BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery with Foundation Year

Key details

BSC PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY WITH FOUNDATION YEAR

Start Year

2022

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

8B21

Entry Requirements

CCC

Duration (years)

How can we support an ageing population and fight the increasing number of cases of diseases such as cancer? How can we help the one in four people suffering from mental health issues? These are just some of the challenges you’ll explore on our pharmacology and drug discovery degree. You’ll be able to apply your passion for chemistry and biology and put it to use for the good of human health, developing the life-changing medicines of the future.

Our research-rich environment is pivotal to our course, which has been designed to prepare you for a career at the forefront of pharmaceutical research.

If you don't yet have the knowledge or grades required for our BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery, our foundation year is designed to fill any gaps in your knowledge, giving you a firm grounding in chemistry, biology and mathematics, as well as introducing you to key concepts of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.

About

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. You’ll examine the way drugs work to combat disease and, combined with drug discovery, you will learn how new drugs are designed, synthesised and manufactured. The Pharmacology Drug Discovery programme is the only BSc of its type in the UK and is innovative in its multidisciplinary approach.

The course brings together scientific disciplines – biology, chemistry and physical sciences – around the context of disease and medicines. Within integrated modules, you’ll learn about the major diseases and the science behind the drugs used to treat them. We also include business studies to provide you with an understanding of management practice focused around the pharmaceutical industry – vital tools for working in today’s corporate world.

You’ll be taught by academic researchers including pharmacologists, cell biologists, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists, whose own research is in pharmacology and drug discovery. The course is designed to inform and inspire your journey to becoming a researcher in the pharmaceutical sciences. For example, in practical classes you’ll gain experience of synthetic medicinal chemistry as well as techniques in current molecular pharmacology – the techniques used in the discovery of new medicines. You’ll learn about designing experiments and how to write reports in the form of scientific papers. A highlight of the course will be performing your own original research in an individual project carried out within an active research laboratory.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll experience a variety of assessment methods throughout the course, which we’ll prepare you for with guidance and formative assessments (where you get feedback on your work before submitting the final piece). And we’ll provide you with detailed feedback to ensure you continue to achieve your full potential.

Compulsory Modules

INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-3004A

Credits 20

A module designed for you, if you are on a Science Faculty degree with a Foundation Year. You will receive an introduction to the structure and electronic configuration of the atom. You will learn how to predict the nature of bonding given the position of elements in the periodic table and therefore. You will be introduced to the chemistry of key groups of elements. You will become familiar with key measures such as the mole and the determination of concentrations. The module includes laboratory work. No prior knowledge of chemistry is assumed.

FURTHER CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-3003B

Credits 20

A course in chemistry intended to take you to the level required to begin a relevant degree in the Faculty of Science. The module will help you to develop an understanding of: reactions of functional groups in organic chemistry; basic thermodynamics; spectroscopic techniques; transition metal chemistry and practical laboratory skills.

INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

Code BIO-3002A

Credits 20

The topics covered on the module will give you a basic grounding in biological processes including the fundamental characteristics of living things; basic metabolic processes; an understanding of evolution and knowledge of the levels of biological organisation with some focus given to organ systems. This module also gives you the opportunity to develop key transferable skills which may include lab skills, report writing, assignment preparation, researching and evaluating evidence, giving and responding to presentations.

FURTHER BIOLOGY

Code BIO-3001B

Credits 20

The topics covered will give you a basic grounding in biological processes including the fundamental characteristics of living things; basic metabolic processes; an understanding of evolution and knowledge of the levels of biological organisation with some focus given to organ systems. This module also gives you the opportunity to develop key transferable skills such as lab skills, report writing, assignment preparation, researching and evaluating evidence, giving and responding to presentations.

INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY

Code PHAP3004Y

Credits 20

This foundation year module will introduce you to basic principles of pharmacology and drug discovery.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

BASIC MATHEMATICS I

Code MTHB3001A

Credits 20

Taught by lectures and seminars to bring students from Maths GCSE towards A-level standard, this module covers several algebraic topics including functions, polynomials and quadratic equations. Trigonometry is approached both geometrically up to Sine and Cosine Rule and as a collection of waves and other functions. The main new topic is Differential Calculus including the Product and Chain Rules. We will also introduce Integral Calculus and apply it to areas. Students should have a strong understanding of GCSE Mathematics.

INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS

Code MTHB3005A

Credits 20

This is a course in mathematics for students who have studied Maths at GCSE level gaining a grade B/C or equivalent and/or more than two years ago. The course includes some AS level material relevant to science. This module is reserved for students on the Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, Environmental Science or Computing Foundation Years.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Assessment for Year 2

Compulsory Modules

INTRODUCTION TO MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Code PHAP4003Y

Credits 30

The module aims to provide you with an introduction to the basic chemical principles that underpin understanding of the bonding interactions that hold drug molecules together, the structures and reactivities of carbon based compounds, and the specificities of drug-target interactions. In the practical element of this module you will be introduced to basic organic synthesis techniques. In the second semester the module will build on the chemical knowledge and will introduce yout to fundamental cellular structure, function and biochemistry. The biological and chemical properties of each of the major classes of cellular (life) molecules are presented, together with details of some of the essential processes in which they are involved.

CELLULAR PHARMACOLOGY

Code PHAP4006Y

Credits 30

You will be introduced to fundamental cellular structure, function and processes involved in cell life cycles (cell growth and cell death). You will cover intracellular signalling pathways and different forms of cellular communication (inter-cellular signalling). The module will introduce fundamental principles of molecular biology, including nucleic acids, genes, transcription and translation, plus the application of human genomics and bioinformatics in medicine. You will learn the basic principles of receptor pharmacology, drug binding and drug actions, including major classification of receptors covering five major receptor families for pharmaceuticals. Specialised cells and receptors will be highlighted including neurons and electrical signalling.

INTRODUCTION TO DRUG DELIVERY AND PHARMACOKINETICS

Code PHAP4007Y

Credits 20

This module will provide an overview of the physicochemical basis of drug delivery, including different routes of administration and the physiological barriers for each route. Essential pharmacokinetic calculations will be introduced to students which will enable them to conduct dose calculations and predict the therapeutic outcome of a range of dosage forms.

UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Code NBS-4106A

Credits 20

This module helps you to explore the dynamic and ever-changing world of business and provides insights into the managerial role. Understanding the Business Environment explores key environmental drivers and the basic functions of organisations. It is designed to provide essential core knowledge for Year 1 Business students on how organisations are managed in response to changes in the business environment and what is the role of its functional divisions in implementing strategic responses. In addition, the module also explores some of the current issues faced by organisations such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility and internationalisation. Core business theory is introduced in lectures and applied practically with the use of examples in seminars. By the end of this module you will be able to understand and apply key business concepts and a range of analytical tools to explore the business environment. Introduction to Business facilitates study skills development that is essential across all three years of the undergraduate degree by developing academic writing, presentation, team working and communication skills effectively.

NEUROPHARMACOLOGY

Code PHAP4009B

Credits 20

You will gain an understanding of the peripheral nervous system and explore how drugs can act at neuronal synapses.

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Assessment for Year 3

Compulsory Modules

CHEMISTRY FOR DRUG DISCOVERY

Code PHAP5002Y

Credits 30

This module aims to extend your knowledge of organic chemistry reactions and mechanisms and their application in drug design and discovery. You will be introduced to analytical and purification techniques used to monitor reactions and assess drug purity. Through case studies, practical laboratory sessions and lectures by speakers from the pharmaceutical industry, you will evaluate and apply your knowledge to real life examples.

