Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)

About the course

Hertfordshire and its surroundings have the UK's highest concentration of pharmaceutical research and development facilities, and this degree has been developed in response to the specific demands of the industry.

The programme is designed to produce graduates who are able to contribute to research, discovery, development and production of medicines in the pharmaceutical industry and related areas. The emphasis on transferable as well as specialised skills will also equip you with the qualities to enter a range of other professions.

The programme enables you to develop a strong foundation in the biosciences and chemistry and build on this to apply these subjects to the various stages in medicine discovery and production. We recognise the impact of modern molecular biology and combinatorial chemistry on the search for, and design of, new drugs and these aspects are considered in depth. The mode of action of drugs is investigated in the pharmacology modules and the scale-up of drug manufacture is a theme that runs throughout the programme. You will need AS level chemistry for this degree.

Why choose this course?

• Pharmaceutical Science involves the study of the chemistry of pharmaceutical products, i.e. drugs and the industrial technologies required in order to develop full scale drug manufacture.
• Pharmaceutical Science focuses on the design, action, delivery, disposition, use of pharmaceuticals and the process development, pharmaceutical analysis and quality assurance of drugs.
• There is a strong emphasis on chemical analysis of pharmaceutics which is enabled by the excellent research facilities  for example, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and protein gel analysis.

 

Study routes

• Sandwich, 4 Years
• Part Time, 5 Years
• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

You spend a placement year working in one of a wide range of industries, hospitals or research institutions. When combined with the strong vocational element of this degree, an appropriate placement can give you a distinct advantage in the jobs market. You may take an optional qualification in work experience - The Licentiateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute. You can choose to study your degree 'with a year in Europe' or 'with a year in North America', and spend your placement year in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland or Portugal.

Teaching methods

Most second and third year modules are assessed by coursework and examination. The type of coursework is varied, depending on the module and includes essays, reports, practical write-ups, posters and seminar presentations.

On a weekly basis students will normally spend time in lectures, seminars and practical lab sessions. Practical work is an important element of all Biosciences degrees.

Work Placement

You spend a placement year working in one of a wide range of industries, hospitals or research institutions. When combined with the strong vocational element of this degree, an appropriate placement can give you a distinct advantage in the jobs market.

You may take an optional qualification in work experience - The Licentiateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute. You can choose to study your degree 'with a year in Europe' or 'with a year in North America', and spend your placement year in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland or Portugal.

Professional Accreditations

Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC)

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Cell Biology and Development

  The module includes an overview of evolutionary cell biology, the structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, cell division, the nature of the genetic material, DNA replication, transcription and translation, an introduction to cell signaling, and the principles of developmental biology including the production of primordial germ cells and gametes (oogenesis, spermatogenesis). The skills associated with this module include effective written communication, information retrieval, presentation and analysis of experimental data using spreadsheets and graphs,and safe and effective working in a laboratory.

• Human Physiology

  This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of human physiology, enabling them to describe physiological processes at cell, tissue, organ and organism levels. Topics covered will include: * Homeostasis and control mechanisms * Cell differentiation, basic tissues and musculature * Nervous system (electrical signalling, autonomic nervous system and central nervous system) * Cardiovascular system and blood * Respiratory system * Digestive system * Renal system * Endocrine system and reproduction * Immune system * Integrative physiology * Statistics

• Molecular Biology and Genetics

  This module will introduce the student to the organisation, function and transmission of genetic material in eukaryotes. This includes a consideration of Mendelian principles, concepts of linkage and basic human genetic epidemiology. How mutated DNA contributes to human morbidity and mortality is considered together with a consideration of how genetics and molecular biology underpin important concepts in biomedical science. Aspects of human genetic screening, ethics and counselling are included. A major emphasis of the module is to promote a basic understanding of how molecular biological (e.g. recombinant DNA technology) and molecular genetic techniques (model organism mutagenesis and gene tracking methods; human genetic epidemiology) are carried out and how these transferable skills are used in fundamental and applied molecular biosciences. This is enhanced by the student carrying out laboratory experiments in the fields of molecular biology and genetics.

