PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Pharmacology
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
BSc or MSci
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
B210 (for BSc), B211 (for MSci)
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From September 2011 intake onwards
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Life Sciences
Parent Department:
Division
of
Pharmacology
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
Biosciences,
Neuroscience,
(if applicable)
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-faculty/degreeprogrammes/pharmacology
Method of study:
Full-time
Physiology
and
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Three A-levels with minimum grades AAB
Length of the programme:
BSc: 3 years (with optional 1 year in industry or study abroad)
MSci 4 years
(please note any periods spent away
from UCL, such as study abroad or
placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Advanced Level (Level 6)
Biosciences
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/
Biosciences07.pdf
BSc: 3 years; 4 CU per year; assessment mainly by written
examination and assessment of coursework/project work; pass mark
for individual course units is 40%.
MSci: 4 years; 4 CU per year; assessment in the first 3 years as for
BSc; in the final year pass mark is 50% in each element with an
overall average of 50%; the dissertation must be passed at 50%.
Name of Board of Examiners:
“Board of examiners in Pharmacology”
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
To provide education in pharmacology of the highest quality and so produce graduates with sufficient in-depth
understanding and appreciation of pharmacology to be successfully applied in employment, further study, or
research in pharmacology, or in a related subject, while with sufficient breadth for those who will study
pharmacology no further than first degree level to successfully use the knowledge and skills developed during the
degree in a wide range of careers.
To offer a variety of learning experiences under the supervision of teachers actively engaged in research in
pharmacology and related subjects in order to stimulate and encourage an attitude of enquiry and interest centred
on the acquisition of knowledge and a desire for understanding.
To continue to attract outstanding students irrespective of their origins and background and to develop their
knowledge, interest and appreciation of science via teaching in pharmacology.
To stimulate and sustain enthusiasm for pharmacology and to enable students to engage in the subsequent phases
of their careers with initiative and confidence in their abilities.
To encourage the development of the personal transferable skills that will be essential for students’ subsequent
careers.
To encourage an appreciation of social and commercial aspects of the application and exploitation of
pharmacological knowledge and techniques.
BSc: The programme gives students a broad foundation in Biomedical Sciences in Year 1 and provides in-depth
training in core areas of Pharmacology together, with supporting options, in the 2 nd and 3rd years. There is
emphasis on practical experience in the subject provided in all years. Development of intellectual and transferable
skills is encouraged throughout the duration of the programme.
MSci: The MSci (4th) year will provide further training in the area of experimental pharmacology, teaching important
research skills and supporting the development of additional intellectual and key skills. MSci students will thus be
prepared for a career in pharmacological research, as well accruing a broad range of skills that will be widely
applicable during their careers.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
3-year BSc:
1. The mechanisms of drug action.
2. Use and actions of drugs in medicine.
3. Research methods used to investigate
drug action.
4th year MSci:
Complex
issues
in
current
pharmacological research in specific
areas, including critical interpretation and
presentation of the student’s own
research results; application of modern
research techniques (experimental and
computer-based);
knowledge
and
understanding
of
recent
research
developments.
3-year BSc and 4th year MSci
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Acquisition of 1 continues through all years of study
through lectures, tutorials and practical, computer
simulation and data analysis exercises and self-directed
learning
Acquisition of 2 is through a combination of the above
teaching methods applied to introducing concepts of
drug action in 1st year, the systematic study of drug
action in 2nd year (25% of student time) and advanced
teaching of selected areas of pharmacology of
immediate clinical relevance in 3rd year.
Acquisition of 3 begins in 1st year with a brief
introduction to quantitative methods used in
pharmacology and is expanded in 2nd year with 25% of
student time devoted to experimental pharmacology
while lectures, tutorials and self-directed learning
explore and expand knowledge of research methods.
Advanced knowledge of research methods is developed
in 3rd year during lectures, tutorials and practical
classes and by the completion of laboratory or library
project course units.
Masters level modules wil provide opportunity to obtain
deeper understanding of current biomedical research.
The research project will provide practical training in
research skills and students are expected to show
initiative and independence in the conduct of the
experimental work.
Assessment:
A variety of assessment methods (unseen written
examinations (1,2), assessed coursework (1-3) in the
form of essays, data analysis exercises, and other set
assignments) are used to test the student knowledge
base, promote student learning and to provide feedback
to students on the effectiveness of their learning.
