University of Bradford
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Awarding and teaching institution:
Final award:
Programme title:
Programme accredited by:
Duration:
UCAS code:
Subject benchmark statement:
Date produced:
University of Bradford
BSc (Honours) [English National Qualifications Framework level
H]
Pharmacology
3 years
Biosciences
Original March 2002: Revised October 2005
Introduction and Programme Aims
The British Pharmacological Society recently identified the need for more pharmacology graduates to enter the
pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, with the development of the Human Genome Project there is an
increasing need for pharmacology graduates who have an understanding of molecular cell biology, the DNA
technologies and their application in the identification of molecular targets for drug design. Opportunities for
such graduates exist particularly in the expanding biotechnology industries. In accordance with the University's
mission, 'Making Knowledge Work' the School of Life Sciences is offering a BSc course in Pharmacology
designed to enable you to take up these opportunities. The course is informed by research and multiprofessional teaching within the Department of Biomedical Science and the School of Pharmacy and
complements existing provision in professional courses allied to medicine e.g. Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences,
Optometry, and Clinical Sciences.
With reference to teaching and learning, this course aims to:
Deliver a comprehensive and broadly based programme of study leading to a BSc (Hons) degree in
Pharmacology.
 Provide a supportive and structured environment in which students are provided with opportunity to
develop the independent study skills required for lifelong learning;
 Develop subject knowledge and understanding to enable students to pursue careers in the Pharmaceutical,
Biotechnology and other Health related industries, the wider work environment and/or further study;
 To provide students with the opportunity to enhance their learning through an intercalated year;
 Develop personal transferable skills to enable students to transfer to the work place, undertake further study
and develop their careers.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes indicate what a graduate should know and understand and be able to do on successful
completion of the programme. They are informed by the HEFCE benchmark statement in Biosciences and the
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. On completing this course you will have acquired the
following:
Knowledge and Understanding: the ability to evaluate and critically discuss core areas of both the
Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology. Optionally, the ability to evaluate and critically discuss specialised
areas of the Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology including Molecular and Genetic Basis of Disease,
Neuropharmacology, Molecular Pharmacology and Cardiovascular and Endocrine Pharmacology;
 Discipline Specific Skills: experience of experimental techniques laboratory techniques and be able to
apply them to experimental investigations; the ability to write and interpret scientific reports; the ability to
collect, interpret and critically review scientific data. Optionally you will have the opportunity to further
develop these skills through an intercalated year;
 Personal Transferable Skills skills in critical and analytical thinking; the ability to use and apply
numerical and statistical techniques; the ability to use a range of personal transferable skills that are
required in a working environment and prepare you for lifelong learning. Optionally you will have the
opportunity to further develop these skills through an intercalated year.
This course permits you to include a year between level 2 and Level 3 working in industry or public service to
gain work experience of a scientific or industrial environment.
Effective for the academic year 2001-2002
© 2001 University of Bradford
The curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a broadly based education in the first two-years and offers optional
routes of study in third year. At Stage 1 and 2 all modules are core to ensure that you have a good foundation
in both the Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology. At Stage 3, the curriculum allows you to further develop
your knowledge of Pharmacology and associated complementary areas of the Biomedical Sciences. A variety
of option choices are available to allow specialisation and in-depth study of areas that reflect the research
expertise of the school. Critical and analytical skills will be developed throughout the course particularly in the
final year research project. Personal transferable skills designed to assist your transfer from University to the
working environment or further study are embedded at all levels of the curriculum. The curriculum may
change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures, as improvements are
made each year. More detail, including learning outcomes is available for each unit.
Unit code
BM1105L
BM2107M
BM1113M
BM1110M
BM1111M
BM1108L
BM2109M
BM2108D
BM4101M
BM3108L
PH2220D
BM3110M
BM3102M
BM3103M
BM4107D
BM3104D
BM4201M
BM6126D
PH3000D
BM5119D
BM6122D
PH-3237D
BM3008KM
PH3001D
BM6127D
BM6123D
Unit title
Type
Credits
Level
Sem
Developing Professional Skills 1
Human Genetics
Introduction to Biological Molecules
Cells and Tissues
Cell Biology
Medical Physiology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Reproductive Biology and Embryology
Human Physiology and Pharmacology
Introduction to Pharmacological Techniques
Developing Professional Skills 2
Clinical Biochemistry
Immunology
Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology
Pathology
Analytical Biochemistry
Biochemical and Behavioural Pharmacology
Neuropharmacology
Gene Expression and Cellular Communication
Molecular and genetic basis of disease I
Critical Evaluation in Pharmacology
Research Project
Molecular Pharmacology
Cardiovascular and Endocrine Pharmacology
Molecular and genetic basis of disease II
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Core
Optional
Optional
Optional
20
10
10
10
10
20
10
20
10
20
20
10
10
10
20
20
10
20
20
20
20
20
40
20
20
20
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1+2
1
1
1
1
1+2
2
2
2
1+2
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1+2
2
2
2
At level 3 you can choose one from 4 20 credits in semester 1 and 2 from 3 20 credit modules in semester 2.
