Bachelor of Science (BSc)

BSc Pharmacology

Learn how drugs act on living systems, how they are metabolised and how they exert toxic effects through our flexible course.
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Year of entry: 2025
  • UCAS course code: B210 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Study abroad

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Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £34,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Course unit details:
Human Sciences EDM

Course unit fact file
Unit code BIOL21061
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

In this Experimental Design Module (EDM) you will participate in practical sessions undertaking a number of widely used modern laboratory techniques. You will develop both your laboratory and your data handling skills in preparation for your Research Skills Module in the next semester. Sessions will include PCR & clone analysis, bioinformatics, immunoblotting, histological tissue staining, ELISA and biostatistics. There will also be an opportunity to conduct human volunteer experiments, e.g. to examine glycaemic regulation in response to different carbohydrate loads.

Aims

Experimental Design Modules (EDMs) aim to equip students with the skills necessary to become proficient in a number of laboratory techniques that are carried out routinely in modern laboratories. EDMs place an emphasis on the design, data analysis and interpretation of experiments, building the expertise and knowledge that will be required to undertake the appropriate Research Skills Modules offered in Semester 2.

Learning outcomes

This unit will allow students to become proficient in making experimental choices enabling them to make amendments to technical protocols, analysing and critiquing research papers appropriate to the practical and using specialised laboratory equipment and procedures required to obtain data. Many practicals will consist of an element of data handling techniques, including statistical analysis and appropriate presentation of results.

Syllabus

PCR & Clone analysis Bioinformatics Immunoblotting Histological Tissue Staining Using ELISAs to Measure Hormone Levels Glycaemic Regulation Biostatistics

Employability skills

Analytical skills
Students develop analytical and problem-solving skills in order to fulfil the experimental design aspects of each practical.
Group/team working
Many experiments require an element of group work. Most practicals involve students working in pairs.
Innovation/creativity
Designing experimental methodology.
Project management
Project management skills are developed throughout this unit.
Problem solving
As above
Research
Research skills are developed throughout this unit.
Written communication
Practical write-up of one practical.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 10%
Written assignment (inc essay) 20%
Practical skills assessment 70%
Written assignment (inc essay) 20% Practical skills assessment 70% Attendance and completion of pre-lab assessment 10% Students will be assessed using a combination of online and in-lab assessments. In addition, students will be required to complete a full experimental report for one practical as determined by their Programme Director and academic tutor. Marks will be distributed between the in-course assessments (70%) and the full write-up (20%). Attendance at all practical and lecture sessions is compulsory. An attendance mark (10%) will be awarded only if attendance and completion of practicals including pre-lab assessments is judged to be ‘satisfactory’. Satisfactory attendance is defined as attending at least 5 of the 6 practical sessions and obtaining at least 70% for each pre-lab exercise. A mark of at least 40% is required to pass this unit. Failure of this unit will result in a resit assessment.

Feedback methods

During the practical sessions, there will be many opportunities to get immediate feedback from staff and demonstrators. Individual feedback on laboratory reports will be provided by your academic tutor.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Practical classes & workshops 30
Independent study hours
Independent study 70

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Tracey Speake Unit coordinator
Stacey Lee Unit coordinator

Additional notes

An attendance mark (10%) will be awarded only if attendance and completion of practicals including pre-lab assessments is judged to be ‘satisfactory’. Satisfactory attendance is defined as attending at least 5 of the 6 practical sessions and obtaining at least 70% for each pre-lab exercise. A mark of at least 40% is required to pass this unit. Failure of this unit will result in a resit assessment.

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