What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list as these could change before your year of entry. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
Foundation year
If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc(Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course pagefor details of modules.
Core modules
Professional and Scientific Skills for Pharmacy
30 credits
This is a core module for the pharmacy route of the Foundation year in Science, Computing & Mathematics. The module provides a bridge between the wide range of study experiences of students at Level 3 and the demands of successful study within Higher Education at level 4.
The module allows students to develop effective study skills, in the context of pharmacy and the essential scientific and professional skills necessary to allow students to progress to their chosen degree subject. The module provides a coherent path through a set of practical and theoretical experiences to develop skills and knowledge and is designed to complement and support the subject content of the other modules within the foundation year programme.
A wide range of assessment methods are used in the module. These include a portfolio of skills and laboratory-based assessments, a written exam and a short capstone project culminating in a poster presentation which will use the skills developed in this module, alongside the subject material in other route specific modules, to consider a topical issue related to the student's chosen degree pathway. The personal tutorial system for the foundation year is incorporated within this module.
Biology
30 credits
This module is delivered as part of the Foundation Pharmacy one year programme. The module is core for students on the course as well as for alternative destinations such as degrees in a number of Life Science, Forensic, Chemical and Pharmaceutical related degrees. The module is designed to provide an essential introduction to the biological sciences, through the study of basic biochemistry, the characteristics of life, selected body systems, genetics and evolution. It also introduces some of the relevant tools and techniques used in modern biology.
Chemistry
30 credits
This module is delivered as part of the Foundation Pharmacy one year programme. The module is core for all students on this programme as well as for alternative destination such as degrees in a number of Life Science, Forensic, Chemical and Pharmaceutical related degrees. It is also an optional module for those who intend to study degrees in Geography, Geology and the Environmental Science.
The module covers a wide range of fundamental chemical concepts including: atomic and nuclear structure, bonding and structure, energetics, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions and organic chemistry including, isomerism and introduction & reactions of alkanes, haloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, amines, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid derivatives. The module allows students to see the application of Chemistry to a number of Science-based disciplines.
Mathematics for Science
30 credits
This module is a core module for all students following the Foundation Pharmacy one year programme. The module is designed to allow students to develop competence in a range of mathematical and statistical techniques which they can then apply within a range of scientific contexts. The module reinforces basic mathematical concepts and is accessible to students with a wide range of previous mathematical experiences. The structure and programme of delivery is specifically designed to support the other modules within the programme so ensuring that students have developed the necessary skills at the correct time for their application within the other modules.
Year 1
Year 1 introduces the scientific basis of pharmacy, including cell biology, physiology and pharmaceutical and biological chemistry (including the importance of natural products as medicines). You will study important pharmaceutical dosage forms, formulation and manufacturing processes, physico-chemical aspects of drug stability and pharmacopoeial and regulatory requirements. You will gain a clear understanding of the profession of pharmacy and the practical and theoretical aspects of dispensing.
Core modules
The Human Body
30 credits
The module gives an overview of the cell biology and physiology of the human body.
Emphasis is placed on understanding the body as a homeostatic system that controls key components of the extracellular environment (blood, interstitial fluid). The structure and function of the body's constituent cells are explored, as is the subcellular chemistry that allows cellular function. Another emphasis is on how common diagnostic results (BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose) can be used to promote healthful living by non-pharmacological means (diet, exercise).
The Role of the Pharmacist
30 credits
This module is a core requirement for students reading the MPharm degree. The module introduces the principles of the role of a professional pharmacist and the pharmacist's various responsibilities in providing healthcare or support for healthcare. You will be introduced to the principles of health and well being, as well as providing a foundation to responding to symptoms and health promotion knowledge. Basic pharmaceutical skills will be developed including those of dispensing, analysing prescriptions, performing calculations, dosage forms and recognising adverse drug reactions and interactions. An introduction to communication skills will be provided together with critical appraisal, presentation and scientific report writing all with the emphasis to application in pharmacy.
Making Medicines
30 credits
The module introduces key concepts in the manufacture and use of medicines in pharmaceutics, microbiology and pharmacy practice. It provides you with an understanding of essential concepts and physico-chemical principles and techniques used in the design and production of various pharmaceutical dosage forms with links to the route of delivery into the body. The making and labelling of extemporaneous preparations are undertaken as relevant to the clinical practice of pharmacy. Fundamental concepts relevant to the clinical microbiology of disease-causing organisms, their manipulation, and use in manufacturing are also explored.
The Science of Drugs
30 credits
This module introduces the idea that chemistry is a central and underpinning science in pharmacy, describing how aspects of organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry are essential to a full understanding of the science of a drug. The module outlines the structure, bonding and chemical reactivity of various important classes of organic molecules, ranging from simpler examples of hydrocarbons or those containing a single functional group, to some of the important biological molecules such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins. It also examines the chemistry of some inorganic compounds, particularly the complexes of transition metal ions that have important applications in medicine. The importance of the physical and chemical properties of molecules in determining the activity of a drug, including an introduction to structure/activity relationships, is discussed. You are also introduced to the essentials of spectroscopy in the analysis of drugs. Thus the module introduces you to a range of core principles that underpin the actions, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs in the body, as well as in vitro aspects of stability, pharmaceutical analysis and molecular manipulation.
Academic and Professional Portfolio
0 credits
Year 2
Year 2 places more emphasis on the role of hospital, community and industrial pharmacists. It includes the study of pharmacy law, ethics and good dispensing practice. You will integrate science with practice, learning through case studies how chemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutics affect clinical practice. You will also learn about conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as depression and those that affect the cardiovascular system such as atrial fibrillation.
Core modules
Drug Design and Medicine Development
30 credits
The module builds upon themes and chemical topics that are introduced in the level 4 modules PY4030; Making Medicines and PY4040; The Science of Drugs developing them further in conjunction with pharmacologists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists. The chemistry of carbonyl compounds is developed from the level 4 module to include carbanion chemistry and the associated reactions with applications in biosynthetic pathways such as the catabolism of glucose. Similarly aromatic chemistry is extended to look at the second substitution reaction-orientation effects using the formation of an anaesthetic as a case study. Asymmetric synthesis will be extended to include the synthesis of chiral medicines using ibuprofen as a case study. The mechanistic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry and bioanalytical chemistry taught in this module will underpin applications in later Level 6 and 7 modules.
The medicinal chemistry topics will include antifungals, enzyme inhibition and novel peptides (solid support synthesis). Drug/receptor interaction will be introduced in terms of bonding interactions and signal transduction. Pharmacognosy will introduce you to natural products used for the treatment of cancer eg. taxol, calicheamicin and vincristine/vinblastine and cardiothoracics such as plant glycosides and bronchodilators. These topics will be taught in the context of themes/case studies and be augmented by inputs covering formulation and pharmaceutics, regulatory affairs associated with drug development in terms of clinical trials, licensing and registration. Various anchor points throughout the module will feed into other level 5 modules as well as higher level modules.
The lectures and associated workshops will attempt to develop your problem solving and team working skills in preparation for your future careers. This will be carried out in workshops and during the laboratory-based work where you will undertake various activities including group "mini-projects" that will be assessed using a range of methodologies such as oral presentations, report writing and group poster presentations.
Pharmacy Law, Ethics and Practice
30 credits
This module covers a number of core concepts for the MPharm degree and requires you to demonstrate proficiency in use of your learning at a higher level than other modules. It is a module that reflects the key professional regulations, law and obligations required to become a pharmacist, as dictated by the governing professional body and government legislation. The module advances your knowledge in relation to legal and ethical practices related to pharmacy. It builds on teaching you the skills you will need for professional practice such as analysing prescriptions and dispensing relevant products, interpretation and application of law using problem solving, and using professional judgement. Approximately 20% of the teaching time is spent in practicals and workshops to emphasise these concepts.
The Central Nervous System and Mental Health
30 credits
The module gives an overview of the structure and function of the CNS. These lectures, tutorials and practicals will set the scene for the teaching of neurological and mental health dysfunction including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, drug abuse and addiction, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and pain. The focus will be on the more common psychiatric and neurological disorders, which future pharmacists will need to treat and will cover pathology, diagnosis, treatment and treatment side-effects. There will also be discussion of treatments with respect to drug development and individual variations to treatment. The development of specialist formulations used in the management of these conditions, such as IV infusions, depot injections and patches will also be covered.
The Cardio-respiratory System 1
30 credits
This module aims to introduce the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular and respiratory disease and their treatment.The lectures, tutorials and practicals will set the scene for the teaching of cardiac and respiratory function and dysfunction including angina, dysrhythmias, heart failure, asthma and stroke. The focus will be on the more common cardiac and respiratory, which future pharmacists will need to treat and will cover pathology, diagnosis, treatment and treatment side-effects. There will also be discussion of treatments with respect to drug development and individual variations to treatment as well as dealing patients presenting with minor ailments in the pharmacy. The development, pharmaceutics and design of delivery systems for pulmonary administration of medicines such as inhalers and nebulisers will also be covered.
