Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc(Hons)

This module teaches you to recognise a range of functional groups and to name systematically compounds that contain them. Structure and bonding in organic compounds are discussed, as are the concepts of the octet rule, orbital hybridisation, formal charge, bond polarisation and resonance. The importance of molecular geometry is introduced and the basic principles of molecular conformation and of stereochemistry are covered. In preparation for the chemistry to follow, an integrated treatment of the 'language of chemical change' is presented. The ideas of mechanism and reaction intermediates are met, together with the curly arrow symbolism which chemists use to represent the electron movement inherent in chemical reactions. In the second half of the module, the chemistry of the principal functional groups is considered, using the ideas developed earlier. The lecture programme is reinforced by regular tutorials in which problems are worked. Running parallel to the lecture programme is a continuously assessed practical course that introduces you to the basic techniques of preparative organic chemistry.

This module covers four areas of physical chemistry: Units, Conversions and the Properties of ideal and non-ideal Gases, Solution Chemistry of Acids, Bases and Salts, Reaction Kinetics and Catalysis, and Introductory Thermodynamics

This module introduces you to the underpinning physical pharmaceutics and the skills appropriate for the formulation and compounding of medicines prepared extemporaneously. You'll also be introduced to a range of dosage forms and will adopt best practice in the preparation of a range of extemporaneous preparations including sourcing formulae, performing calculations and record keeping.

​Biochemistry 1 gives a basic account of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, particularly proteins and is illustrated by reference to such molecules as haemoglobin. A firm grounding in enzyme action is provided and this is supported by a number of practical classes. The relationship between genes and proteins and the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology are emphasised. A foundation in the study of metabolism is provided, directing you towards an understanding of the underlying principles rather than rote learning of metabolic pathways. The subject provides the basis for further studies in subjects such as Cell Structure and Pharmacology. The subject is delivered by formal lectures and in laboratory classes. However your learning is supported by tutorial classes, the provision of web-based material and, where necessary, a limited amount of individual tuition.

This module covers all the major organs of the body together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function. Emphasis will be directed to the concept of homeostasis and the integration of dynamic processes involved in the maintenance of health.

In this module you'll have the opportunity to consolidate the interpretative skills learnt in the module Analytical Science 1 and extend these to the analysis of spectra from more complex organic molecules. The majority of samples encountered in analytical science are mixtures, you'll be introduced to the basics of the most widely used forms of chromatography and a number of application areas of each will be described including the application of combined separation and spectroscopic techniques. Additionally you'll be introduced to a selection of instrumental analyses including atomic spectroscopy, thermal methods and electrochemical techniques, and statistical methodology which provide solutions to many of the analytical problems which are encountered in modern society. This module aims to develop your abilities in these directions to enable you to design an analytical process whilst further developing your IT, communication and numerical skills.

This module builds on the pharmaceutics provided in the first year module Pharmaceutics 1. You’ll be introduced to the pharmaceutical dosage form, design of tablets and capsules, and have the opportunity to gain an understanding of biopharmaceutics together with an appreciation of bioequivalence, which supports the choice of medicines. The module will also introduce you to the basics of pharmaceutical industrial practice, for example, pre-formulation issues and unit processes and controls, the application and theory of GMP including standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The aims of this module are to introduce you to a range of pathogens responsible for major and emerging infectious diseases globally. To outline how pathogen biology not only influences pathology and transmission of disease, but is also the target for therapeutic intervention. We'll provide you with an overview of the drug discovery pipeline and other factors involved in the control of infectious diseases. This module also covers the mechanisms of action of existing and potential new therapies and discusses the significance of infectious diseases in the context of 21st century life. It also introduces the emerging importance of the commensal microflora and the concept of dysbiosis in the aetiology of a range of pathologies. The bases of pathogenicity and virulence for a range of bacterial, eukaryotic and viral pathogens will be addressed alongside discussion of current and prospective treatments for the diseases caused by these micro-organisms. The emerging importance of commensal microflora and the concept of dysbiosis in the aetiology of a range of human pathologies and antibiotic/drug-resistance are also important themes in this medical microbiology-themed module. Infectious diseases significant in a UK context and more widely in a global context will both be addressed. Lectures and assessment will cover bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic pathogens, which are the aetiological agents of human disease in tropical and temperate countries. Lecture content will include discussion of leading causes of mortality globally: e.g. cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV-AIDS. Threats posed by antibiotic resistance, challenges and opportunities associated with new medicine development, and the significance of emerging diseases against a backdrop of climate change will all be addressed.

