Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

• Reading and writing critically.
• Constructing and evaluating an argument.
• Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
• Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
• Introduction to reflective practice.
• Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
• Referencing and citation.
• Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
• Literature searching.
• Report writing.
• The culture and expectations of higher education.
• The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
• The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

• Research and planning skills.
• Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
• Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
• Identifying areas of interest.
• Application and development of critical analytical skills.
• Development of self-directed study.
• Use of learning resources.

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

• Cells and organ systems
• Biologically important molecules and their role in physiological function
• Inheritance and selection
• Causes of disease and the maintenance of health
• The role of biotechnology in contemporary biology
• Biology in forensic science

1. To facilitate an understanding of biologically important molecules and their roles in cells.
2. To provide an introduction to some key physiological processes, the organ systems involved and their control via hormonal, nervous and genetic systems.
3. To foster an understanding of how organisms interact with their environment and vice versa, and the short and long-term consequences of these interactions.
4. To apply biological knowledge in the interpretation and analysis of contemporary biological contexts.

• Defining health in the 21st century
• Culture and health 
• The biomedical, social and biopsychosocial models of health
• Health inequality: definition, examples and impact
• Current health issues
• The emergence of the UK National Health Service
• Health promotion 
• Individual Health behaviours 
• Introduction to reflective theories (Nurses and Social Workers only)
• Introduction to big data (Life Sciences)

1. To introduce students to the social, biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health.

2. To explore contemporary issues in health care.

3. To consider the impact of inequality on health.

4. To explore examples of health promotion.

• Fractions, ratios and percentages
• Standard form, significant figures and scientific units and notation
• Errors and inaccuracies
• Basic algebra and its use in units and indices
• Shapes, volumes and area
• Graphs and equations of a line
• Using arithmetical functions in laboratory applications
• Statistics – variation and averages
• Statistical tests and their uses in the life sciences
• Symmetry in living systems
• Logs, exponential growth and rates of change

1. To provide a foundation-level knowledge of mathematics in preparation for progression to Level 4 of a Life Science degree.

2. To introduce students to fundamental concepts within maths using a selection of applications relevant to Life Sciences.

• Atomic structure and its influence on properties of elements
• Bond formation in chemical compounds
• Intermolecular forces and their effects on properties
• Calculating amounts in chemical reactions
• Carbon chemistry, functional groups and isomerism
• Rates of reaction
• Enthalpy change in reactions
• Equilibria
• Acids, bases and buffers
• Energy transfers in living systems
• Techniques in biochemical analysis

1. Develop an understanding of the arrangement of subatomic particles in atoms, and how these influence the properties and chemical behaviour of substances
2. Develop practical laboratory skills and procedures, including calculations of amounts
3. Understand the importance of carbon chemistry to living organisms
4. Describe energy changes that take place in reactions and the mechanisms of energy transfers in living systems
5. Describe the underlying scientific concepts and applications of some modern analytical techniques in biochemistry

The biology of cells of higher organisms to include their structure and function and synthesis of cell membranes and cell organelles.

Transport of molecules in, out and around the cell; endocytosis, exocytosis, vesicular transport, membrane receptors and intracellular signalling.

The cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix and movement of cells.

The cell cycle and its regulation.

Stem cells and differentiation.

Cell death.

Genetic basis of cancer and personalized treatment.

The module aims to give an understanding of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, how they are regulated and some of their basic functions. 

Mendelian genetics.

Cytogenetics. 

Modern evolutionary theory.

Molecular genetics.

Transcription and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Regulation of gene expression.

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of:

the basic principles and concepts in classical and modern genetics.

the application of genetic analysis to human disease.

bacterial genetics.

the processes of gene transcription and translation and how they are regulated in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

The study of the systems of the body at the organ and cellular level to include:

Nervous system.

Cardiovascular system.

Musculoskeletal system.

Digestive system.

Respiratory system.

Renal system.

Reproductive system.

Study the interdependence of the various systems in health and how homeostasis is maintained.

How cells communicate and send signals to other cells, hormones, cytokines, electrical impulses.  

To give the student a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how it works in health and how that healthy state is maintained at both organ and cellular level.