APPLIED IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Code PHAP5009A

Credits 20

How does the immune system work? This module will answer that question and provide an introduction to inflammatory and infectious diseases. Exploring these topics in detail, you will gain in depth knowledge of the aetiology and pathophysiology of common inflammatory diseases, as well as the pharmacology and medicinal chemistry of associated therapeutic interventions. You will also explore the treatment options and prevention strategies for infectious diseases.

CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL DISEASES

Code PHAP5011A

Credits 20

Do you want to build upon your knowledge of pharmacology and peripheral nervous system modules and learn about the physiology of the heart, vascular system and kidney? This module will provide you with a detailed knowledge of the aetiology and pathophysiology of common cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal diseases and the pharmacology of associated treatments.

GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES AND CANCER

Code PHAP5010B

Credits 20

This module will provide you with a detailed knowledge of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. It covers the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, the basic biology of cancer and the aetiology and pathophysiology of common gastrointestinal diseases and cancers. Conventional therapeutic interventions will be discussed, alongside innovative approaches and novel delivery systems. The role of natural products in these diseases will be highlighted.

NEUROPHARMACOLOGY - CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Code PHAP5012B

Credits 30

This module focuses on the pathophysiology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and treatment of common diseases of the central nervous system (including psychiatric disorders). What are the Learning objectives? Develop a detailed understanding of the central nervous system (CNS), common diseases of the CNS (including psychiatric disorders) and associated pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and therapeutics.

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Assessment for Year 4

Compulsory Modules

RESEARCH PROJECT

Code PHAP6014A

Credits 50

Develop your understanding of how drug discovery and development is advanced through research and learn the research and communication skills associated with best scientific practice. In collaboration with an academic supervisor, you’ll conduct a research project leading to an expertise or in-depth knowledge in a selected area of pharmaceutical research at the forefront of the academic discipline. Following the project work, you’ll prepare a research paper commensurate with journal publication and deliver an oral presentation at a student research conference.

ADVANCED DRUG DISCOVERY, PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY

Code PHAP6015B

Credits 30

This module will enable you to appreciate the development of modern approaches to drug discovery and understand the complexity of the drug discovery process and drug pipeline. Topics featured include advanced pharmacology, pre-clinical studies, disease models, toxicology, ethics and clinical trials. During the module, you will utilise case studies based upon drugs that have reached the clinic or are in advanced clinical development. You will build on your knowledge gained from pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and clinical therapeutics modules taken in previous years.

SPECIAL TOPICS

Code PHAP6016B

Credits 20

You will draw upon the investigative techniques developed in your Research Project and build on the knowledge and skills you developed in all modules in Levels 1 and 2 of the course. You will study two (of a range) pharmaceutically-related special topics in depth and develop an extensive knowledge in these selected areas.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-6918B

Credits 20

Project management has become an increasingly important approach to management and skilled project managers are in increasing demand across all sectors of the economy. You will be introduced to the basic tools and skills required to create, plan, deliver and evaluate projects. You will use these tools on a real project. You will critically reflect on your experience in the light of both the developing academic evidence-base on project management and current practitioner debates.

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Entry Requirements

A Levels

CCC

T Levels

Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable pathways: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Digital Production, Design and Development or Education and Childcare.

BTEC

MMM

Scottish highers

BBCCC

Scottish highers advanced

DDD

Irish leaving certificate

6 subjects at H4

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.

European Baccalaureate

Overall 60%

International Baccalaureate

28 points

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Science A Levels must include a pass in the practical element.

We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.

If you are currently studying your level 3 qualifications, we may be able to give you a reduced grade offer based on these circumstances:

• You live in an area with low progression to higher education (we use Polar 4, quintile 1 & 2 data)

• You will be 21 years of age or over at the start of the course

• You have been in care or you are a young full time carer

• You are studying at a school which our Outreach Team are working closely with

Alternative Entry Requirements

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for Foundation year entry

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.  We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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Course Reference Number: 4478734

BSc PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY WITH FOUNDATION YEAR