Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Pharmacologists will be at the forefront of the development and design of next generation medicines for the treatment of diseases of the 21st century. As a student of Pharmacology BSc, you will be preparing to meet the challenges of developing molecules into medicines.

  In studying the UON’s pharmacology degree, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and biological action of drugs and chemicals, at the molecular, cellular and systems level and their use as medicines for the treatment of diseases.

  Our Pharmacology degree has been designed to meet the standards of the British Pharmacological Society’s (BPS) undergraduate core curriculum.  Course modules are structured using a variety of methods including lectures, seminars and laboratory practical classes. Our aim is to provide you with opportunities to be actively involved in your learning. This is facilitated by an active blended learning approach which combines face-to-face sessions with integrated online learning, implemented in our Northampton Interactive Learning Environment (NILE). For each 20 credit module you can expect approximately 48 hours of contact time during the academic year.

  Accreditation of this BSc Pharmacology degree is being sought from the Royal Society of Biology – the leading professional body for the biological sciences in the United Kingdom.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Biochemistry and Cell Biology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS1013

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give level 4 students an introduction to human biochemistry and cell biology. You will study the molecules and chemical processes that occur in living organisms, and explore the structure and function of cells, their components, and their interactions with the external environment.
    • Introduction to Microbiology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS1019

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an insight into how invading organisms can cause disease and relate human world health issues to populations. This module allows students to develop a broad understanding of infectious disease across the globe and the biology of the the causative agents, as well as examining intrinsic & extrinsic strategies to combat microbial pathogens.
    • Genetics and Molecular biology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS1020

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to give you an introduction to genetics and molecular biology. You will learn about the fundamental mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation. You will also explore how the tools of molecular biology, including cloning and PCR, allow the manipulation and understanding of genes and the proteins they encode.
    • Fundamentals of Immunology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS1021

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce the student to the basic concepts in immunology and to appreciate the clinical relevance. The syllabus will cover cell types associated with different types of immune responses including B and T lymphocytes and their various roles including antibody generation and fighting pathogens.
    • Anatomy and Physiology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS1035

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an appropriate level of understanding of the anatomy and to introduce the student to the basic principles and concepts of physiology. Enabling an understanding of different body systems and how they are integrated to produce homeostasis.The focus will be on human anatomy & physiology and will study the form and functions of the major body systems.
    • Foundations of Chemistry (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS1051

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide level 4 students with an introduction to the fundamental chemical principles necessary to understand the chemistry of biological systems. The module will study organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. It will entail studying atomic and molecular structure and chemical interactions leading to a description of the reactivity of the function groups and reaction mechanisms that are found in biological systems and the fundamental forces that underpin chemical kinetics.
  • Stage 2
    • Genes and Genomics (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS2001

      Status: Designate
      The sequencing of the human genome has enhanced our understanding of the genetic basis of disease and led to the emerging fields of both bioinformatics and genomics. This module will extend the students' appreciation of molecular biology learnt in SLS1020 while introducing students to both genomics and bioinformatics. The focus will be on applications of genomics to human disease, forensics and sports science.
    • Bioscience Research Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS2013

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of quantitative research methods, analysis and research skills within the context of human bioscience. The emphasis will be upon understanding and experiencing the entire research process from conception to presentation and developing the critical skills necessary to undertake an independent research project.
    • Processes of Life: Biochemistry (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS2016

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to give the student the opportunity to investigate the mechanisms underlying metabolic activities and physiological processes. By achieving the learning outcomes, this module aims to develop an understanding of biochemical regulation of the processes of life. Students will work toward securing the basic foundation needed to study all areas of biology, preparing them to undertake their independent research projects.
    • Cellular Pathology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS2041

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to introduce the student to the highly dynamic area of pathology exploring mechanisms of disease in cells (cytopathology) and tissues (histopathology). Students will develop a clear understanding of how disease, such as cancer, inflammation, etc., is diagnosed using changes observed and information at the tissue, cellular and molecular level. Current and novel strategies for diagnosing disease will also be explored.
    • Principles of Pharmacology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS2055