Literature & referencing skills

• Types of scientific literature and different writing styles
• Literature searching skills
• Reading academic literature
• When and how to reference (APA referencing style)
• Use of reference management software (e.g. EndNote)

Numerical skills

• Basic laboratory maths

Practical, analytical and data-interpretation skills

• Laboratory health and safety regulations
• Basic laboratory practical skills and techniques
• Recording and analysing data in the laboratory
• Data entry and spreadsheet design (Excel)
• Statistics – statistical significance and basic statistical tests
• Data entry and statistical analysis using appropriate software (e.g. SPSS or Jamovi)
• Interpretation of statistical analysis

Communication, presentation and IT skills

• Data presentation
• Forms of academic writing within life sciences and the use of appropriate scientific language
• Report writing (Word processing)
• Oral presentation skills
  (PowerPoint including audio capture function)
• Poster presentations

Professional development skills

• Independent and group work
• Time management
• Note-taking skills
• Revision skills
• Professional practice
• CVs, cover letters and interviews 

The main aim of this module is to introduce and develop skills relevant to life science students with a specific focus on the following areas: literature and referencing, numerical skills, practical and data-analysis skills, communication and IT skills and professional development skills. The module provides students with the opportunity to understand and develop key skills and concepts required to support the material covered in other modules at Level 4 and in preparation for more advanced study at levels 5 and 6.

Module contents

1. An overview of the chemical components of the cell
2. Amino acids and proteins
3. Lipids and carbohydrates
4. Energy in Biochemistry - thermodynamics, bioenergetics and the role of ATP
5. Properties of enzymes
6. Principles of metabolism and regulation
7. Glucose metabolism -glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and the Krebs cycle,
   etc
8. Mitochondria and the electron transport chain
9. Spectroscopic techniques in biochemistry – UV-visible, fluorescence IR, NMR and Mass Spectrometry
10. Protein structure and function
11. Protein and DNA purification methods

The module is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the structure, properties and function of biologically important macromolecules. It will also provide them with the concept of bioenergetics, enzymes and metabolism. additionally the use of spectroscopy in biochemistry and how macromolecules are purified will be covered. 

Introduction to Physical chemistry

• Introduction to reaction kinetics
• Thermochemistry
• Chemical equilibria
• Gibbs energy and entropy

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

• Organic nomenclature, structure and reactivity
• Introduction to fundamental reaction mechanisms

Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

• Introduction to structure and bonding in inorganic chemistry
• Structure of simple solids and materials
• Acids and bases

Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

• Introduction to concepts in measurement
• Standardisation and calibration
• Introduction to qualitative and quantitative analysis, including dealing with experimental uncertainty.

Practical chemistry

• Experimental techniques and laboratory safety
• Recording observations and writing reports
• Understanding experimental uncertainty

The Chemistry Fundamentals module aims to provide a broad introduction of the basics of theoretical and practical chemistry across organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. The module is evenly split between practical and classroom and will introduce the basics techniques of laboratory chemistry and an introduction to recording experimental data and writing of reports apply the theories introduced in the classroom and the directed reading.

• • The nature of disease and pathology
  • Tissue damage and cell death processes
  • Basics of cancer biology, cancer detection and treatment
  • Haematology (functions & dys-functions of the blood)
  • Ageing and age related disease
  • Cardiovascular disease and obesity
  • Role of reactive oxygen species and cytokines in disease
  • Pregnancy related complications.

The module is intended to provide students with an introduction to the biology of disease that is applicable to human science. It will:

• Develop understanding of fundamental concepts of aetiology, pathology and epidemiology which may be applied in further studies.
• Review the causes and effects of a range of significant diseases, especially those prevalent in the UK.
• Provide an opportunity for students to develop written and presentation skills.
• Provide an opportunity to take on self-directed research of relevant topics.