• Personal Transferable Skills 1 Bioscience

  Students will complete assignments, within their discipline of choice, that include opportunities for development of their personal transferable skills. They will reflect on their development with the assistance of a personal tutor and will produce a portfolio of evidence based on the set assignments and wider experience such as from the work place or other areas of responsibility. Skills assessed are: autonomoy - taking responsibility for themselves (A); group working (GW), oral and written communication (COM), information management (IM), problem solving (PS), numeracy (NUM), self evaluation and reflective practice (SERP)

• Introduction to Biochemistry, Microbiology & Pharmacology

  Biochemistry Catabolism - the inter-relationships and control of pathways, glycolysis, TCA cycle and the beta-oxidation of fatty acids, substrate level and oxidative phosphorylation, examples of biosynthesis and the relationship between anabolism and catabolism. Protein structure, enzyme kinetics and the determination of kinetic parameters; influence of kinetic parameters on pathway operation. Microbiology Taxonomy: Classification and identification systems, risk groups and containment. Physiology: Nutritional groups the design of media and culture methods, biomass assessment. The fungi: Ecological, industrial and clinical importance. Prokaryotes: The Bacteria and Archaea, a consideration of cell structure, habitat and biochemical diversity. An introduction to viral structure and classification. Pharmacology Basic receptor theory, introduction to pharmacokinetics. The importance of knowledge of the mode of action and pharmacokinetics to the effective use of medicines and their fate in the body. Drug discovery - the approaches to drug discovery and design, influencing factors, the process of drug development and clinical trials.

• Introduction to Biochemistry

  The module will provide an introduction to biochemistry and will also incorporate aspects of chemistry specific to the study of biological systems. Subjects covered will include: the structure of key macromolecules and how this relates to their function in a cell or organism; major catabolic and anabolic pathways and their integration including glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, the TCA cycle, substrate and oxidative phosphorylation, oxidation of fatty acids, storage and mobilisation of glycogen, triglyceride storage and mobilisation, proteins for energy; kinetics including Michaelis-Menton kinetics of enzymes and the calculation of key enzyme parameters; radioactivity and its application to the study of biochemistry, thermodynamics and its application to bioenergetics.

• Human Physiology with Pharmacology

  This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of human physiology, enabling them to describe physiological processes at cell, tissue, organ and organism levels. Topics covered will include: * Homeostasis and control mechanisms * Cell differentiation, basic tissues and musculature * Nervous system (electrical signalling, autonomic nervous system and central nervous system) * Cardiovascular system and blood * Respiratory system * Digestive system * Renal system * Endocrine system and reproduction * Immune system * Integrative physiology * Basic pharmacology including receptor theory and pharmacokinetics to show how medicines may be effectively used to treat disease. *Drug discovery, design and the process of drug development. The importance of clinical trials

• Cell and Microbiology

  The module will cover key areas of cell biology and microbiology: the nature of cells and how they divide; how the genetic information in cells is converted into functioning components; and then there will be a focus on one particular group of cells, the microbes, to investigate their importance in human health. Key topics covered will include the following 1. The structure of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells with an emphasis on the evolutionary origins of the cell components. Cell division. 2. The nature of the genetic material and its organisation in the cell. DNA replication, transcription and translation. 3. a. The structure and components of bacteria, fungi and viruses with relation to their identification and disease causing ability. b. The basic principles of microbial growth. c. Microbes as infectious agents; transmission and control to include basic principles of public health and epidemiology.

• Practical and Transferable Skills

  The content of this module • Practical laboratory skills- o Safe laboratory practice o Accurate pipetting and measurement, making up solutions. o Measurement of pH o Sample preparation, staining and microscopy o DNA isolation and analysis o Cell counting methodologies o Chemistry methodologies to include purification, extraction, synthesis and analysis of biological molecules o Analytical techniques including centrifugation, chromatography, spectroscopy and electrophoresis o Use of dye-binding assays and standard curves in biological measurement o Microbiology skills including aseptic technique, viable counting, diagnostic methods o Enzyme activity assays and enzyme kinetic s methodology o Measurement of physiological parameters • Transferable skills/Graduate attributes o Mathematics required for biological calculations, statistical analysis, scientific recording, presentation of data, scientific writing, use of literature and literature searching, referencing, avoiding plagiarism o Development of graduate attributes around research skills, professionalism, employability and enterprise.

• Molecular Biology and Genetics

  The genetics component covers: Mendelian inheritance including meiosis and the production of primordial germ cells and gametes (oogenesis, spermatogenesis); linkage and basic human genetic epidemiology. The relationship of mutation to genetic variation and disease is included as well as an introduction to gene regulation. Molecular methods used to study DNA and inheritance are covered and the application of these methods to research, diagnosis and treatment of disease is discussed.

• Chemistry

  The module covers aspects of : Organic, structural and physical chemistry appropriate for the biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences including: a study of the key organic functional groups, introductory kinetics and thermodynamics and their role in the biomolecular and pharmaceutical sciences and an introduction to the chemistry associated with basic pharmaceutics.

