UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
ADC/ASC/FINAL1
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION2
Awarding body
University of Brighton
School
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Partner institution(s) N/A
Course status
Host Department
Location of
Moulsecoomb Campus
Study/campus
Professional,
Recognised by The Royal Society of
Statutory and
Chemistry for admission to AMRSC
Regulatory Body
(associate member)
Award and titles
Award
Title
Final award
BSc Hons
Pharmaceutical and Chemical
Sciences
BSc Hons
Sandwich
Pharmaceutical and Chemical
Sciences
Intermediate award
BSc
Pharmaceutical and Chemical
Sciences
Intermediate award
Dip HE
Pharmaceutical and Chemical
Sciences
Intermediate award
Cert HE
Pharmaceutical and Chemical
Sciences
Mode of study
Duration of Maximum registration period
study
(standard)
Full-time
3
6
Sandwich
4
7
Part Time
Distance
Start date for
September 2011
programme
(month/session)
Course codes/categories
JACS code
UCAS code
FB12
QAA Subject Benchmark
CATS points for
360 (100 at L6)
course
Admissions Agency
UCAS

GTTR
NMAS
Direct to School
Admissions criteria
1
2
Delete/cross through as appropriate
Information from Part 1 is entered onto the courses database
300 points, including A2 level Chemistry. (Key Skills acceptable)
minimum B.
ND/C (level 3) merit overall, specified subjects
Kite-marked Access Course, merit in subject-specific units
Completion of a written aptitude test, the result of which will
inform the admissions process.
Contacts
Course Leader (or
Dr Gerard Gallacher
Course Development
Leader)
Admissions Tutor
Dr Alison Willows
Examination and Assessment
External Examiner(s)
Dr Ian Pulford
Examination Board(s)
Chemistry and Pharmaceutical
(AEB/CEB)
Sciences/Chemistry and Biology
Approval/start dates
Start date
(month/session)
Validation
Programme
Specification
Approval date
June 2008
April 2011
Review date
TBA
May 2012
PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims:
The aims of the programme are:
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Learning
outcomes
impart a knowledge of chemistry;
impart a knowledge of pharmaceutical chemistry;
impart a knowledge of analytical science;
provide a suitable multidisciplinary body of
knowledge as an appropriate basis for the further
professional development of its graduates in a
variety of science-based careers, particularly in
the pharmaceutical, chemical and related
industries;
educate students in the chemistry of drugs
including their design, formulation, mechanism of
action and analysis;
develop the student's ability to work safely in
the laboratory.
encourage students to develop the ability to
think logically and creatively, read critically,
communicate clearly and to develop other
transferable skills;
encourage students to take responsibility for
their own learning and for their future
professional development.
The outcomes of the programme provide information of
how the primary aims are demonstrated in students
following this programme:
Knowledge and theory:
List primary outcomes of the main award. Additionally,
these may be indicated for each intermediate award.
On successful completion of the course the graduate
should be able to:
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demonstrate a knowledge of the concepts and
principles of the chemical and pharmaceutical
sciences;
demonstrate a knowledge of analytical science and
to carry out competently (real world) analyses;
appreciate quality and quality assurance
mechanisms in appropriate industrial settings;
appreciate fundamental aspects of the manufacture
of pharmaceutical and related products;
work in the laboratory with due regard for safety
procedures and the efficient use of materials;
demonstrate relevant laboratory skills, design
experiments, evaluate and interpret the results;
critically evaluate scientific data and have an
awareness of the importance of indicating the
uncertainty of data;
seek out scientific information via a variety of
media;
demonstrate knowledge in selected areas at the
forefront of science
carry out an appropriate, supervised, research
investigation within the chemical, pharmaceutical
or biological sciences;
These learning outcomes are developed in a gradual
and continuous way throughout the course. They are
addressed to differing extents by the individual
modules.
Skills
List here the intellectual skills (ie those generic
skills relating to academic study, problem solving,
analysis, evaluation, research and so forth);
professional/practical skills.
