Medical Pharmacology (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

In each year of the Programme, you will take Modules to the value of 120 credits. In years 1, 2 and 3, you must obtain an overall end of year grade of 40% or above to progress to the next year of study.  The grade achieved in Year 1 does not count towards the final degree mark. The grade achieved in Year 2, 3 and 4 contributes 20%, 10% and 70% to your final degree mark respectively.

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one

Year 1 consists of five 20 credit core double modules which run over Autumn and Spring Semesters in conjunction with the School of Biosciences.

 

A 20 credit Pharmacology introductory module is run from the Medical School across the Autumn and Spring semesters.

 

You should develop a sound understanding of chemical and biological sciences; in particular biochemistry, physiology and genetics, to help facilitate understanding of how drugs work at molecular and functional levels.

 

Specifically with regard to pharmacology, you will be introduced to the scientific principles that define drug bioavailability and activity within the body including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, receptor theory, therapeutics, toxicology and abuse of drugs.

 

Year two

Year 2 consists of six 20 credit core modules run entirely by the School of Medicine. Modules provide a systematic coverage of drugs in the domains of haematology, immunology, neurotransmission, endocrine and paracrine cell signalling, the central nervous system, cardiovascular pharmacology and cancer chemotherapy. Bespoke pharmacological ‘research techniques’ and exclusively ‘practical’ modules equip you with a sound basis for quantitative and qualitative functional studies, and give ‘hands-on’ training in advanced laboratory techniques.

 

Those students interested in graduate entry medicine will follow a clinical anatomy module that utilizes cadaveric dissection to investigate the orientation and interpretation of arrangement and function of the human body.

 

Year three

The final year of the BSc course consists of six 10 credit core modules, a 40 credit compulsory Research Project and three 10 credit optional modules from which you must choose 2.

 

In this year, you will study in an intensive medical research-led environment. Modules develop several selected areas in depth such as pharmacogenetics, neuropharmacology, drug development, immunology, cancer and cardiovascular medicine, and provide more practical experience in specialised techniques.

 

One module is designed to develop skills of critical analysis in reading scientific papers and to promote the ability to present data accurately and unambiguously. A key feature of this year is the 40-credit laboratory-based biomedical research project that promotes development of higher critical and analytical skills.

 

In this year you will also integrate with a number of medical students who are undertaking an Intercalated BSc degree in Pharmacology (a 1 year course that is not the same as a 3 year BSc programme).

A level
AAB-ABB. Must include Chemistry and one other science subject from Biology, Maths, Physics, or Statistics. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.

 

International Baccalaureate
34-32 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Chemistry and a second science subject at HL. Acceptable second science subjects are Biology, Maths, Physics, or Statistics.

 

GCSE
Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 100 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subskill.

 

PTE Academic
At least 70 overall with a minimum of 62 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
III: at least a Merit in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

This course can lead to careers in medical and scientific research, pharmaceutical and biological industries.

 

A large proportion of BSc Medical Pharmacology students continue their study by pursuing a PhD or master’s degree programme. Many go on to study for a degree in Medicine.

 

Alternatively, some students use the BSc degree as a well-recognised vehicle to enter careers in dentistry, veterinary science, NHS laboratories, scientific information, medical writing, patent law, graduate entry managerial programmes, teaching and various non-science disciplines

 

Graduate careers

• Pharmaceutical Researcher
• Pharmaceutical Development