BSc (Hons) PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY WITH FOUNDATION YEAR
BSC (HONS) PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY WITH FOUNDATION YEAR
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.After the Course
Once you successfully finish your Foundation Year you will go straight onto the BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery.
You’ll graduate from that ready to pursue a career in drug design or development within academia, the health sector or industry.
You could also choose a broader life science career, for example with a grant-funding body, charity, learned society or in academia, regulatory affairs or publishing.
We embed employability skills throughout the course, with sessions on developing CVs, interview techniques, presentation skills, team-working, research and business skills.
For entrepreneurial students who, in the future, want to turn their work into a business, there are dedicated facilities on the Norwich Research Park, with state-of-the-art lab and office spaces right on our doorstep.
Career destinations
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Research scientist in industry, research institute or university
- Healthcare scientist
- Analytical chemist
- Biomedical scientist
This degree would also be useful for:
- Higher education lecturer
- Medical sales representative
- Patent attorney
- Regulatory affairs officer
- Science writer
- Toxicologist
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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.Assessment for Year 2
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.Assessment for Year 3
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.Assessment for Year 4
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.Year 0 (Foundation Year)
Compulsory Modules (100 credits)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Code PHAP3004Y Credits 20
This foundation year module will introduce you to basic principles of pharmacology and drug discovery.
Option A Modules (20 credits)
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.
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.
For further years' module information please check out our BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery.
Important Information:
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.
Entry Requirements
A Levels
CCCT 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
MMMScottish highers
BBCCCScottish highers advanced
DDDIrish leaving certificate
6 subjects at H4Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.European Baccalaureate
Overall 60%International Baccalaureate
28 pointsGCSE 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 Local Authority care
• 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.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
View our information about Additional Course Fees. Ask a Student
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How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option. 
UCAS Apply is an online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The application allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges. 
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14. 
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