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MPharm Pharmaceutical Science
The University of Hull - Physical Sciences
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Course Summary
- Type: MPharmSci
- Location: Kingston upon Hull
- Duration: 4 Years
- Deadline: Ongoing
Course Description
OverviewPharmaceutical science embraces the full range of chemistry and aspects of biochemistry and biology dealing with interactions of drugs and diseases at the molecular level.
Chemistry is important through all stages of pharmaceutical production – drug design, synthesis, biological action, formulation and delivery. Toxicology, the molecular science of toxic effects, and analytical chemistry, to establish purity and assess contamination, are also fundamental to pharmaceutical science.
There is always a need for new medicines to tackle intractable and new diseases and to replace ageing and less potent drugs. The genetic and proteomic revolutions are transforming the science of medicine.
These developments and the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical industry require scientists able to lead research across traditional disciplines. Pharmaceutical science is a truly interdisciplinary science, and these wide-ranging programmes provide a broad but thorough background in the chemical, biological and technological basis of medicinal agents.
Course structure
The first two years
Study in the first two years combines aspects of chemistry and biology that relate to medicines, including the biochemistry of the body, drug design and the medical and molecular basis of disease.
The third year
Students pursue advanced topics in genetics, proteomics, toxicology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Alongside these scientific courses, students also study key aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, including legislation, property rights and marketing.
Practical work includes hands-on experience of advanced synthetic, formulation and instrumental techniques and modern computer-based drug design strategies. In the second semester, students join a research group to conduct a research project. All students present their research results to the department. Presentation, communication, computer, internet, information retrieval and problem-solving skills – essential for all careers, scientific or otherwise – are thus integrated within the courses.
The fourth year
All students take advanced modules in clinical chemistry and analysis, drug design and delivery, along with specialist courses in molecular medicine such as chemotherapy and radiopharmaceuticals. Throughout the year, students develop a research project, normally in the biological chemistry or analytical science research groups in the department, employing the same methodology used in an industrial or academic setting. In the first semester, students develop an understanding of the context, potential benefits and worldwide knowledge-base of their chosen research area, using databases and internet-based resources. Most of the laboratory work for the project is carried out in the second semester.
The students present their research results to the department, write an extended dissertation detailing their results and conclusions and construct a website to present their work. For almost all students, the research project proves to be the most rewarding and enjoyable part of their degree, and this is reflected in the large percentage who continue to pursue their interests in research careers.
Study information
The academic year at Hull is split into two semesters: the first starts in late September and the second finishes in June, with vacations at Christmas and Easter. Each semester consists of a teaching period followed by a period of assessment.
Each course is made up of modules, taught through a variety of lectures and workshops, small-group seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes. Typically, students will have 10 hours of lectures per week, up to 4 hours a week of tutorial-workshops and from 7 to 16 hours a week in the laboratory. Assessment is through a combination of examinations and continually assessed coursework. These assessments are focused around the laboratory (35%), coursework (15%) and examination (50%). All practical work is continuously assessed. The final-year research project is assessed continuously and through a final report and presentation.
Credits are earned from the successful completion of each module, and all modules count towards the final degree. The module and credit system allows greater flexibility within our courses and between the many different universities that operate the same system.
Entry requirements
Students with a wide range of qualifications have very successfully studied for a chemistry degree at Hull. Our entry requirements range between 280 and 300 points (with at least a B in Chemistry) at A level or equivalent, depending on the range of subjects offered and the UCAS personal statements, but offers may vary in individual cases and circumstances. The University encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We consider applicants on the basis of academic qualifications (see above) and/or on the basis of other relevant knowledge and skills. In Chemistry we have a particularly strong record of success with mature students, whose applications are always warmly welcomed.
