Curious about studying Pharmaceutical Sciences - BSc (Hons)at University of Greenwich? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
University of Greenwich (Medway Campus)
Sandwich
Sep 2026
4 Year
Our pharmaceutical sciences degree covers all relevant disciplines from biology to pharmacology. It delivers theoretical knowledge plus plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience in the lab.This degree will give you a broad understanding of pharmaceutical sciences. It explores areas such as biochemistry, biology, physiology, pharmacology, and drug design and delivery. You will also get practical experience with a project and laboratory work.Graduate careers include roles in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, research and development, food industries, quality control and manufacturing. The course is a stepping stone to qualified person status with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. You can also apply for membership of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This module aims: to provide students with the basic chemical concepts essential for the life sciences; to introduce students to the principles of chemical bonding and intermolecular interactions; to provide students with a basic knowledge of organic chemistry, chemical reactions and equilibria, visible spectroscopy and chromatography. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: Distinguish between types of chemical bonding and describe common geometries of simple covalent molecules; Identify functional groups of organic molecules and recognise isomerism; Suggest appropriate separative methods for a range of simple mixtures; Predict changes in reaction mixtures at equilibrium.
This module aims: to introduce students to the structure and properties of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids and to the relationship between structure and biological function; to introduce the fundamental science of enzymes as biological catalysts and the role of cofactors; to describe the central dogma of molecular biology: gene replication, transcription and translation; to introduce the concept of ethics in scientific research. On completing this course successfully you will be able to: Discuss the properties of water, and its importance in living systems; Explain the concepts of pH, and acid-base balance; Describe the structure of the monomeric units of carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids; Describe how these monomeric units are joined together to form biopolymers; Discuss the diversity of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids and relate their structure to function; etc.
This module aims: to provide a background to the structure, growth, division, evolution and death of viruses, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and to introduce the genetics of eukaryotes; to give the theoretical basis of methods for studying cells and their components; to provide a fundamental grounding in the organisation and regulation of physiological processes. On completing this course successfully you will be able to: Identify the components of the cell and know their basic functions; Discuss the principal concepts of cell growth with particular reference to bacteria; Explain the biological organisation and function of membranes; Explain, at a basic level, the nature of the gene, the genetic code, DNA replication and gene transmission in eukaryotes; Describe the mechanisms that regulate physiological processes in animal cells; Discuss the concept of co-ordinated control of physiological systems.
This module aims to introduce students to the key stages in modern drug discovery and pharmaceutical product development. The module shows the role organic chemistry plays in drug optimisation while developing students? understanding of reaction mechanisms. PHAR0012 also develops students? problem solving and library research skills through report preparation and spectroscopy structural determination problems. On completing this course successfully you will be able to: Outline the key stages in the development of a novel API or marketed therapy, comparing drugs from synthetic and biological sources; Explain drug action and biomolecule recognition in terms of intermolecular forces and stereochemistry requirements; Describe electron movements in key organic reactions by drawing example mechanisms; Solve structures of simple drug-like organic molecules based on spectroscopic data.
This module aims: to develop organisational and self-management skills; to develop a range of competencies including general transferable skills and technical skills in the laboratory; to extend the students? skills in observation, measurement, data presentation and interpretation; to assist the development of the understanding of associated theory courses (chemistry); to enable students to take personal responsibility for their personal and professional development. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: Demonstrate the necessary skills for independent reflective learning and take responsibility for their own academic, personal and career development and planning; Apply a number of core competences essential for graduate study including numeracy, communication, basics of ICT packages and research informed learning; Select appropriate laboratory apparatus and equipment, conduct experiments in an organised manner, outline observations with care and make accurate measurements; Present data in a suitable format, calculate results and where appropriate draw conclusions.
This module aims: to develop organisational and self-management skills; to develop a range of competencies including general transferable skills and technical skills in the laboratory; to extend the students? skills in observation, measurement, data presentation and interpretation; to introduce students to more specialised techniques appropriate to associated theory courses; to assist the development of the understanding of associated theory courses. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: Select and use appropriate laboratory apparatus and techniques to conduct experiments in an organised manner; Make observations and measurements accurately and with care; Carry out all these operations in a manner sensitive to the demands of safe and efficient working; etc.
The aims of this course are: to provide the necessary background for students to appreciate the relevance and importance of rigorous data and the methods required to process scientific data; To provide students with the relevant tools to plan, and carry out investigations in an appropriate manner; To gain an understanding of a range of chemical analytical techniques, and to be able to apply these basic principles to a chosen specialised area. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods for analytical data interpretation; Understand the importance of critical analysis in research; Describe and select an appropriate analytical method to solve a particular problem.
This module aims: to provide a theoretical and practical study of the structure and reactions of organic compounds of biological significance; To enable students to devise and carry out synthesis of simple target molecules; To introduce students to the multidisciplinary approach used in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) development programmes; To give an insight into the industrial environment and the skills required for API manufacture; To highlight the importance of typical API documentation, Good Laboratory and Good Manufacturing Practices (GLP, cGMP); To demonstrate how documentation associated with validation activities supports process research and development; To encourage students to acknowledge the importance of teamwork during data measurement, data analysis and statistical process control in the manufacturing environment.