• Molecular Structure and Reactivity

  The module covers aspects of : Organic, structural and physical chemistry appropriate for the biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences including: a study of the key organic functional groups, introductory kinetics and thermodynamics and their role in the biomolecular and pharmaceutical sciences and an introduction to the chemistry associated with basic pharmaceutics.

• Molecular Structure and Reactivity

  A broad-based module covering essential areas of physical, structural, radiochemistry and organic, including studies of the key organic functional groups, basic kinetics, basic thermodynamics, an introduction to the periodic table and an introduction to spectroscopy.

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Principles of Immunology

  Anatomy and physiology of the immune system: cells, primary and secondary lymphoid tissues, leukocyte circulation and key phenomena including; chemotaxis, opsonisation, phagocytosis, inflammation, antigen processing and clonal expansion. Natural immunity: role of phagocytic cells, the complement system, cytokines, chemokines and the acute inflammatory response. Hypersensitivity reactions. Adaptive immunity: antigen specificity of B and T cells. Antibody structure and effector functions. T cell subsets; antigen processing and presentation to T cells, the role of the major histocompatibility complex. T-helper cell subpopulations and cytokines in determining the immune response. Immunity to microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses and selected parasites. Vaccine design strategies. Inflammation: immunology of chronic inflammation; immunopathology of selected chronic inflammatory diseases e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases . Anti-inflammatory therapies; steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Pharmacology & Therapeutics

  This module will describe the analysis of drugs action in the general sense, (to assess potency and efficacy through interaction with known receptors and cellular transduction mechanisms), and the mode of altered physiological function at a tissue and systems level to account for therapeutic effects in specific disease states. The fate of drugs (pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism) will also be considered as it influences the development of new drugs and as an important aspect to the success of therapeutics. Classes of drug treatments will be characterised for specific diseases of the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, central nervous system and chemotherapeutics of cancers and infectious diseases, dermatology and wound healing. The limitations of existing therapies will also be identified and the possible new target for future drug treatment discussed in terms of present understanding the pathology and genetic basis of disease. Alternative therapeutic approaches, such as herbal medicine will also be discussed.

• Pharmaceutical Science

  Pharmaceutical manufacture and microbiology; sterilization kinetics; microbial contamination, spoilage and product preservation; sterile products hygiene and GMP. Antimicrobial agents: antibiotics, chemical and physical agents. Unit operations in pharmaceutical manufacture: Materials processing: mixing processes for solids, liquids and gases, separation processes; processing of bulk solids; particle size reduction. Heat transfer and equipment; evaporation processes; drying of solids, principles and equipment; solvent recovery and distillation. Product recovery and purification: extraction processes (liquid-liquid, supercritical fluid, 2 phase aqueous; ion exchange and adsorptive processes; crystallisation theory and practice; membrane processes (dialysis, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration). Process development and scale-up. Introduction to regulatory and environmental issues. Packaging of pharmaceuticals.

• Personal Transferable Skills 2 Bioscience

  Students will complete assignments, within their discipline of choice, that include opportunities for development of their personal transferable skills. They will reflect on their development with the assistance of a personal tutor and will produce a portfolio of evidence based on the set assignments and wider experience such as from the work place or other areas of responsibility. Skills assessed are: autonomoy - taking responsibility for themselves (A); group working (GW), oral and written communication (COM), information management (IM), problem solving (PS), numeracy (NUM), self evaluation and reflective practice (SERP).

• Bioscience Research Methods

  Scientific communication to include dissection of scientific papers, plagiarism and referencing, seminar and poster presentation as well as writing Scientific methodology (philosophy) and ethics of science Experimental design Use of radioisotopes in scientific research Non-laboratory based research including questionnaire design Statistical analysis Practical Laboratory skills to support independent project work Problem-based learning on method design and experimental procedure (subject specific)

• Molecular Structure and Synthesis

  A study of the key facets of organic, structural, inorganic and physical chemistry which are relevant to a study of the key organic and inorganic reactions that are used to construct biologically active molecules. Main group transition metal chemistry is included, as well as a more detailed look at important systems such as carbonyls, heterocycles, amino acids, nucleic acids, and sugars. A thorough grounding in interpretative spectroscopy is covered. An understanding of kinetics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry is given with respect to their roles in biological systems.

• Analytical Science

  The course describes the importance of quality within analytical science and shows that the role of the analytical scientist extends beyond simply performing a 'measurement' and that the history and preparation / storage of the sample are equally as important as knowledge of what the 'results' are needed for. The theory and use of chromatographic separation and atomic and molecular spectroscopic methods of analysis are presented. Data and data quality will be analysed via a number of statistical tests such as F- and t-tests. Throughout the lectures examples from the analysis of pharmaceuticals will be given.