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seek out scientific information via a variety of
media;
clearly communicate information orally or in
written form to a variety of audiences;
think logically and critically to solve
appropriate problems either as a member of a
group or individually;
demonstrate efficient skills in the use of a
personal computer

critically evaluate his/her own professional
performance and take responsibility for his/her
own continuing professional and academic
development.
These learning outcomes are developed in a gradual
and continuous way throughout the course. They are
addressed to differing extents by the individual
modules. As might be expected, virtually all of the
modules included in the programme contribute in some
way to all of the outcomes described in the QAA
Framework for HE Qualifications. Almost every single
module in the Course at level six would meet several
of the specific criteria in the Framework for award
at BSc Honours level. In particular, the quadruple
module (40 CATS) comprising a laboratory based
research project and its reporting, meets all of
them. At lower levels (Dip HE etc) it is easier to
identify Framework specifics with particular
modules. For example:
 knowledge and critical understanding of the wellestablished principles of their area(s) of study
with chemistry modules CH211, CH213, and CH250
and
 effectively communicate information, arguments,
and analysis, in a variety of forms, to
specialist and non-specialist audiences, and
deploy
key
techniques
of
the
discipline
effectively with CH210.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Levels 4 and 5 provide a scientific foundation from which to
develop specialisation in the final year. The choice of modules is
best understood in terms of three major themes (Chemistry,
Analytical Science, and Pharmaceutical Technology /Formulation) and
two supporting sub-themes (Biology and Skills). It should be noted
that certain modules support more than one theme.
The modules CH111, CH112, CH117, CH110, CH211, CH213 and provide
the chemistry background. The Level 6 chemistry modules CH311,
CH306, CH327, CH321, allow the student to study aspects of
chemistry in depth.
Biology is a sub-theme. Starting with Essential cell biology and
biochemistry (BY130) and the student then gains an appreciation of
the modes of action of drugs (PY134) and microbiology in BY243.
Analytical Science is developed through CH115 (Introduction to
Analytical Chemistry), CH108 (Introduction to Analytical Laboratory
Work), CH250 (Intermediate Analysis) and CH327 (Advanced Analytical
Methodology).
The Pharmaceutical Technology and Formulation in CH142 (Physical
pharmacy, biopharmaceutics and introduction to dosage forms) and
CH243 (Drug development formulation and product design) provides an
appreciation of aspects of the design and manufacture of drug
products.
The Skills sub-theme applies broadly throughout the course. The
initial support for this comes from the module CH117 (Study
Skills). The module is student centered and provides a starting
point for personal responsibility. The double module CH210 Critical
Skills for Chemistry Students Scientific is also strongly skills
based. The project module, CH391, provides an opportunity for the
student to demonstrate the culmination of his/her development of
most of these skills.
Placement (CH380)
The optional Sandwich Placement is organized as a 10 CATS points
module in which assessment is largely via University Staff but with
formalised input from the employer. Throughout the year long
placement the student is supported fully by the course team. In
addition to their Course Leader and Personal Tutor they have the
placement module leader and a designated staff member who will
visit the place of employment. The student can email any one of
these and has computer access to normal University and Course
support such as studentcentral. The students have formal
requirements to visit the University for assessment purposes but
usually visit on a more informal basis as well.
QAA Benchmarks
The Course (Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences) is
multidisciplinary (itself a benchmark) but recognisably chemical.
The pharmaceutical input is from pharmaceutical chemistry more than
other areas. Hence the QAA benchmarks in Chemistry inform and guide
course design. These benchmarks were recently (2007) updated which
involved little change from the original (2000) benchmarks. The
course meets the benchmarks comfortably. Subject knowledge is
evident in the modules in general, organic, inorganic, physical,
and analytical chemistry. There is a high proportion of laboratory
work and skills development and levels are those described in the
Framework (see above). The Royal society of Chemistry recognises
the course as fitting graduates for admission into associate
membership, AMRSC. An implicit demonstration that the course meets
the benchmark.