Assessment regulations: a summary (the full and most recent progression regulations are maintained on the
Web)
To pass and proceed from each stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a classified Honours award, you
must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits.
The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the overall weighted marks that
you receive for each stage. Stage 2 contributes 30% and stage 3 70%. The classes and divisions of the Honours
degree are awarded on the basis of the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
Effective for the academic year 2001-2002
© 2001 University of Bradford
70.0% or above:
60.0% or above:
50.0% or above:
Otherwise:
First Class Honours
Second Class Honours – First Division
Second Class Honours – Second Division
Third Class Honours
If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education; if you complete
stage 2 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education. The learning outcomes for these
awards and the final award are consistent with those of Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes for the course, progression
through levels of study, the nature of topic studied and the need for you to demonstrate greater autonomy in
your learning as you progress through the course.
Level 1 provides a foundation in the general principles of biomedical sciences and Pharmacology. You will
develop your knowledge and understanding of scientific principles, laboratory and study skills. You will begin
to analyse and interpret scientific information. At level 2, you will further develop your knowledge,
understanding and skills and begin to specialise in your area of study. You will continue to develop autonomy
in your learning and take increasing responsibility for achieving learning outcomes. At Level 3, you will study
specialised areas in-depth and develop, particularly through the project, research skills and critical and
analytical skills. You will also have the opportunity to take responsibility for achieving, group and personal
learning outcomes. Personal transferable skills are embedded throughout the course and will be taught,
practised and assessed at all levels. Teaching methods consist of lectures to develop knowledge, laboratory
classes and project work to develop laboratory and research skills and workshops and case studies to develop
research and self-learning skills. The assessment strategy is designed to allow you to demonstrate achievement
appropriate to the individual module, level and course learning outcomes consistent with the Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications. At stage 1 you will be examined, primarily, on the breadth of knowledge via
MCQ and short answer examinations Coursework assignment will give you the opportunity to gain experience
in report writing. As you progress through stage 2 and 3 you will have the opportunity to demonstrate
increasing skills of analysis, synthesis and criticism through a wide variety of assessment strategies, including
essay style examinations, report writing, group work, critical appraisal, case studies, simulation exercises, and
dissertations. Coursework and examinations will give you the opportunity to demonstrate written
communication skills and competence in the use of IT. Group exercises will develop and assess team-working
skills and presentations will develop and assess oral communication skills.
Admission requirements
We anticipate admitting approximately 20 undergraduates to the degree programme each year. In addition to
fulfilling the University's general entrance requirements, you will need to fulfil the Department’s specific
requirements, including (if not offered at A level) a dual science award or biology and chemistry, mathematics
and preferably, English at GCSE.
The usual route for entry onto the degree course is expected to be A-levels, which should include two science
subjects, preferably biology and chemistry. The admission criterion is normally 260 points (e.g., BCC). Two
AS levels are accepted in place of a third A-level subject.
Applications are also welcomed from candidates with qualifications equivalent to or superior to A-Levels, and
each is considered on its merits. BTEC candidates should have an overall pass, plus at least four merits in
appropriate science subjects gained in the second (final) year. Candidates with an AVCE in science should
have at least 260 points via a combination of units.
Scottish candidates should normally offer 260 points with at least 80 points in both biology and chemistry, and
at least 40 in mathematics. Candidates with a Irish Higher leaving certificate should offer B,B,B,C,C with
biology and chemistry at grade B, and mathematics; all passed at one sitting. Applicants with alternative
qualifications, and mature students with experience and motivation should contact the Admissions Tutor for
details of how prior learning and experience may be used during the Biomedical Sciences admissions process.
Effective for the academic year 2001-2002
© 2001 University of Bradford
Student support and guidance
The university and the departments have well-deserved reputations in this area. You will be allocated a
personal tutor in your area of study. You will also be supported in your studies by university and departmental
student handbooks and by module study guides. The support provided by the departments is enhanced by a
strong university infrastructure, including particularly the Disabilities Office and the Careers Service, and the
Library and Computing facilities.
Further information If you would like more information about the University of Bradford, please check the
undergraduate prospectus. More details about the course can be obtained from the Admissions Tutor of the
Biomedical Sciences Department.
Effective for the academic year 2001-2002
© 2001 University of Bradford