Optional

Year 3

Core Modules

Optional

• Sandwich Placement: Biosciences

  The sandwich placement will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in the taught years of the degree in a work-based situation. The establishment will appoint a work-place supervisor, and the student will also have a University supervisor. During the placement the student will return to the University to a one day Symposium which all placement students attend. During this day they present a poster about their placement and attend talks on future employment. In particular, Applied Biomedical Students will spend 48 weeks on a training placement in an approved diagnostic laboratory performing routine diagnostic tests. In the process they will: gain an understanding of the workings of a professional, clinical laboratory; develop the skills necessary to be an independent and safe practitioner; perform various analyses in order to demonstrate competence in use of specialist laboratory equipment.

• Year Abroad - BIO

  Learning and teaching methods may include taught courses, a research project, field studies or a mixture of these components. The Year Abroad will be for two academic semesters or their equivalent. The students will therefore follow a programme negotiated by the Associate Head of School or nominee and an equivalent representative of the host institution. Prior to commencement of the Year Abroad, the student, the programme officers from the University of Hertfordshire and from the host institution will agree a learning agreement and mode of attendance.

Year 4

Core Modules

• Project - Bioscience Degree

  The Project provides the opportunity for extended, in-depth study on a selected aspect from those desciplines covered by the Sciences Modular Scheme and may address one or more of the Faculty's research objectives. Workshop and seminar sessions (which may be group and/or individual) provide support. All students will have a University supervisor. Projects may be laboratory or non-laboratory based. A series of research methodology workshops will be held on topics related to the formulation, safety, ethics and implementation of research, including social and scientific methods of investigation (eg statistics, questionnaires, sampling protocols), interpretation, analysis and presentation (both oral and written). Tutorials with supervisors will include discussion on aims, objectives current theories, research design, data collection and analysis, and the structure of the report. Draft copies of the report introduction, where provided by the student, will be read and commented on by the supervisor(s) prior to formal submission.

• Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Production & Analysis

  Successful pharmaceuticals will be considered in the light of the challenges presented to the medicinal chemist for their synthesis eg taxol, quinine, ranitidine, beta-lactum antibiotics. Combinatorial and solid phase approaches to synthesis - the technologies and their application to drug design and discovery. Asymmetric synthesis and its significance to pharmaceutical synthesis. Advanced heterocyclic chemistry. Microbiological and biochemical synthesis of pharmaceuticals and their scale - up. The scale - up of chemical synthesis; Good Manufacturing Practice; regulatory approaches to GMP, problems and developments, process validation. Waste management and environmental impact of manufacture. Health and safety of perrsonnel : protection and containment. Drug stability and its testing. Packaging materials and systems. Instrumental analysis: chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, thermal methods. chromatometrics and experimental design. Quality assurance: method validation, proficiency testing and control charts.

• Therapeutic Pharmacology

  Lectures: CNS: Neurochemistry of the basic CNS neurotransmitter systems; associated pathologies will be discussed at the molecular, cellular and clinical level; current developments in the therapy of these conditions will also be discussed. CVS: Control of cardiovascular function and associated pathologies (principally hypertension, IHD, congestive heart failure) will be dealt with at the molecular, cellular and clinical level; current developments in the therapy of these conditions will be discussed. Autocoids: The role of autocoids (including cytokines) as mediators of pathology will be discussed using selected examples (principally allergic asthma, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis) at the molecular, cellular and clinical level. Modulation of these pathologies by the endocrine system will be dealt with; current developments in the therapy of these conditions will be discussed. Practicals: Practical classes will include a range of laboratory classes and data analyses using computers. One selected practical activity may generate a piece of assessed coursework.

• Drug Discovery Design Formulation and Development

  The module will investigate the approaches available for the discovery of new lead compounds, both by screening of natural and synthetic compounds, and by the rational design of molecules. Target identification will be discussed in relation to our understanding of the molecular basis of disease and will also discuss the role of genomes and comparative genomics in target identification. Screening will focus on high throughput methods and the role of combinatorial and phage display libraries to detect candidate molecules. Rational drug design will focus on molecular modelling, vaccine design, gene therapy, rational approaches to disease treatment and the design of oligonucleotides and peptidomimetics. Consideration will be given to the process of drug development. The factors to be considered are: Crystallinity and polymorphism; particle size; dosage forms and delivery systems; routes of administration; cellular and intracellular targetting of drugs; issues in the manufacture and storage of medicines.

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £8,500 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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How to apply