Pharmacology – BSc (Hons)

The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems. This includes cell structure and composition, genetics, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology.

The aim of this module is to offer an introduction to scientific mathematics providing the learner with the necessary tools to deal with the quantitative aspects of the discipline and to equip the learner with the technical skills necessary to become proficient in applying the mathematical concepts and tools for calculus to a wide range of context based examples in science.

This introductory physics course is designed to provide chemical and life sciences’ students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics, illustrated and reinforced with relevant examples and applications. This course also provides learners with a strong practical foundation in the application of the Scientific Method, as well as a clear understanding of the concept of uncertainty in measurement.

In this module, the fundamentals of General and Inorganic Chemistry are introduced. The module also is focused on the core areas of physical chemistry and organic chemistry and places a strong emphasis on numerical problem-solving. The module has a strong focus on the development of core chemistry laboratory skills and techniques, with an emphasis on highlighting chemistry as a core experimental discipline within the STEM domain.

The aim of this module is to provide the student with a working knowledge of laboratory practices with a focus on safety.

This module aims to provide students with a range of transferable skills preparing them to learn and work in a scientific field. Students will work on individual and group based projects developing their communication and project management skills as well as their ability to work as part of a team.

The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems. This includes cell structure and composition, genetics, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology.

The aim of this module is to offer an introduction to scientific mathematics providing the learner with the necessary tools to deal with the quantitative aspects of the discipline and to equip the learner with the technical skills necessary to become proficient in applying the mathematical concepts and tools for calculus to a wide range of context based examples in science.

A knowledge of physics can help learners gain a deeper understanding of many processes and phenomena associated with Chemical and Life Sciences-related disciplines. This introductory physics course is designed to provide chemical and life sciences’ students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics, illustrated and reinforced with relevant examples and applications. This course also provides learners with a strong practical foundation in the application of the Scientific Method, as well as a clear understanding of the concept of uncertainty in measurement. Facilitating learners to gain first-hand experience and proficiency of the practical techniques of measurement, data analysis and visualisation, and error analysis is another key part of this module.

In this module, the fundamentals of General and Inorganic Chemistry are introduced. The module also is focused on the core areas of physical chemistry, and places a strong emphasis on numerical problem-solving. The module is completed by exploring organic chemistry. The module has a strong focus on the development of core chemistry laboratory skills and techniques, with an emphasis on highlighting chemistry as a core experimental discipline within the STEM domain.

This module provides students with a firm grounding in the basic applications of Information Technology for scientific data analysis. Specifically, this module provides in-depth training in the use of spreadsheet software for collating, analysing and summarising scientific data.

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of scientific topics in the area of pharmacology. It will provide students a basic understanding of how drugs affect the body (pharmacodynamics) and how the body processes drugs (pharmacokinetics). The module will be delivered through a Team-Based Learning (TBL) strategy that consists of familiarisation with programme-relevant topics, in-class quizzes to assess interpretation followed by team-based discussion to enhance overall understanding.

The Gene Technology 2.1 module provides students with a fundamental knowledge of classical genetics upon which a framework can be built, to understand contemporary methods of molecular biology and genetic analysis. The module will introduce students to mendelian genetics, heredity and the solving of inheritance problems, the structure of nucleic acids and genes, and the molecular mechanisms of transcription and protein synthesis.

Biochemistry 2.1 provides students with knowledge and skills to enable engagement with the scientific principles of biomolecule structure, function and physiologic context, with emphasis on the role of biochemistry in clinical medicine, veterinary science, food and biotechnology industries.

This course will develop the students mathematical skills giving them an essential facility to solve problems in the life and physical sciences.

The aim of this module is to examine the chemistry, structure and reactivity of the main functional groups in organic chemistry with a special emphasis on those molecules of biological interest; to develop an understanding and familiarity with mechanistic concepts; and to equip the student with the necessary laboratory skills to carry out a safe synthesis and analysis of a simple organic compound.

This module is an introduction to the theoretical basis of common analytical methods including Spectroscopy and Chromatography Techniques and Titrimetry. This includes UV-Vis, IR, and Fluorescent Spectroscopies, Column, TLC, GC and HPLC chromatrography techniques and common titrimetry methods.

This module builds on fundamental microbiological concepts studied in year 1 Biology and provides the learner with knowledge of general microbiology emphasising asepsis, microbial laboratory methodologies, and an understanding of the role of microorganisms in industry, medicine and the environment.

The Gene Technology 2.2 module builds on knowledge gained by the student in the Gene Technology 2.1 module. It introduces students to key themes and experimental techniques in gene regulation, recombinant DNA technology, oncogenes/tumour suppressors, the genetic basis of disease, a fundamental grounding in genetic analysis in forensic science.

This module provides students with an in-depth knowledge of metabolism, enzyme catalysis, endocrine hormones and cellular signalling. Biochemical disturbances underlying various disease states will also be evaluated. Laboratory skills for the isolation and functional analysis of biological macromolecules will be acquired. The relevance of biochemistry concepts and laboratory techniques in medicine, the bio/pharmaceutical and wider industry and in environmental sustainability will be elaborated.

This course will develop the students probability and statistical skills giving them an essential facility to solve problems in the life and physical sciences.

