Why study this course?
Our Pharmaceutical Science (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) is a four-year degree that provides the ideal start if you wish to pursue a career in pharmaceutical science, but don’t have the necessary entry requirements to study a three-year course in pharmaceutical science. This degree will help you make a difference to people lives though the development of new drugs for treating disease and with its built-in foundation year you’ll learn the key principles of pharmacology that will help you to progress through the rest of your course.
Our undergraduate Pharmaceutical Science degree course is also accredited by The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
More about this course
The foundation year of our Pharmaceutical Science (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree will focus on a combination of biology and chemistry needed to examine the design of drugs. You’ll learn about the organic chemistry of molecules, basic cell structures and the underlying concepts that drive chemical reactions. The knowledge you’ll gain in the foundation year will fully equip you for the rest of this four-year course.
You’ll learn from and be supported by our committed tutors who are experts in the field of pharmaceutical science and who will help you develop your academic competencies and confidence.
Should you wish to change your chosen specialism after your foundation year there will be some flexibility to do so.
You’ll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the traditional three-year course.
Professional accreditation
On graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 0 modules include:
Biochemistry (core, 15 credits)
Biology (core, 30 credits)
Chemistry (core, 30 credits)
Foundation Year Project (CPS) (core, 15 credits)
Scientific Studies (core, 30 credits)
Year 1 modules include:
Cell Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits)
Fundamental Chemical Concepts (core, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits)
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Laboratory Skills (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Organic Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Key Principles in Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Organic Ring Systems (core, 15 credits)
Organic Unsaturated Molecules (core, 15 credits)
Principles of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Delivery (core, 15 credits)
Principles of Pharmacodynamics (core, 15 credits)
Quantitative Analysis (core, 15 credits)
Spectroscopic Methods (core, 15 credits)
Coordination and solution chemistry of d and f block complexes (option, 15 credits)
Human Immunity (option, 15 credits)
Metabolism (option, 15 credits)
Microbiology (option, 15 credits)
Molecular Biology (option, 15 credits)
Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Formulation and Quality Assurance of Solutions, Suspensions and Emulsions (core, 15 credits)
Formulations and Quality Assurance of Solids and Semi-solids (core, 15 credits)
Medicinal Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Research Project (core, 30 credits)
Advanced Organic Chemistry (alternative core, 15 credits)
Natural Products (alternative core, 15 credits)
Advanced Bioanalytical Science (option, 15 credits)
Advanced Inorganic Techniques (option, 15 credits)
Neuropharmacology (option, 15 credits)
Sandwich Placement (option, 30 credits)
Systems Pharmacology (option, 15 credits)
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (option, 15 credits)
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
Graduating from this degree will enable you to enter many scientific professions. You could find work in clinical research, medical chemistry, biomedical science, analytical chemistry, immunology and pharmacology.
Some graduates from this course have found employment as companies like BMS Healthcare, the National Health Service (NHS) and Quintiles.
Many have also gone on to roles that aren’t related to science such as financial services and marketing.
You could also pursue postgraduate study to open your career options up even further.
What is a degree with foundation year?
This is a four-year degree course with a built-in foundation year (Year 0). It’s the perfect route into university if you can’t meet the necessary entry requirements or don’t have the traditional qualifications required to start a standard undergraduate degree. You’ll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the traditional three-year course.
