Teaching and assessment for Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

This module addresses the structures and biochemical properties of key biological molecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. You will discover how enzymes work and look at their importance in the catalysis of biological reactions. The module also considers the origin of cells, and examines their main components.

You will continue to develop the research skills introduced during the previous semester. Undertaking a short independent research project will help you practice and extend your technical capabilities. You will gain understanding and practical experience of techniques such as PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis.

The module addresses the cell cycle and cell replication, and the transfer of information from DNA to protein. It considers physiological systems and the specialisation and organisation of cells into the major organ systems. It develops an evolutionary perspective by considering the above processes and structures in diverse organisms.

Science does not exist in isolation from the wider world.

​Examine how scientific research intersects with public understanding, media coverage and societal impact.

​You will develop practical science communication skills. This includes creating content to convey a topic of scientific interest to a non-specialist audience, supported by written justification and personal reflection.​ 

How do cells talk to each other, and what happens when those conversations go wrong?

You will explore the key mechanisms of inter- and intra-cellular communication. You will study topics like the action of hormones and neurotransmitters to signalling in plants and the regulation of the cell cycle.

The module is grounded in both biological and biomedical contexts.

You will undertake a structured laboratory project. This will provide experience in the use of different types of laboratory equipment, and foster proficiency in a variety of practical techniques. You will develop skills in written presentation, experimental planning, time management, group working, reflection and self-assessment of your own skills.

​​You will learn about how key systems of the human body work. This will include muscles, the heart and the lungs. 

​You will study the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of each system under normal conditions. You will also look at them in response to factors such as disease and exercise.​

You will explore the fundamental biochemical and biological processes that regulate life.

The module covers key metabolic pathways and the workings of the innate and adaptive immune systems.

You will also be introduced to specialist topics, such as the microbial world and microbiomes, virology, plant development and health, and genomics.

​​Programming is becoming an essential skill for modern life scientists. 

​This module gives you a hands-on introduction to Python 3. This will cover the core concepts of programming such as: 

• ​variables and control statements 
• ​functions, data structures and file handling 

​You will also explore Biopython. This is designed for working with biological data. You will also develop the practical skills to write and test your own Python scripts for problem solving and data analysis.

This module explores the structure, organisation, and function of the human body

In this module you'll learn how the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems function. You'll also learn about common pathologies and drug action in these systems.

In this module, you'll learn how the nervous, endocrine, and digestive systems work. You'll look at common diseases or disorders, and what effect drugs have on them. 

In this module, you'll learn how to use numbers and data to understand how medicines work. This includes mathematical descriptions of how drugs attach to parts of the body (receptors). It also includes how the body absorbs, uses, and gets rid of them (pharmacokinetics).

This module gives you a thorough grounding in immunology, from the cells and tissues of the immune system to how they coordinate responses against pathogens.

You will also explore the clinical consequences when these responses go wrong, including allergy, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases