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Dear students, Welcome to Pharmaceutical and Chemical Science Course (PCS).

Academic induction schedule

About the course

This science course will give you the knowledge and practical skills to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical field. You will have an insight into the worlds of chemistry and biology which play a vital role in the understanding of disease and the development of effective medicines. This course explores medicinal chemistry; drug discovery and development; pharmacology; toxicology and examines the more modern aspects of these fields, one example being the use of biomaterials for drug and cosmetic formulation. You will benefit from exposure to the business models in use by the pharmaceutical industry and develop your skills to the standards set by the industry. You'll have experience in innovative research, including drug target, discovery and synthesis in our Modern Science Building. You will also benefit from the experience and knowledge of our partners who are working in the pharmaceutical industry today. We envisage developing our collaboration network in research skills with the above pharma partners.

Unit Information

In your first year you will take units that will develop basic chemical and biological ideas that will be the foundation for your future study. If we want to understand how drugs work, we need to understand what the cell and its functional components are (Cell Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry), and how more complex biological structures, collections of cells, such as tissue are organised and function (Anatomy and Physiology). Many drug targets are microorganisms, knowledge of the fundamentals of microbiology is vital (Microbiology). In the Chemistry unit you will explore concepts of chemical structure and reactivity a well as methods for measuring and characterising molecules. Some fundamental ideas in drug development will be presented in Skills in Pharmaceutical Science, together with more general scientific skills.

In the second year, we introduce units that build on the knowledge gained at year one, where the emphasis shifts to the chemical foundation of the discovery/invention of drug molecules. To fully grasp the discovery process of a novel drug and how a compound is created, firstly you will focus on metabolic transformations and the mechanisms by which the human body and immune system function (Human Metabolism, Medical Physiology, Immunology) and secondly the physiological mechanisms of drug action in the body receptor (Pharmacology). Furthermore, (Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Business Development) you will explore how drugs are discovered and designed, including the business aspects within the pharmaceutical industry and how the drug development stages are conducted with end goal of reaching the pharmaceutical market (Drug Development). Within the (Skills in Science) unit you will develop and practise a number of key subject specific skills essential for a career in science.

In the final year, more modern aspects of the pharmaceutical field will be introduced. Exploring how genes affect a person’s response to drugs, determine a drug’s potential harmful effect(s) and how particular disease states are treated through correct medicine usage (Pharmacogenetics, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Disease). To improve the success of the drug discovery and development process, biomarkers play a key role here (Translational Medicine). In System Biology you will focus on use in-silico methods, while in Biomaterials looks at the use of biomaterials for cosmetic use and the treatment of human diseases. In this year you will also undertake a research project, (Pharmaceutical Science Research Project) applying, in an experimental context, the theoretical knowledge you have gained in the previous two years. Bringing it all together!

How will I be assessed?

Our assessment tasks are varied and aim to develop your knowledge and understanding of the subject area in addition to providing both subject specific and transferable skills that will enhance your future employability. These will include different types of written and oral presentations in addition to problem-based learning activities and a Scientific/business proposal. Staff feedback on these activities will also allow you to develop reflective approach to your progress and development.

Best of luck, Dr Gerta Cami-Kobeci PCS course coordinator