Pharmaceutical Science with Professional Placement

Kingston University

This module immerses you in the world of analytical science applied to problem solving in biochemistry, clinical chemistry, forensic analysis and pharmaceutical science applications. It develops critical thinking, helping you identify the best approaches to prepare samples, collect results and analyse data, whether it is quantitative or qualitative in various scenarios. You will build knowledge, practical skills and interpretation skills whilst implementing the analytical process model using scenario-based learning.

The module develops understanding of both Organic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry introducing important principles, reactions, and mechanisms in organic chemical reactivity as well as basic mechanisms of drug action. You will build on concepts introduced in your first year, including carbanion reactivity of carbonyl compounds, the reactions of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds, stereochemistry, asymmetric synthesis, and retrosynthesis.

This module gives an introduction to subject content that underlies many of the industrial and research areas that will provide employment for Pharmaceutical Science graduates. The module will incorporate elements of pharmacology, toxicology, immunology and pharmaceutics (including formulation science). You will receive a thorough grounding in the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion which underlies many of the pharmacological and toxicological effects of biological agents. You will learn how drug formulation affects the bioavailability of a drug and how the physiology of the human system affects these processes.

This module allows you to develop laboratory techniques and data interpretation skills through experiments that include organic synthesis, product characterisation and evaluation of various pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms.  It also develops additional research skills such as literature searches, review writing and digital skills that will be developed through the use of chemistry specific software packages (Chemdraw, Scifinder). You will be given the opportunity to develop higher level graduate attributes that are important to improving your employability, such as planning, teamwork, and presentation skills.  In addition, the range of potential careers open to Pharmaceutical Science graduates will be covered in this module.

An optional professional placement year between Years 2 and 3 provides the opportunity to gain experience of how pharmaceutical science is applied in an industrial situation.

This module deals with the pharmacology involved in the treatment of various disease types, detailing the synthetic chemistry behind the development of drug molecules. You will gain an integrated understanding of the drug development process and the rationale for identifying targets within a disease. You will learn how to evaluate the impact of structural changes on the pharmacodynamic/kinetic profile of a drug from a pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic perspective.  

This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network. You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.

The module provides you with an opportunity to undertake a scientific project and develop skills required to plan a project, develop a methodology, analyse the data and disseminate the results. There are several types of projects that may be offered to you: laboratory, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, computer simulations, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, analysis, and original presentation of reported research data. Your project will include a review and critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information and data to address a hypothesis or research question, and the production of a written report.

This module provides an advanced overview of drug delivery and formulation within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. It explores modified and targeted dosage forms, biomaterials, polymers, and formulation design in the context of product stability, safety, and quality. You will develop a critical understanding of how drugs are designed, produced, and evaluated for clinical use, while examining the regulatory and operational aspects of the industry such as patents, quality assurance, and health and safety.

This module builds on the foundation gained in your second year, and increase your knowledge of spectroscopy so you will develop a more rigorous theoretical understanding. You will be trained in current advanced analytical techniques used in industry, exploring concepts of quality control, such as the application of chemometrics.