Pharmaceutical Science with a Foundation Year

A new generation of pharmaceutical scientists are using technological breakthroughs to design drugs that improve the quality of people’s lives. Build the skills to be part of this movement with our BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science with Foundation Year degree

Completion of the Human Genome Project means that it is now possible to identify the genes associated with many cancers and inherited disorders, and make a difference in society. Pharmaceutical science is at the cutting-edge of research, with opportunities in the field continuing to grow and develop.

*Advance your scientific knowledge and skills
This foundation year pathway is recommended if you want to study the full honours degree, but don’t meet the direct entry requirements. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be ready to progress to study our full BSc Pharmaceutical Science honours degree, which is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

We have shaped our course for science students looking to develop skills for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Initially building knowledge about chemical science concepts, you will broaden your focus, increasing knowledge depth and specialisation in genomics, drug discovery and pharmacology.

Throughout your studies, you will develop strong laboratory skills. As a chemical science student, you will spend lots of time in our advanced Bodmer laboratories. These well-equipped, purpose-built facilities ensure your learning remains on the cutting-edge of innovation and discovery. The labs host industry-standard instrumentation, including cell culture facilities, histology specimen preparation station, fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy.

With is combination research-focused learning and laboratory-based delivery, the course is recommended if you want a career in research, teaching and related professional fields such as animal health, food science, cosmetic science, in medical laboratories, technical sales, patent law and scientific journalism.

Get closer to industry
Complementing your laboratory-based sessions at Salford, you will experience visits to local laboratories and receive guest lectures from external industry specialists.

Once on the full degree, you will have the option to take an industry placement between years two and three. If you successfully complete a placement year as part of your studies, your degree will attain 'Advanced Degree Accreditation' by the Royal Society of Biology. Recent Pharmaceutical Science students have secured placements at Pfizer in Kent, the Transplant Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, and the Cancer Research UK Manchester institute.

Features
• Build your knowledge ready to progress to our full BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science degree
• Develop laboratory and research skills ready for your graduate career
• Include an optional industry placement, where you can apply your learning in local hospitals or research labs
• Part-time option available

This course is not open to international students.

Foundation Year:

• Chemical Principles
• Scientific Methods
• Data Handling
• Professional Communications
• Biological Principles
• Science for Health

Year One:

• Genetics
• Introduction to Organic Chemistry
• Introductory Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Biological Chemistry
• Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Skills

Year Two:

• Clinical and Molecular Genetics
• Chemical and Biochemical Research Skills
• Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Human Physiology
• Genomics and Proteomics

Year Three:

• Applied Pharmacology
• Biochemistry of Drugs and Disease
• Final Year Project and Professional Skills
• Science and Industry

Choose one option from the following:

• Advances in Pathophysiology
• Frontiers in Medicine Design

Assessment throughout the course is by a combination of different forms of coursework and examination with coursework accounting for around 65% throughout the course. Assessment types include:

• Research projects
• Laboratory reports
• Essays
• Data analysis
• Presentations
• Literature reviews
• Exams (both closed and open book)