Pharmacology BSc(Hons)

​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.

Research in science ranges from finding out what is already known to carrying out investigations to add to our store of knowledge. This module provides the requisite background skills for successful completion of an Honours Degree in Biology. Basic generic skills involving literacy, numeracy and use of IT are applied to summarising, understanding, interpreting and presenting data generated by laboratory investigations. Throughout the module the emphasis is on learning the skills that will be used in various parts of the degree course. Acquisition of learning skills takes precedence over memorising facts. Learning about current topics in science involves finding peer-reviewed scientific literature (using library facilities and database searches), and summarising it with source attribution as a report using correct scientific style. Basic statistics is taught using spreadsheet and statistics programs. You'll also have the opportunity to build up a portfolio of evidence relating to your skills for Personal Development Planning.

This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts of pharmacology. The four main types of regulatory proteins (receptors, enzymes, transporters and ion channels) are discussed as potential drug targets in various organ systems. The physical processes of drug absorption and distribution around the body is also discussed, followed by a detailed account of drug metabolism and elimination. This module gives you an understanding of basic pharmacokinetics, including single-compartment and two-compartment models. You'll be introduced to competitive antagonism. Desensitisation and tolerance will also be discussed with relevant examples.

This module will lay the foundations for the study of those aspects of chemistry that are necessary in order to understand the science behind the discovery and use of medicines of chemical synthetic and plant/natural origin. The importance of physicochemical principles and the use of physical and chemical tests and analytical methods (principles, design, development and application) will include an introduction to infra-red, ultra-violet and mass spectrometry and also NMR. In the second half of the module, the chemistry and properties of the principal functional groups will be considered to highlight how physical, chemical and drug properties can be predicted.

​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.

This module considers protein structure in relation to function, in particular enzyme action and membrane mediated metabolic processes. The various types of post-translational modifications of proteins are discussed in detail, followed by an account of protein folding. Protein mis-folding, aggregation and intrinsic disorder are also discussed using prion proteins, amyloid and FnBPA as examples. Various globular and fibrous proteins illustrate regulatory strategies. Channels, pumps and cytoskeletal components illustrate higher levels of organisation of proteins. The techniques of X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM for protein structure determination are introduced. Advantages and limitations are discussed. Lectures will discuss various techniques for analysing protein structure, folding and protein-protein interactions (isothermal titration calorimetry, near and far UV circular dichroism). The structure and function of mitochondria and chloroplasts is also covered including respiration and photosynthesis pathways, focusing on electron transport chains. Mechanisms of enzyme catalysis are discussed with numerous examples (acid-base, covalent, nucleophilic, metal ion etc). In lectures, practicals and problem based tutorials you'll have the opportunity to develop the skills required for determining kinetic and inhibition constants (kcat, catalytic efficiency, Ki). Practicals will also allow you to isolate a pure protein from egg white, assess product quality and consider the commercial value of this purified material.

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.

This module introduces you to the underpinning biophysical pharmaceutics for the formulation and compounding of medicines valuable for understanding of extemporaneous preparation, but also for the rational design of existing drug formulations. The theory outlining the formulation of drugs for improved absorption, metabolism and biological targeting provides the opportunity to gain a practical understanding of efficient pharmaceutical design.

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.

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 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.

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.

This module introduces and explores contemporary methods used in molecular life sciences. It investigates technical aspects underpinning genome engineering and large-scale “omics” projects and presents applications and challenges of “omics” research using examples from a variety of model systems and approaches. The methods and challenges of investigating phylogenetic relationships between sequences and organisms are explored. The personal, societal, and ethical impacts of these developments and their effects on our understanding of genomes and evolutionary processes are considered. The computer practical parts of the module engage students with investigation of protein structure, phylogenetic techniques, and analysis of high–throughput data using publicly available datasets and resources.