BSc PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY WITH FOUNDATION YEAR
BSC 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
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Research scientist in industry, research institute or university
- Healthcare scientist
- Analytical chemist
- Biomedical scientist
- Medical sales representative
- Toxicologist

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Foundation Year Course Modules
Compulsory Modules (60 Credits)
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-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.
Optional Modules Range A (20 Credits)
Students will be assigned to the relevant mathematics module based on their previous qualifications:
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.
Optional Modules Range B (40 Credits)
Students will be enrolled on compulsory 40 credits from the following modules based on their prior qualifications:
- Students with no qualifying grade at A-level (or equivalent) in Chemistry will be enrolled on CHE-3004A.
- Students with no qualifying grade at A-level (or equivalent) in Biology will be enrolled on BIO-3002A.
- Assignment of modules for students with prior A-level qualification in Chemistry and/or Biology will be managed by the Course Director.
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: 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: CMP-3005A Credits: 20
Introductory Programming introduces a number of programming concepts at the start of your programming career, using a modern programming language common to many digital industries. We structure learning through lectures, delivering core materials, and tutor supported exercises to reinforce learning, and to prepare students for programming in their following studies.
Code: PHY-3011A Credits: 20
In this module you will begin your physics journey with units, accuracy and measurement. You will then progress through the topics of waves, light and sound, forces and dynamics, energy, materials and finish by studying aspects of electricity. The module has a piece of coursework which is based around PV cell technology.
For further years' module information please check out our BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery.
Important Notice
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.
Your foundation year will equip you with all the chemistry, biology and mathematics skills you need to thrive on the BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery.
Alongside your chemistry, biology and mathematics studies you’ll also study pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and drug delivery. On successful completion of your Foundation Year, you’ll progress to our three-year degree course.
For the years of study beyond the Foundation Year, please see the BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery course pages.
You’ll be taught utilising a range of innovative teaching methods. As well as lectures, tutorials and practical classes, there’ll be case studies, problem-based learning, team-based learning and research, and business management projects. In student-led learning you will give presentations including producing a poster. There may be a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous online teaching activities.
In our new state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, you’ll carry out experiments based on the subjects covered in the lecture programme. The sessions will be supervised by your lecturers and postgraduate student demonstrators, who’ll ensure the safe execution of the experiments and discuss the theory behind them. These will be run based on current government guidance regarding social distancing.
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.
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. Any subject is acceptable.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 3European Baccalaureate
60% overallInternational 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
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.  
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.
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 year 1 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
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
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:

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