Module content

1. Overview of metabolic regulation
2. Carbohydrate metabolism
3. Amino acid metabolism and the Urea cycle
4. Lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism
5. The pentose phosphate pathway and its role in red blood cells
6. Methods of studying metabolism and metabolomics
7. Rate controlling steps in metabolism
8. Allosteric enzymes and covalent modification
9. Metabolic control by hormones
10. Whole body metabolism and the role of the liver
11. Blood lipids in health and disease
12. Inborn errors in metabolism
13. Obesity and diabetes
14. Metabolic related clinical case studies

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as regulation of enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways (carbohydrate, protein and lipids), metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism (including inherited metabolic diseases). The practical work aims to give students an opportunity to further investigate and reinforce knowledge of key lecture biochemical topics through practical sessions.

• Review of the major disease processes and their descriptive terminology.

• Risk factors for, classification and aetiology of the major diseases (e.g. disorders of the immune system, organ dysfunction, cancer).

• Clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment interventions (medical and surgical) in the management of major diseases and disorders.

• Biochemical tests for selected disorders of organ function and human biochemistry.
• Interpretation of histological sections.

• Integration of physiological systems and their impact on disease progression and management, including monitoring of measurable outcomes.

• Specific classes of therapeutics, mode of action, distribution, metabolism, elimination.

A detailed understanding of diagnostics and medicine in a clinical setting.

An understanding of major diagnostic methods, therapeutic interventions and treatment strategies.

An appreciation of current research which underpins the evaluation and development of drugs in clinical and experimental settings.

The module will communicate pharmacological and bioanalytical knowledge relevant to the Biomedical Scientists and Health Care Professional.         

Support lecture programme (which will include seminars and interviews).

Programme will include standard operating procedures (SOPs), Health & Safety (COSHH, Risk Assessments), reflective writing, time and record keeping.

Specialised lectures on career pathway guidance in academia, research, industry/ NHS opportunities.

The laboratory sessions will cover the following Pathology disciplines:

Clinical Biochemistry.

Haematology & Blood Transfusion Medicine.

General Microbiology & Medical Microbiology.

Virology.

Immunology.

Histology & Cytopathology.

Databases and Bioinformatics.

During the self study period, students will be expected to complete a professional skills log and write up their laboratory reports.

To develop an understanding of regulatory issues, health and safety, and the application of academic knowledge in a pathology and general laboratory context.

Students will gain experience of applying and developing skills in an appropriate and relevant setting to make students increasingly responsible for their own learning and encourage them to value and evaluate learning through experience.

General pharmacology and toxicology

•            Definitions and aims
•            Experimental methods
•            Data acquisition and extrapolation
•            Mathematical models

Pharmaco- and toxicodynamics

•            Drug/receptor interactions
•            Dose/response curves
•            Principles of cell signalling

Pharmaco- and toxicokinetics

•            Introduction to ADME processes
•            Biotransformations
•            PKPD models
•            Dose and dosage calculations

Overview of dosage forms

This modules is designed to complement MD5018-Diagnostics and Therapeutics and will provide students with a sound understanding of the basic principles of cellular communication; that is, the concept of receptors and how their interaction with endogenous ligands and synthetic drugs/poisons is measured.

Approximately 50% of the module will cover key aspects in pharmacokinetics, which are pivotal in determining dose, dosage, and dosage form to administer, as well as introducing concepts that will be expanded at level 6 in MD6035, MD6036, and MD6037.

General part

• Medicinal plants through history.
• The importance of natural products in the industry.
• Preparation and extraction of drugs.

Special part

•            Monoterpenes.
•            Sesquiterpenes.
•            Triterpenes and saponins.
•            Cardioactive glycosides.
•            Polyphenols and tannins.
•            Anthranoids.
•            Alkaloids.
•            Antibacterials.
•            Anticancer compounds.

This modules is designed to complement MD5018 and MD5029 and will provide students with a sound understanding of the basic principles of medicinal chemistry.

Approximately one third of the module will cover key aspects in the preparation, extraction, and synthesis of natural products.

The second part of the module will introduce the students to the idea of structure-activity relationship by analysing the molecular properties of natural compounds and their pharmacology activity, as well as explaining the key (bio)synthetic steps involved in their production.

These principles are transferable to other areas of chemistry and pharmacology and will be pivotal in the Level 6 module MD6035-Drug discovery and design.

Content will include some or all of the following:

1. Toxins and Toxicity - definitions and classification

2. Toxicity testing procedures and terminology. Toxicity data analysis and limitations.

3. Responses to toxicant exposure and levels of organisation. Inter and intra-specific variation, genetics and environment.