The compulsory/optional modules on the course are shown below
Level 4
(module
codes)
CH111
CH112
CH115
BY130
PY134
QM101
CH117
CH110
QM103
CH108
Status
*
Module Title
Credi
t
C
C
C
C
C
C
M
C
C
C
Introduction to Chemical and Molecular
Sciences
Fundamental Chemical and Molecular
Sciences
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
Essential Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Mathematical Skills for Scientists
Introductory Skills in molecular science
Introduction to experimental work in
Chemical and Mol Sci
Introduction to Functions and Use of
Calculus
Introduction to Analytical Laboratory
Work
10
10
10
20
10
10
10
20
10
10
Level 5
CH142
C
20
CH211
CH213
C
C
Physical pharmacy, biopharmaceutics and
introduction to dosage forms
Intermediate Chemistry I
Intermediate Chemistry II
CH250
QS201
BY243
CH210
Level 6
CH380
CH243
CH311
CH345
CH391
CH327
CH323
CH306
CH321
C
C
C
C
Intermediate Analysis
Introduction to Statistics
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Critical Skills for Chemistry Students
20
10
10
20
O
C
C
C
C
O
O
O
O
Chemistry Placement
Drug development, formulation and product
design
Advanced Chemistry
Pharmaceutics
Chemistry Project for Pharmaceutical &
Chemical Sciences
Advanced Analytical Methodology
Business Studies for Science Students
Bio-organic and Bioinorganic Chemistry
Case Studies in Environmental Pollution
10
20
10
10
40
20
10
10
10
20
20
*M = Mandatory C = Compulsory O = Optional O' = Optional only in
unusual circumstances (see under "Regulations").
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
Learning
and
The course is taught via a mixture of lectures,
teaching
laboratories, Seminars/Problem sessions guided and
independent study. The breakdown for Level 5 is given
below: Level 4 is similar. More detailed figures can be
found in the individual module descriptions.
Lectures - 220 hours
Laboratory work - 113 hours
Problem sessions/seminars/workshops - 39 hours
Guided Study - 164 hours
Independent study - 662 hours
Level 6 differs due to the laboratory research project
which is a quadruple module (161 hours of time tabled
laboratory work) and is:
Lectures - 207 hours
Laboratory work - 251 hours
Problem sessions/seminars/workshops - 14 hours
Study - 728 hours
Learning and Teaching Method
% of Student Effort
Lectures
18%
Labs
15%
Seminars/problem sessions
2%
Guided study
7%
Independent study
58%
Assessment
Assessment is via a mixture of:
Examinations
Continuous assessment of lab reports
Assignments (includes short and long questions, essays,
interpretative exercises, reflective exercises, computer
drawing and modeling)
MCQ tests and exams
Written reports
Oral presentations
Mini project reports
Continuous assessment of research project
Written report for research project
Oral assessment of research project
Continuous assessment of lab reports, MCQ tests provides
formative assessment. This is supported by seminars
discussing past exam papers. Examinations are summative.
The Sandwich placement is assessed by University staff
with input from the placement employer. Such input is
subject to discussion with and moderation by University
staff.
Learning Outcome
Assessment
1. demonstrate a knowledge
of the concepts and
principles of the
chemical and
pharmaceutical
sciences;
2. demonstrate a knowledge
of analytical science
and to carry out
competently (real
1 - 3 MCQ tests and Exams
3 - 6 laboratory reports
7 lab reports, exams and
oral presentations.
8 literature exercises in
CH210 and also
assessments in CH391
world) analyses;
3. appreciate quality and
quality assurance
mechanisms in
appropriate industrial
settings;
4. appreciate fundamental
aspects of the
manufacture of
pharmaceutical and
related products;
5. work in the laboratory
with due regard for
safety procedures and
the efficient use of
materials;
6. demonstrate relevant
laboratory skills,
design experiments,
evaluate and interpret
the results;
7. critically evaluate
scientific data and
have an awareness of
the importance of
indicating the
uncertainty of data;
8. seek out scientific
information via a
variety of media;
9. demonstrate knowledge
in selected areas at
the forefront of
science;
10.
carry out an
appropriate,
supervised, research
investigation within
the chemical,
pharmaceutical or
biological sciences.