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a grounding in pharmacology that will focus on basic mechanisms of drug action, e.g. how drugs interact with the body and understand how drug action is measured quantitatively.
    • Bioinformatics (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS2057

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to bioinformatics and equip them with the ability to apply computational skills, knowledge and methods to analyse and interpret complex biological data.
    • Physiology 2 (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS2058

      Status: Compulsory
      This module emphasises the integration of sensory input and effector output that play a role in specific human behaviour. It also considers a range of human behaviours such as movement, emotion, sleep, addiction and stress, from a biological viewpoint. This module aims to help students develop skills in preparation for more independent learning in level six. To help students understand which biological systems are responsible for human behaviours and to allow students to develop and understand how body systems integrate to maintain homeostasis.
    • Systems Pharmacology and Therapeutics (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS2059

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to build on the knowledge gained in SLS2055 Principles of pharmacology. It will look at the action of drugs on the functions and diseases of different body systems; such as the cardiovascular system or the musculoskeletal system.It will be developing the knowledge of different classes of drugs used to treat the disease of modern society and look at aspects of polypharmacy and the ethical use of drugs in society.
  • Stage 3
    • Integrated Medical Genetics (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS3002

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to build on the understanding of material learnt in SLS2001. This will enable students to develop a deeper understanding of how genes behave both at the level of the individual and in populations. There will be an emphasis on linkage, association, and interaction of genes with other genes and the environment, and a discussion of how these factors influence complex traits and diseases.
    • Gene Regulation (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS3024

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to explore the complex mechanisms of genetic regulation in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms and to gain an understanding of how changes in gene expression and RNA processing can impact phenotypes or behaviours. The module aims to develop students? ability to critically interpret and use research data and publications to form conclusions about gene regulation and RNA processing.
    • Neuro-Pharmacology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS3043

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to extend the knowledge gained at level 5 in the principles of Pharmacology SLS2055 and SLS2059. It will study important neurotransmitter in the nervous system their receptors, structure, function and signalling pathways. This module will study the role of neurotransmitters in brain disorders and will describe the symptoms and pharmacological treatment of a subset of psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia. The possible underlying causes of these disorders, and advances in therapy, will be discussed in the light of the most recent research in these topics.
    • Molecular Pharmacology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS3044

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to study (in detail), the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of drugs at the molecular level; their interactions with biological macromolecules and cellular functions.
    • Toxicology (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS3045

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with an overview of how the human body is systematically affected by toxic substances.The concept of selective toxicity and the mechanisms by which drugs achieve selectively toxic effects through exploitation of comparative distribution, comparative biochemistry and comparative cytology and how some chemicals have potential as chemotherapeutic agents. It will also study the techniques used in toxicity testing and the regulations for the testing of household products and saftey at work.
    • Drug Discovery & Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLS3046

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of the drug discovery and development processes. To gain an appreciation of the preclinical and clinical stages of a development project. As well as the stages required by regulatory bodies to gain approval to market a new medicine.
    • Pharmacology Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: SLS4014

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to formulate a research question and undertake an independent research project in a chosen topic area of Pharmacology.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Pharmacology degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your pharmacology course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a pharmacology degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Placements

  An optional placement year is available for students who have successfully completed their BSc Pharmacology stage 1 and 2 studies. Advice will be given to help find placements. This will give you the opportunity to gain a year‘s extra work-based learning experience in a science related placement, spent either in the UK or abroad.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on the BSc Pharmacology degree?

  We aim to provide an environment that maximises engagement, involvement and enjoyment in your studies.  You will participate in a variety of activities that support and enhance your learning. This will include traditional face to face lessons, laboratory practicals, tutorials and online sessions through our virtual classroom.

  How many hours per week of teaching/ personal tutoring?

  Throughout the Pharmacology degree at UON, you can expect a typical week to have between 12-14 hours of taught content and an additional hour available with your designated tutor

  How will I be assessed on the Pharmacology degree?

  In each of the modules you take each semester, you will typically have 2 assessments per module. These will be through coursework and formal examinations throughout your study. An estimate of the different forms of assessment is as follows:

  • Essays 30%
  • Examinations 20%
  • Practical work 25%
  • Presentations, posters 20%
  • Time constrained tests 5%

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