This modules builds on Analytical Techniques 1 by studying further common analytical techniques. These include Atomic Absorption and Emission spectroscopies, Mass spectroscopies including GC/MS, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X ray analysis. The chromatographic techniques studied include Electrophoresis, Capillary Electrophoresis, Ion Chromatography, SFC and GPC/SEC chromatographies. Other techniques introduced include Radiochemical methods, Thermal Methods of analysis, Microscopic methods and Electrochemical methods.

This module describes the systems of the human body and provides learners with critical understanding and knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology and the inter-relationship between the systems. The module aims to lay the foundation for understanding major physiological processes, their relationship to disease and their potential for modification by drug therapy.

This module focuses on the biochemical pathways by which neurotransmitters and hormones deliver their message to their cellular targets. Different classes of drugs are explored and their mechanism of action. TBL equips students with problem-solving and collaborative skills and to increase learner activity.

The aim of this course is to equip the students with a knowledge of the principles of quality control and an ability to design experiments and critically analyse the data produced. Students will learn to evaluate the processes involved in statistical process control, sampling, reliability testing , measurement techniques and design of Laboratory quality documentation.

This module will provide students with practical experience in a range of techniques specifically used in the study of Pharmacology. Students will also gain an enhanced understanding of relevant pharmacological principles through engagement with models and techniques used in modern experimental pharmacology. The ability to evaluate, analyse and communicate experimental data will also be acquired. Practicals are designed to support and emphasise lecture material pertaining to modules (Drug Action and Molecular Pharmacology; Chemical Mediators and Cell signalling).

This module will provide students a clear understanding of how drugs affect the body (pharmacodynamics) and how the body processes drugs (pharmacokinetics). The focus of this module will be to introduce students to the principles of how drugs act in the body. This will encompass concepts of drug binding, molecular pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. In addition, the cell cycle and cell culture will be introduced to compliment the Practical Pharmacology module. This module will also explore the fundamentals of biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy and the use of these products in therapeutics.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the chemical mediators and their signalling pathways.This module provides an indepth understanding of the basic principles of drug action and applies this to the analysis of drug receptor interactions. The content highlights the actions of selected endogenous chemical mediators as a framework for studying drug actions. Upon the completion of this module students will understand the clinical importance of neurotransmitters and their signalling pathways.

This 20-26 week placement aims to provide students with the opportunity to experience full-time employment in a workplace relevant to their degree where they can apply their academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Ideally, the student will work in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility where they will experience the culture, nature and structure of working in a regulated and/or scientific setting.

This module focuses on the process of systematic inquiry through to the design of a research study from its inception to the final report. The emphasis will be on active learning and developing students that are self-motivated, critical thinkers that can work independently or as part of a diverse team.

The aim of this module is to provide an in-depth examination of the drugs capable of acting against infection whether by directly killing the infectious agent or inhibiting its spread. This module also focuses on anti-cancer therapeutics in the treatment of various diseases.

The focus of this module will be an understanding of the pathophysiology of various diseases in humans, molecular targets for drug action and pharmacokinetic processing of different drugs in the body. Students will assess the effects and mechanism of action of pharmacological drugs in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, pulmonary and hepatic diseases. The module also covers the implementation of immunopharmacology in the management of inflammatory diseases.

This module will explore current and evolving developments in the area of pharmacology and its related disciplines. Specifically, the module will focus on making students aware of the pipeline of new pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical agents and the technologies associated with their development and production. Students will be asked to critique peer-reviewed papers and review articles from the scientific literature and to appraise the methodologies used, and the conclusions drawn. Students will also be individually assigned a drug substance and asked to write a detailed report on the pharmacological and toxicological profile of the assigned substance. The module also aims to facilitate the exposure of final year pharmacology students to invited guest speakers from academia and industry and thereby allowing the students to make informed decisions relating to their future careers in pharmacology.

This module will provide learners with the opportunity to study Toxicology in its position underpinning pharmacological drug safety. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the cell and molecular mechanisms underlying drug-induced toxicity via engagement with the core subdisciplines of Biochemical Toxicology and Genetic Toxicology. Students will also gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of Ecotoxicological monitoring and environmental risk assessment of medicinal products intended for human use. The knowledge-base and skill set to design and implement a battery of toxicity assays for the hazard identification and risk assessment of pharmacological agents across a range of toxicity endpoints will also be provided. The main focus of this module will be on applying the principles and practice of toxicology to pharmacological contexts.

The aim of this module is to provide the student with the opportunity to work independently to develop in-depth knowledge of research design and methodology and to carry out research. The student will at the end of this module have carried out a piece of independent research and disseminated their results via thesis, oral and/or poster presentation. It is expected that the student will spend up to 6hours per week working in the laboratory or at the computer carrying out research as well as a number of hours independent workload completing the final report.

The aim of this module is to provide the student with a detailed knowledge of advanced neuropharmacology. Students taking this module are expected to understand the physiopathologies of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease in addition to epilepsy and chronic pain. Upon the completion of this module students should be aware of all relevant diagnostic criteria and the appropriate pharmacotherapies currently available for the treatment of neuronal and/or brain disorders, inclusive of any new and emerging treatments under development.