Experimental work in the 4th year research project will be
assessed by the supervisor report (15%), a 10,000 word
dissertation (35% supervisor + 35% 2 nd marker) and
poster/oral presentation (15%, 2nd marker).
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
3-year BSc
1. Critical and quantitative data analysis
2. Interpretation of experimental data
3. Critical reasoning
4th year MSci:
To formulate and test hypotheses through
original research.
3-year BSc and 4th year MSci
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Student intellectual skills are developed through the
teaching and learning programme outlined above which
provided discussion of key issues, practice in applying
concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and
interpretation of experimental data, and individual
feedback sessions for students on work produced.
Supervisors will liaise the student throughout the project
the provide guidance on how to critically engage with the
research topic.
Assessment:
The methods of assessment employed in the degree
programme all place emphasis on the student’s ability to
demonstrate skills 1-3 through the production of
coherent written and oral responses to the assessment
task set during the degree programme. In particular,
during the MSci 4th year, together with assessment of
project work through written and poster/oral
presentation, Masters modules will have additional
assessment in the form of extended essays based on
student interpretation of experiments in specified
research literature, or data analysis assignments.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
3-year BSc:
1. Select, collate and present information
obtained from a variety of sources
2. Obtain
and
synthesise
bibliographically-based information
3. Design valid experimental approaches
to the investigation of drug action
4. Perform experiments designed to
elucidate drug action in isolated
tissues
5. Quantify,
analyse
and
present
experimental results
4th year MSci:
Research will be conducted using current
techniques in the actual research
environment provided by research
laboratories rather than just practical
classes. This will prompt good record
keeping; handling of complex, long-term
experiments and the operation of modern
research equipment. It will engender
greater responsibility and awareness of
health and safety issues.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Skills 1 and 2 are developed in 1st, 2nd and 3rd years in
response to set course work tasks and self-directed
learning and are enhanced in 3rd year in response to
course work tasks and critical literature review required
for library and practical project reports. Students receive
guidance and instruction in lectures, tutorials and
practical classes on skills 3-5 and develop these skills in
practical classes and in completing set course work
tasks in 2nd and 3rd year.
4th year research projects will involve 9-10 weeks of
intensive practical work.
3-year BSc and 4th year MSci
Assessment:
Skills 1 and 2 are primarily assessed through set course
work and the assessment of library and laboratory
projects in final year and, in addition, by unseen written
examinations, particularly in final year when student
learning is directed towards the research literature.
Skills 3-5 are assessed in the course work and in
aspects of unseen written examinations.
Practical skill gained in taught modules are assessed
through regular write-ups of the experimental data with a
mixture of written work and oral/poster presentations. 3rd
or 4th year research project will assessed through a
dissertation, poster/oral presentation, plus assessment
of lab skills (including assessment of lab books) and viva
(4th year).
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
3-year BSc:
1. Manage time and work to deadlines.
2. Work constructively in groups.
3. Work independently.
4. Find information and use information
technology.
5. Communicate verbally and in writing.
6. Assess ideas and make valid
inferences from collected information.
4th year MSci:
In addition to the skills above, emphasis
will be on project planning; testing of
hypotheses; management of resources
and time; interpersonal skills through
teamwork with other members of the
research group.
3-year BSc and 4th year MSci
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Development of student transferable skills is achieved
within all courses which require regular written work,
prepared independently or in groups (submitted by
specific deadlines) and through discussion of feedback
on work. Skill 1 is learnt (rather than taught) through by
enabling students to experience deadlines throughout
the degree programme that are notified at the start of
each course. Skills 2 and 3 are developed in 2nd year in
practical classes and in 3rd year courses. Skills 4-6 are
developed throughout the degree programme in both
formal teaching and in self-directed student learning.
The 4th year research project provides an ideal
opportunity to develop key skills, not only through
conducting the research itself, but also through
discussion and interaction with the supervisor and other
members of the research group.
Assessment:
Assessed course work and library and laboratory project
reports are used to assess skills 1,4,5,6 while skills 2
and 3 are assessed in 2nd year practical work and by
both staff and peer assessment in 3rd BSc and 4th MSci
year. Transferable skills will be assessed through the
normal methods of assessment in all courses, as above.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Dr Talvinder S. Sihra
Name(s):
Date of Production:
9th December 2009
Date of Review:
June 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department/Teaching:
June 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
June 2014
June 2014