BSc (Hons) Pharmacology with Foundation Bachelor's degree at the University of Reading

Gain an understanding of the molecular building blocks of living organisms, the cellular machinery that sustains life, and the major physiological systems that enable the survival of multicellular organisms. You'll also develop core laboratory and data interpretation skills.

Gain an understanding of the role of pharmacologists in science and drug development for human diseases. You'll explore core pharmacology concepts such as pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, carry out simple laboratory procedures, and develop necessary data analysis, numeracy, and communication skills.

Discover the chemical principles that provide the foundations for many scientific disciplines. Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen.

Build on your knowledge of chemical principles as you explore factors affecting rates of reactions, exothermic and endothermic reactions, spectroscopic data, and reaction mechanisms and pathways in organic molecules.

Gain the academic, scientific and transferable skills required to transition into university-level study. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for real-world context, you'll develop the numeracy, data-handling, communication, teamwork, and reflective skills needed to tackle global challenges. You'll also explore digital tools and scientific resources, including responsible use of AI.

Build on the skills gained in Semester 1 and develop your ability to collaborate with people from different disciplines to investigate complex global challenges. You'll strengthen your numeracy, research, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication skills in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Expand your knowledge of human physiology to understand the normal function of the human body. You'll cover the structure of mammalian cells and cellular functions which are often targeted therapeutically and biochemical pathways that underpin these processes.

Understand how medicines are sourced, developed, and manufactured. You'll discover how quality is assured for patient safety and consider the use of natural and synthetic products.

Discover the effects of drugs on the human body and how to effectively explain drug action to different audiences. You'll explore how drugs are discovered, designed, developed, and delivered.

Gain an overview of basic mathematical and statistical concepts in pharmacology, which will ensure that you have the skills to succeed in this field of study.

Explore how organs work to support life. You will be introduced to the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body, and to the physiological processes taking part within and between them.

Through simulated and hands-on experiments, you'll develop expert knowledge of core laboratory and generic study skills that will help you to conduct pharmacological research and solve problems.

Apply pharmacology and physiological systems from molecule to patient. This will focus on the different classes of molecular drug targets in treating renal, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.

Consider how chemical structure impacts activity and stability, using quantitative methods to collect, process, analyse, and present research findings. This involves using in vivo, ex-vivo and in vitro techniques via simulated and hands-on experimentation.

Discover the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin haematology and immunology. You'll explore topics such as the production, structure and function of blood cells, the techniques used within hospital haematology laboratories to investigate and diagnose disease, the main forms of immunopathology, and how vaccines are produced.

Understand how science is used to create and administer medicines in the gastrointestinal tract. Using an integrated learning approach, you'll research specific health conditions and consider holistic care requirements for a patient.

This module will further explore the complex and fascinating systems of the human body, focusing on the endocrine system, skin, reproduction, ear, nose, and throat. We will use a systems-based approach where you will explore the functional requirements that drive the structure of the whole body and its functional capabilities. We will emphasise on the clinical relevance of the topics covered and their importance in understanding and diagnosing various medical conditions.

You'll use mathematical and statistical approaches to gain understanding of the modelling process. Learning how to interrogate data, you'll draw inferences from data and formulate, solve, and investigate systems using mechanistic modelling.

Gain insight on your career direction with mentoring and feedback on the application process for placement. This will increase your knowledge and confidence of psychometric and video testing, interview, and assessment centre techniques.

Under the direction of an academic supervisor, you'll lead a laboratory-based research project. This original research will form the basis of a project write-up, poster session and final project viva.

Advance your knowledge of drug action in various contexts, from treating cancer and pain to the misuse of 'lifestyle' drugs. You'll consider healthcare guidelines for medicines, adverse effects on embryonic development, and ethical principles of research.

Participate in a lab-based experiment on the measurement of electrical activity in brain slices, collecting data to prepare a formative report. This will provide you with knowledge of brain function and drug-related alterations.

Explore how scientific ideas become real-world products, with a focus on medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics. You'll work in teams to develop a business plan for novel scientific and technical products, gaining skills in innovation, product development, and business strategy.