4. Metabolism of toxins. The central role of the liver and liver damage.

5. Metabolism of toxins. The cytochrome P450 system. Detoxification and excretion.

6. Case studies of selected toxicants: distribution, mode of action, metabolism and detection.

7. Xenobiotics e.g. dioxins and PCBs

8. Synthetic insecticides e.g. organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides

9. Biotoxins e.g. Botulinum, algal toxins, ricin, aflatoxins

10. Heavy metals. e.g mercury, cadmium, lead

11. Forensic applications - Analytical technologies for scene of crime and counter-terrorism.

To develop an understanding of the mechanisms of toxic action.

To appreciate the importance of metabolism and genetics in the response of individuals to toxin exposure.

To develop an understanding of the analytical techniques and their deployment relevant to the field of forensic toxicology.

The module offers students the opportunity to engage in extensive independent study with supervision from a tutor/s. Primary scientific sources should be used to a significant extent in addition to a thorough grounding in the secondary literature.

Students will be given an introduction to the Dissertation during the Professional Skills modules, where guidance will be given on procedures that need to be carried out before any data is collected, e.g. ethical permission and risk assessment.

In Level 6 a small number of lectures will take place during the module to advise on what is expected of students, how to present data and organise work. Students will mainly be prepared for the dissertation during modules in levels 4 and 5.

To enable the student to engage in empirical research and interpretation of a selected topic relevant to their programme of study through the scholarly use of primary and other sources.

1- Principles and practice of clinical immunology, screening and diagnostics

2- Immune diseases and their mechanisms, including systemic and organ specific disorders

3- Immunology of body systems, including neuroimmunology and pregnancy

4- Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies

5- Immunology of tumours and neoplastic diseases and Immunotherapy.

6- Transplantation.

7- Prevention and Therapy of Immunologic Diseases.

The aim of the module is to give students an appreciation of the specialist area of clinical immunology in the biomedical sciences. The module will encompass various aspects related to clinical immunology such as the immunological basis of systemic and organ specific disorders, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

This module introduces students to the basic principles of drug discovery and design and assesses their knowledge in the application of these principles in the design and optimisation of these compounds.

The module will cover the following topics split into two sections of drug discovery and drug design.

Students will be tutored on the history of drug discovery and the significant milestones.

The module will also introduce students to the screening systems used in drug discovery.

The development from discovery through the bench to the bedside will also be elaborated upon.

The module will delve further into the design of these compounds starting with the classic targets including proteins and the resultant effects on these targets.

The module will introduce students to molecular modelling and computer-aided drug design.

Newer drug delivery platforms and advanced therapies (pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics) will be introduced to the students.

This module aims to introduce pharmacology students to the basic processes underlying drug discovery and drug design, from lead identification to drug optimisation including the role of genetics in these processes. The drug discovery section will provide the rationale behind drug discovery strategies, as well as elements of regulatory milestones. The drug design section will allow students to understand the key parameters that dictates the physicochemical properties and the mechanism of action of selected drugs. Moreover, students will be able to use modern tools in computer-aided drug design and optimise the structure of simple lead compounds.

Up to 25 hours lectures / small group discussions that comprises of:

Genomic sequencing and analysis

General principles of transmembrane signalling

Receptors: protein structure

G-proteins and GPCRs interactions

Properties of ion channels

Intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis

Phosphoinositide signalling: phospholipase C, Ca2+ and protein kinase C, PI3Kinase and their role in intracellular membrane trafficking.

Action of inactivation of second messengers

Receptor tyrosine kinases & receptor tyrosine phosphatases

Signalling via nuclear receptors

Cross talk and transactivation of signalling pathways

Mass spectrometry analysis

Cell signalling in cognitive disease

Cancer therapeutics

The module aims to:

• Provide an integrated treatment of the biochemical / molecular basis of signalling processes downstream of diverse extracellular stimuli,
• Emphasize signalling pathways which are mediated by cell-surface receptors.
• Provide an introduction to methodologies and data analysis of cell signalling experiments
• Develop skills in presenting data from research fields