The aims of this course are: to have an understanding of the morphology and biological character of viruses, bacteria and fungi; To introduce the control of these organisms, and aseptic working; Preservatives and preservative testing; To be able to relate the design of a product with the pharmacokinetic parameters of the active agent; To introduce the concepts of thermodynamic stability and kinetic stability; Calculate pharmacokinetic constants from plasma and urine data and interpret the findings; To appreciate the importance of pre-formulation issues; To appreciate the use of colloids and colloid stability in pharmaceutical formulation; To gain an appreciation of the factors involved in the production of a formulated product to a specification; To be able to describe the characteristics and uses of the main dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, pulmonary aerosols, injectables and transdermal delivery systems.
This module aims: to develop students' understanding of the roles and limitations of homeostatic control and regulation; To examine the factors which contribute to the integrated control of representative examples of different physiological systems; To provide a fundamental pharmacological knowledge of the principles of drug action including the concept of drug action at cell, tissue and system levels; To introduce malfunctions in normal physiology that contribute to pathophysiological conditions and relate mechanisms of drug action to therapeutic intervention of these diseases.
Aims: To develop students' understanding of the roles and limitations of homeostatic control and regulation; To examine the factors which contribute to the integrated control of representative examples of different physiological systems.
This module aims: To provide the necessary background for students to appreciate the relevance and importance of rigorous analytical data and the methods required to process chemical, forensics and pharmaceutical sciences data; To provide students with the relevant tools to plan, and carry out investigations in an appropriate manner; To gain an understanding of the skills and attributes required for a graduate to be successful in the employment market and in their own personal growth. On successful completion of this course a student will be able to: Identify, select and apply appropriate statistical methods for analytical data interpretation; Understand the importance of critical analysis in analytical research and data presentation; Employ self-reflection to identify strengths and weaknesses in the student?s skillset and adopt a plan to develop themselves and prepare for the employment market. This should reflect the University Greenwich Graduate Attributes, Sustainable Development and research informed learning; Appropriate use of analysis software, data recording, data management and presentation, and bibliographic management.
Placement Year
The placement helps students synthesise knowledge and skills acquired during the first two years of the degree programme and apply them appropriately in a working environment under the supervision of an employer. It provides students with the opportunity to manage and enhance the development of their own personal skills, acquire and develop a range of skills such as communication skills, professional awareness, technological skills, employability skills, and have the opportunity to apply them in a work environment. It also aims to provide students with an opportunity to work supervised and unsupervised with an appreciation of work ethics.
This course aims to introduce, develop and secure a coherent strategy for the acquisition and interpretation of analytical data directed towards the solution of chemical/pharmaceutical problems.
This course aims to introduce, develop and secure a coherent strategy for the acquisition and interpretation of analytical data directed towards the solution of analytical problems. The specific aims are: to apply appropriate mathematical and statistical methods to critically evaluate data; to provide an integrated approach to solve and assess the statistical significance of analytical data; to make recommendations based upon data analysis to assist research and commercial decision-making processes.
The aims of this course are: to develop an understanding of the processes for the rational design of drug molecules and the development and delivery of drug products; To acquaint students with the modes of action of commercially important drugs; To provide students with a fundamental understanding of factors governing the relationship between drug structure and biological activity; To extend students' knowledge of organic chemistry in relation to pharmaceutical target compounds; To extend students? fundamental understanding of physical chemistry, product formulation and drug/membrane interactions; To introduce novel pharmaceutical formulations; To introduce students to "state of the art" drugs such as "gene medicines" like antisense drugs; To examine some aspects of the Regulatory process.
This course aims to introduce, develop and secure a coherent strategy for the acquisition and interpretation of analytical data directed towards the solution of chemical/pharmaceutical problems. The specific aims are: to develop an understanding of the appropriate use of analytical methods; critically review the scientific literature in order to gain understanding of the applications of modern instrumental methods; develop an understanding of the advantages and limitations for instrumental techniques.
The aims of this course are: to provide an opportunity for personal development in applying prior theoretical and practical learning to a specific project and to demonstrate the ability to carry out a sustained piece of work. The project can be laboratory-based or a critical appraisal /meta analysis of current research, and it should be appropriate for the student?s programme of study. On completing this course successfully you will be able to: Work independently and apply your knowledge and skills to the solution of a specific practical or theoretical problem; Critically assess research results and the work of others i.e. published material; Use all relevant literature sources to carry out a detailed search into a general topic and specific scientific problem; Be competent in practical and manipulative skills in solving practical problems, and/or analysis of theoretical research; Prepare a detailed and structured report on the project, with a critical assessment of the work done and the results achieved, and appropriate recommendations from the conclusions drawn.
4.3The University of Greenwich is a leading higher education institution whose driving force is an ethos of ‘no limits'. Th...