9 Research project report
in CH391 and Exams at
level six
10
The module CH391.
1.
literature exercises
in CH210 and also
assessments in CH391
2.
oral assessments of
both lecture and viva
type
3.
problem solving
exercises in groups and
as individuals
Skills
1. seek out scientific
information via a
variety of media;
2. clearly communicate
information orally or
in written form to a
variety of audiences;
3. think logically and
critically to solve
appropriate problems
either as a member of a
group or individually;
4. demonstrate efficient
skills in the use of a
personal computer
5. critically evaluate
his/her own
professional
performance and take
responsibility for
his/her own continuing
professional and
academic development.
4.
5.
specific computer
exercises in molecular
modeling and
spreadsheets. Typing of
reports
CPD portfolio
REGULATIONS
Regulatio
The course regulations are in accordance with the
ns
University's General Examination and Assessment
Regulations (available from the school office or the
Registry).
In addition, the following course-specific regulations
apply:
Students are expected to attend all lectures, laboratory
classes, tutorials and seminars and to attempt all of
the assessment tasks. Absence with good reason may be
arranged in advance and/or covered by an absence form.
Mitigating circumstances may also apply. In the event of
the module not being passed at the first attempt,
attendance falling below 80% may result in the Exam
Board not allowing a referral.
The CPD portfolio will use the Royal Society of
Chemistry Undergraduate skills Record in preference to
studentprofile.
Some modules have a pass mark other than 40% (for
example the module BY130 has a pass mark of 50%).
The Chemistry Placement, CH380, is an optional module
for which the student has a free choice of whether to
register for it or not. If the student takes up the
placement then the module must be included in the
algorithm for calculation of the final award. Whilst
the University will provide assistance, it remains the
responsibility of students who select this module to
find a Placement.
PROFESSIONAL AND STATUORY BODY DETAILS (optional)
Recognised by The Royal Society of Chemistry for admission to AMRSC
(associate member)
LEARNING SUPPORT
Central support: all students benefit from:
University induction week
Student Handbook
Course Handbook
Extensive library facilities
Computer pool rooms (indicate number of workstations by site)
E-mail address
Welfare service
Personal tutor for advice and guidance
Careers Advisory Service
Students Union
Managed Learning Environment (Studentcentral intranet)
Course specific: in addition, students on this course benefit from:
Tutor support during Sandwich Placements
Research Informed teaching
Teaching is informed by research of very high quality. In the 2008
RAE the school scored 80% research of international quality of
which 15% was internationally leading. Particularly in the final
year, lecturers deliver on their specialist research field.
Examples would be Dr Gallacher lecturing on the bio-organic
chemistry of catalytic antibodies, Dr Cragg lecturing on the
bioinorganic chemistry of inclusion complexes, artificial ion
channels and metals in medicine, and Professor Mikhalovsky bringing
in his world wide expert contacts to talk about their work in
cleaning up environmental disasters such as the Chernobyl and the
Kursk incidents. Also in the final year the students perform a lab
based research project which is worth 33% of their final year.
These projects arise out of and become part of the research
interests of the lecturing staff.
Education for Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development - Technological developments arise out of
science, and problems generated by development are solved by
knowledge gained from further science. Therefore the course
educates students for sustainable development by studying science
and developing scientific skills, research skills and critical
thinking.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More detailed information about the course can be found in a range
of documents, including
Student Handbook
Student Intranet
University Student Handbook
General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses
QUALITY INDICATORS
This section details external indicators of the quality of the
provision
QAA Subject Review outcome and
date
National student awards
Professional accreditation:
[full details of professional
accreditation can be found
under course structure]
Recognised by The Royal Society of
Chemistry for admission to AMRSC
(associate member)