BSc (Hons) Pharmacology and Physiology Bachelor's degree at Westminster

Explore the diversity and function of biological molecules, combining lectures, practicals and tutorials. Develop laboratory skills and undertake formative practical exercises. Cover properties and reactions of biological molecules, biomolecular processes, energy for life's processes and laboratory techniques for biochemistry and molecular biology.

Assessment: Both formatively and summatively

Introduction to the biology of the cell and fundamental processes and interactions during the life of a cell. Cover cell division, specialisation, ageing and death, gene inheritance, transmission and expression, genetic variance and natural selection. Cover cell behaviour, communication and interaction. Include practical work in experimental techniques of cell biology.

Explore the scope of pharmacology and drugs as biologically active, selective molecules. Study drug interactions with cellular targets, clinical usage and potential adverse effects. Review selected experimental techniques used in pharmacology. Study absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in determining systemic drug action.

Introduction to the organisation, communication, and support systems of the human body. Cover major physiological systems with emphasis on maintenance of homeostasis via feedback mechanisms.

Introduce concepts of employability and professionalism in the workplace with specific reference to the Bioscience/Life Science industry. Learn to conduct oneself as a credible scientist. Learn about scientific communities, appreciate diversity, evaluate scientific literature and critically examine credibility of sources. Document transferrable skills linked to career development pathway in a professional development portfolio.

Study how molecular bioscience can help solve biological problems. Consider how sequencing the human genome and bioinformatic analysis has led to personal medicine. Study how human diseases and conditions are being treated in the 21st century: development of new antibiotics, stem cell biology and tissue regeneration. Include specific studies of cancer and neuro-degeneration. Explore wider applications in agriculture, forensic science and biotechnology.

Provide understanding of chemical structure, stereochemistry and organic functional groups of importance in biochemistry. Facilitate understanding of enzyme mechanisms through introduction to selected organic reaction mechanisms. Introduce the importance and use of thermodynamics and redox chemistry in biochemistry.

Introduce the history and philosophy of science and its practice in the modern world. Learn about scientific communities and how scientists communicate. Learn to read and evaluate scientific papers. Explore principles of scientific research, including interpreting data and critically examining scientific claims.

Detailed pharmacology and clinical uses of drugs acting on a range of physiological systems (typically, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine and musculoskeletal) in health and disease. Use cutting edge research material to underpin module content. Integrate with and apply knowledge from other cognate level 5 modules.

Using student-centred enquiry based learning in small group format, integrate and synthesise material covered in this module with learning from Physiological Biochemistry and Physiological Networks to further understanding of how different body systems are regulated and how one system influences another. Use clinical disorders to demonstrate consequences of disruption to normal function.

Comprehensive overview of modern biochemistry. Topics include major pathways for degradation and/or biosynthesis of carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids, respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, the role of enzymes in metabolic processes, underpinned with stress on underlying thermodynamic principles. Examine strategies employed by organisms to regulate metabolism and maintain homeostasis. Examine important metabolic disorders and diseases.

Overview of principles in neuroscience, beginning with introduction to cellular systems and cell communication involved in fundamental neurophysiological processes. Overview of neuroendocrine physiology such as hormonal release via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and introductory neuroanatomy including a mammalian dissection laboratory session. Focus on development of the nervous system and mechanisms involved in specific brain functions as well as key neuropathological and neurocognitive disor

Cover essential elements of research methods, data analysis as relevant to the Biosciences and key laboratory techniques. On completion, develop expertise to extract and interpret scientific information from peer-reviewed original sources, produce a literature review of a specific area in the biosciences, prepare a design for final year research project and undertake skill-based evaluation of competencies.

Build on cell biology, biochemistry, information technology and critical thinking skills acquired at level 4. Develop skills in bioinformatics including computational analysis of DNA and protein sequences using alignment and evolutionary models. Use a variety of computational methods to assign gene and protein function including data from gene expression analysis and proteomics.

Explore regional and global problems and their impact on the world's resources, the environment and human societies. Identify and examine underlying causes of environmental and societal pressures, such as climate change and infectious and non-infectious diseases. Examine the risks these pose, such as water scarcity, conflicts and biodiversity loss.

Develop core understanding of molecular biology and genetic concepts regarding the flow of genetic information in cells during normal health and disease. Discuss experimental approaches to manipulate the genome. Cover genome structure, organisation and packaging, genome replication and repair, gene expression through transcription and translation, regulation of gene expression, genetic variations and polymorphisms, and modes of inheritance. Introduce cutting-edge molecular techniques including D

Explore the pathophysiology of exemplar disease states (typically, cardiovascular), and detailed study of their pharmacotherapy. Study applications of genomics, bioinformatics, pharmacogenetics and the emerging concept of Personalised Medicine. Study drug efficacy and toxicity extensively to provide a clinical perspective on pharmacology.