Academic and Professional Portfolio
0 credits
Year 3
Year 3 focuses on body systems and disease states. Examples of study include: the role of the liver in health and disease; cancer – its causes, the science behind its treatment and the clinical management of cancer patients; and diabetes – its public health impact and management. You will have opportunities to learn alongside other future healthcare professionals, and talk to patients about their conditions and treatment.
Core modules
Infection, Immunology and Cancer
30 credits
This module addresses a number of core principles and concepts within the MPharm programme. It serves to develop knowledge of the immune system in health and disease including the use of vaccines. Infective agents and the science and practice of their control are investigated as well as cancer as a disease. The mechanisms of action and practical applications of chemotherapy are described together with novel drug targeting and palliative care. The delivery is via lectures supported by workshops integrating the different subject areas in case studies.
Endocrine, Reproductive and Inflammation
30 credits
This module will deal with physiology and pathology of the endocrine and reproductive systems and inflammatory processes and how they can be affected by, or cause disease. The chemistry of the drugs which affect the endocrine and reproductive systems and are used to treat inflammatory disease and their relevant structure activity relationships will be covered together with the science and use of various formulations to ensure optimal drug delivery in these areas. The module will use a series of patient centred case studies to link the scientific content and the application of pharmaceutical care to treat and manage patients, in a variety of settings from disease prevention, managing risks, disease identification, responding to symptoms in the community pharmacy, prescribing and dispensing, through to the management of hospitalised patients.
The Cardio-respiratory System 2
30 credits
This module builds on relevant basic scientific knowledge acquired in other modules and integrates it to cover the presentation, clinical features and management of cardiovascular, respiratory and renal diseases in patients. This module will provide you with an insight into the management of these conditions in primary and secondary care as well as dealing with aspects of public health associated with these conditions.
Gastrointestinal, Liver & Skin in Disease
30 credits
This module will deal with physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal system, including the liver and how it can be affected by disease, the chemistry of the drugs which affect the gastro-intestinal system and are used to treat gastro-intestinal diseases and relevant structure activity relationships. The science and use of various formulations to ensure optimal absorption, along with the science and practice of ensuring local delivery of drugs not only to the GI tract but also transdermaly. The module will examine the treatment of skin disorders, in addition to dealing with the structure of the skin and its pathophysiology. Drug metabolism and the central role that metabolism plays in many drug interactions will be dealt with within this module. Material that has been considered in previous years (examples; drug dissolution, cell structure) will be revisited in this module and the knowledge built upon. Key skills will be developed whilst employability has been embedded into the assessment strategy through the use of group work and the development of oral presentation skills
Academic and Professional Portfolio
0 credits
Year 4
A major element of Year 4 is the research-based project. For this you will receive tuition in research skills. A problem-based approach is used for advanced teaching in areas such as pharmaceutical technology and biotechnology. Professional practice topics include advanced prescription analysis, risk management and drug interventions, as well as the wider role of the pharmacist in pharmaceutical care and public health. Students run themed health campaigns directly to the public and also virtually via social media. A total of 20 placement and inter-professional activity days, mostly in hospital or community pharmacies, are spread throughout the course. These serve to introduce and develop professional skills.
Core modules
Technology to Care
30 credits
This module is designed to integrate advanced clinical and scientific concepts as they relate to patient care. Using complex patient cases as the basis for group discussions, you will learn how to apply your clinical skills and scientific knowledge (pharmaceutics, chemistry, pharmacology etc.) to provide the most appropriate recommendations. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving skills and independent learning.
Effective Decision Making for Pharmacy Practice
30 credits
This module is a core module for the MPharm degree. It will draw together a number of themes that have developed over the previous 3 years in order to prepare you for practice as a preregistration trainee and a future pharmacist, in all areas of practice. The aim of the module is to enable you to become a pharmacist who can make decisions when faced with a scenario, even if all the necessary information is not available, based on the skills and competences gained throughout the MPharm programme as well as your knowledge. The module also aims to enable you apply the knowledge you gained through your MPharm course in a safe and effective manner for patient care. Nearly 30% of the teaching time is spent in practicals and workshops to emphasise these concepts.
Research Methods and Project
60 credits
This module is designed to meet the research methodology requirements of the MPharm programme. Following a taught introduction
to research methodology you will undertake a substantial piece of original research or clinical audit that requires the collection of data and subsequent analysis of that data.
Academic and Professional Portfolio
0 credits
