis of the main classes of active pharmaceutical ingredients.Students taking this module will learn about the structures of pharmaceutical compounds, the methods used to make them, and about the challenges of developing methods suitable for large-scale synthesis. Students will develop an understanding of the construction of complex molecules using the principles of retrosynthetic analysis, and a wide variety of important synthetic methods

To impart the principles of each spectroscopic method enabling the student to identify and critically evaluate the role of quantitative analysis and structural determination at the atomic and molecular level.

This module explores key principles underpinning d-block coordination chemistry, including structure, bonding theories, electronic and magnetic properties, synthetic approaches, characterisation techniques and aspects of bioinorganic chemistry.

To impart those theoretical and practical competencies enabling the student to integrate acquired knowledge of the principles, suitability, calibration and applications of validated pharmaceutical analytical techniques and associated apparatus and operations within an accredited laboratory setting.

This module builds on knowledge gained in year 2 by the student in the “Proteins & Nucleic Acids: Chemistry, Utility & Analysis” module. This module introduces students to key themes and experimental techniques in recombinant DNA technology and protein biopharmaceuticals, production and applications of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines.

Students will complete Work Experience or Industry Relevant Project, Bioethics, Clinical Trials, Environmental Science and Sustainability.

The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the opportunity to experience full-time employment in a workplace relevant to their degree where they can apply their academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Ideally, the student will work in a good laboratory practice (GLP) or good manufacturing practice (GMP) facility where they will experience the culture, nature and structure of working in a regulated and/or scientific setting.

The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of scientists and microbiologists working in Pharma / Biotech and Veterinary Medicines industries. The student will gain deeper understanding of Quality Systems including compliance and regulatory requirements that underpin work practices in both Laboratory and Manufacturing facilities (cGLP and cGMP). The module will allow students to develop their understanding of Pharma and Bio- manufacturing facilities, including the key roles that plant layout and utilities (air and water systems) play in achieving required manufacturing standards. Throughout the modules learners will get an appreciation of the key role microbial science plays within these industries. The module will also allow students to develop their understanding of key Pharma, Biotechnology and Veterinary processing activities. Throughout the modules learners will get an appreciation of the key role microbial science plays within these industries. The learner will be introduced to topical Lean practices applied in both manufacturing and laboratory-based environments. The learner will map a product through key stages of manufacturing/laboratory processes recognising the role utilities and lean processes play ensuring a compliant environment is maintained. The module will be assessed through a combination of continuous student evaluation, student reflective diary and presentation of completed work.

This module introduces students to the areas of the life sciences that raise ethical and moral issues regarding human rights and animal welfare. The aim of this module is to explain why some areas of the life sciences raise controversial ethical issues, the range of viewpoints that often intertwine with religous and philosophical beliefs and how technological advances in the life sciences can raise new moral dilemmas.

The way in which disease is prevented, detected and treated has been revolutionised by clinical trials, leading to the avoidance of premature death. They continue to be an expanding area of research and are central to the work of pharmaceutical companies. This module will focus on the design, management, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. It will provide a theoretical and practical understanding of the issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of randomised controlled trials of health interventions.

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of environmental science in order to appreciate the relevance of sustainability to their course of study. In this introductory module, the concept utilising our environment in a way that allows us to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs will be explored. Threats to environmental sustainability such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution, population increase and over harvesting of resources will be investigated in a team based learning environment. An understanding of the potential applications of green technologies, renewable energies, and circular economic strategies is the ultimate outcome of this module.