BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Sciences Bachelor's degree at the University of Nottingham

This module introduces the fundamental principles of biopharmaceutics, how physicochemical properties, dosage-form design and physiological barriers influence drug absorption and bioavailability.

Assessment: In years one and two, you will be assessed by a combination of written and electronic exams (70%) and coursework (30%).

This module considers: biochemical foundations and the molecules of life genetic foundations and the flow of genetic information cellular foundations an introduction to physiology with a focus on the cardiovascular system and haematology the principles of drug action; receptor-drug interactions

Assessment: In years one and two, you will be assessed by a combination of written and electronic exams (70%) and coursework (30%).

This module introduces the basic concepts of molecular structure that underlie the physicochemical properties of drugs and their interactions with pharmacological binding partners. You will learn how to draw the chemical structures of drug molecules, name them and understand their composition, three-dimensional shape and flexibility.

Assessment: In years one and two, you will be assessed by a combination of written and electronic exams (70%) and coursework (30%).

You will study human endocrinology and metabolism - processes essential for normal growth and survival. The effects of malnutrition and hormonal imbalance on health and homeostasis will be evaluated with specific referrals to metabolic and endocrine disorders. Pharmacological intervention strategies and the metabolism of therapeutics will be examined.

Assessment: In years one and two, you will be assessed by a combination of written and electronic exams (70%) and coursework (30%).

You will acquire a mechanistic understanding of the reactions that are used to form carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds in simple functionalised aromatic and aliphatic drug molecules.

Assessment: In years one and two, you will be assessed by a combination of written and electronic exams (70%) and coursework (30%).

By using tablets as an example of solid dosage forms, you will learn about the importance of crystallization and crystal forms, the stability of medicines, and the properties of powders.

Assessment: In years one and two, you will be assessed by a combination of written and electronic exams (70%) and coursework (30%).

This module explores how formulation design and materials engineering can be used to control drug distribution and therapeutic performance.

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

The module employs case-study-led learning: the application of the above methods to real drug classes and targets to illustrate alternative routes to successful (and unsuccessful) design.

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

In this module, you will study microbiology, learning about pathogenic microbes including viruses, and the roles of bacteria in health and disease. You will learn how the body generates immunity and the causes of diseases associated with faulty immune responses will be considered. In applied microbiology you will be introduced to recombinant DNA technology.

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

Using examples related to oncology, you will explore signal transduction networks, eukaryotic gene regulation, DNA replication, recombination and repair. You will examine in detail receptor-mediated signalling, and study how drugs perturb signalling cascades. You will also learn about processes involved in cell division and, with examples, how conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents target DNA and halt cell division.

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

This module introduces the science and technology underpinning biotechnology-derived medicines ("biologics").

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

You will learn about further synthetic methodology that is used to prepare drug molecules with increasing structural complexity. You will gain an understanding of how structurally and functionally complex drug molecules can be assembled synthetically from simple starting materials.

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

This module explores advanced methods and concepts in pharmaceutical science, including advanced analytical techniques, analysis of large data sets and computational approaches. Through laboratory-based sessions, you will develop practical skills in analytical science, including safe handling of instruments and accurate data interpretation. A component of the module requires you to independently investigate a topic at the forefront of pharmaceutical science based on the scientific literature.

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

This module covers: advances in protein and antibody technologies new biological entities, including RNA and cell-based therapeutics advances in gene therapy, including genome-editing techniques formulation of biological products laboratory techniques for aseptic manufacture of biological products and sterility and stability testing of biological products industry and patient views of biological products

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

This module provides: an opportunity to undertake an original research study first-hand research experience and insights into scientific methodology, through the undertaking of a review of published work and experimental and/or computer-based work to investigate a selected topic the opportunity to use state-of-the-art instrumentation available in the School of Pharmacy

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

This module covers: an overview of the pharmaceutical industry and the process of discovery and development of pharmaceutical products principles relevant to manufacturing methods and quality assurance processes pharmaceutical regulations and guidelines, including quality-by-design principles relevant to manufacturing, including sustainability and life-cycle assessment formulation and development of biopharmaceutical products development of standard operating procedures in the laboratory

Assessment: In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).