​This module will extend and develop your understanding and knowledge of cell biology with a particular focus on how cells communicate and the importance of this for multicellularity. Key themes include regulation of the passage of molecules across the cell membrane, intracellular and cell surface receptors, signal transduction pathways and second messengers. The role of the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix and selective cell adhesion in formation of tissues are also considered. You will gain an understanding of different techniques that are used to study cell biology. The practical component of this module will help you to develop your laboratory practical skills and ability to analyse and present acquired data.

The module builds on the basic physiology that was studied in the first year. The organisation and regulatory roles of the nervous system are considered and their interaction investigated. The central nervous system (CNS) will be investigated and the functions associated with its anatomical regions. Interactions such as sensory and motor integration, sleep-wake cycles and higher mental functions (consciousness and memory) will also be introduced. Endocrine physiology and hormonal control will also be considered with integration of activities of the nervous and endocrine systems.

In this module the basic description of separation science provided earlier in the course will be expanded and extended. Recent developments in the subject will be discussed in terms of basic chromatographic theory. The application of separation methods to the identification and quantification of drugs and their metabolites in toxicological samples will be discussed. The metabolism of drugs, in so far as this process impinges upon the analytical methodology employed in toxicological analysis, together with the effects of sample type and their storage will be highlighted.

In this module you'll be provided with an overview of contemporary spectroscopic techniques and their relevant areas of application. In mass spectrometry you'll be introduced to the range of ionisation and scanning techniques and the ways in which the coupling of chromatographic methods with mass spectrometry can enhance and extend the capabilities of both methods. In NMR you'll have the opportunity to consider a range of advanced experimental methods to enhance the quality of the analytical information which can be obtained. Modern electroanalysis is a powerful and versatile analytical tool for investigating a wide range of analytical problems. This module will introduce you to a selection of these methods and will illustrate the practicalities, uses and limitations of these techniques. Sensor technologies represent a rapidly expanding area of analytical science. The module aims to familiarise you with the wide range of fields, which contribute to sensor developments, and then to reinforce this knowledge with pertinent examples such as glucose monitoring systems for diabetics.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of adaptive and innate immunity. Detailed discussion is also provided for a broad range of parasites, bacterial pathogens and viruses and the dynamic interaction occurring after infection of a susceptible host: the host’s immune response; the evasion, inactivation, and/or manipulation strategies deployed by the microbial invader. Key experimental techniques commonly used in immunology research and in the diagnosis/monitoring of disease are also discussed.

The aim of this module is to extend the knowledge of use of drugs from years 1 and 2 to the management of disorders in the CNS and Cancer. CNS topics will include depression, psychosis and anxiety, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. Other topics will include pain and the use of opioid analgesics, CNS stimulants, psychotomimetics and the physiological basis of drug dependence and drug abuse. The mechanisms of general and local anaesthesia with reference to the CNS and the peripheral nervous system will be covered. Pharmacology of drugs in cancer treatment will be covered. Further lectures on applied pharmacokinetics will complement the kinetic lectures covered in years 1 and 2. This is in addition to including drug-drug interaction.

This module extends your understanding of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics, and relevance to an extended range of dosage forms. Different delivery methods, routes of delivery and formulation type will be individually reviewed including oral and aerosol formulations. Formulation approaches to targeting the different routes of delivery (buccal, colon, rectal, nasal ophthalmic, pulmonary and transdermal) will also be covered. The structure and the nature of the barrier properties of the tissue will be discussed in terms of the advantages afforded by delivery to the site and strategies for maximising absorption. The design, manufacture and performance of modified release drug dosage forms and factors governing release kinetics from reservoir, osmotic and monolithic systems and mathematical calculations will be covered. Aspects of formulation and the importance of pharmaceutical analysis to maintain the quality, safety and efficacy of the product will be consolidated in the practicals and case-study. Pharmaceutical analysis including thermal, and rheological analyses are covered along with release testing, UV analysis, aerosol testing and particle sizing.

This module provides the opportunity for you to learn about a range of different chronic diseases that can affect human health and quality of life. The underlying biology associated with some of these chronic diseases will be studied, the mechanism(s) by which they arise or develop and current treatments. There will be a particular focus on cancer as an example of a complex chronic disease. Other chronic diseases to be studied will be chosen to reflect recent advances in knowledge or treatment of a disease.