MSci (Hons) Pharmacology Integrated Master's degree at Keele University

Explore fundamental concepts in understanding the structure and function of biological molecules, from the three-dimensional structure of proteins and the activity of enzymes to the progress and organisation of major metabolic pathways. Develop key skills in data analysis, presentation and communication where you will report the outcomes of laboratory investigations in the study of enzyme kinetics, applying theoretical knowledge from the module.

Introduce you to the major physiological systems and anatomical structures of the human organism, including the digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Explore how different pathologies can develop as a result of dysfunction in these systems and their impact. Through group-based activities you will produce content on select module topics, developing key skills in teamwork and leadership, and in communicating to different audiences.

Introduce processes by which pharmaceuticals enter the market covering the stages involved from pre-clinical candidate selection and development, through to clinical trials. Core principles in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be introduced and an understanding of the physiko-chemical properties of drug molecules highlighted. The module will also consider specific examples of drugs/ligands and target binding interactions, including receptor pharmacology, supported with small group case-

Introduce you to the fundamentals of molecular cell biology. Explore how genetic information is stored, replicated and processed; the roles played by nucleic acids in the production of proteins; how proteins get to their final locations within cells and how cells interact with each other and communicate to co-ordinate their activities. Develop key skills in the presentation and communication of information in various formats.

Develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will support you in reflecting

Explore how we can study and manipulate genetic material, including sequencing technologies, gene cloning, and genetic engineering. Learn how these techniques can be used to study the structure and function of single genes and proteins, design and engineer DNA molecules, and produce novel gene products such as therapeutic drugs. Through tutorials and workshops, develop skills in introductory bioinformatics, insights into important ethical principles, and develop key reasoning and analytical skil

Examine the specialisation and interdependence of metabolism exploring key aspects of metabolic regulation, and issues surrounding its changes in inherited and acquired disease (including hypertension, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular disease). Learn how these conditions can be investigated experimentally and modified through relevant pharmacological approaches, deepening your understanding of pharmacological principles. Develop communication and teamwork skills through tutorials, workshops

Continue to develop your understanding of the delivery, potency and mode of action of select pharmacological agents, applied specifically to selective or targeted toxicity, e.g. in the treatment of cancer, microbial and viral infection. Introduce the application of pharmacology in agricultural settings, e.g. pesticides and their potential impact on human health and disease. This module is supported by lab practicals and tutorials, where you will develop a more independent, enquiry-based approach

Investigate the effects of neurological medications including basic principles of neuropharmacology and molecular mechanisms, and put these in context with wider disciplines such as population health, health economics, and neuroanatomy. Evaluate advances made in neuropharmacology towards precision therapy and personalised medicine in recent years.

Explore how cells do this, including the major classes of signalling molecules, different receptor types, and their mode of action. Evaluate how dysregulation of cellular communication contributes to different disease states, and how these pathways can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

Bring together skills of experimental design and data analysis which are a vital step in the process of scientific research. Explore the different forms of scientific experimental design that you may encounter in your final year experimental projects. The data analysis skills you will hone will be essential in your final year and onwards into postgraduate study or employment in a data-driven world.

Expand your practical skills through enquiry-based, hypothesis-driven laboratory investigations applying key skills and competencies to more advanced molecular and analytical techniques. Through additional workshops, develop higher-level skills in the acquisition and analysis of information from online sources, including journal databases and generative AI. Further sessions will also support you in evaluating your career readiness with employability skills-focused workshops in areas including CV

Our immune system is vital to our survival. Explore how our immune system develops, the cellular basis of our immune response, and gain functional insights into immune protein and pathogen structure. Develop key skills in data analysis, reporting the outcomes of laboratory investigations using immunotechniques, and will explore the Protein Data Bank, used by scientists to enable breakthroughs in science through the visualization and analysis of 3D structures.

Microbes, viruses and parasites present genuine risk to human populations. Explore a range of pathogenic organisms and the diseases they cause. Consider approaches to treatment and management of disease, ranging from development of novel antimicrobials to vaccination strategies, and the use of select viruses and microorganisms as research tools. Develop key skills in literature analysis and communicating to different audiences through the production of content on a select module topic.

In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement

Follow the pathway of a drug substance through the body, including key areas of pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Lectures and problem classes will be complemented with topical case studies highlighting recent developments in the pharmaceutical industry. This is followed by mini-symposia exploring a range of drug classes in which you will prepare and deliver an oral presentation looking in depth into the mechanism of action and pharmaceutical context of a drug molecule of you

Further explore the drug development pipeline with a focus on the translation of drugs from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials to clinical practice and associated ethical and regulatory frameworks, including patient demographics and personalised medicine. Assess potential toxicity, poisoning, or adverse interactions of drugs derived from herbal products or traditional medicine. Further develop communication and analytical skills through the production of a case report.

Develop higher-level skills in the analysis