Year one modules are compulsory to ensure that you are given a solid foundation to your degree programme regardless of your academic background. This will prepare you for your second and third year of study. In year two, 25% of the modules are optional and 50% in year three. This allows you to focus on those areas of the programme that interest you most. In year four all modules are compulsory, with the focus of this year of study being the extended research project and its wider context.

Compulsory modules

Semester 1 and 2

LSC-10074: Physiology & Anatomy (30 credits) 

This module will introduce you to human anatomy and physiology. This will include the digestive, nervous, neuromuscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, excretory, immune, reproductive and endocrine systems, and their functions.

LSC-10087: Core Practical Skills (0 credits)

The development of core practical skills is an essential component of a bioscience degree and therefore this module will enable you to develop laboratory skills appropriate to Pharmacology in the first year of your course.

LSC-10093: Introduction to Pharmacology (30 credits)

You will examine the processes by which pharmaceuticals enter the market, covering the stages involved from
pre-clinical candidate selection and development, through to clinical trials. You will also cover core principles in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and develop an understanding of the importance of specific chemical and physical properties of drug molecules. This module will introduce case-based learning through small group tutorials focused on the application of pharmacology in the treatment of disease aligned with other topics across first year modules.

Semester 1

LSC-10064: Biochemistry (30 credits) 

Exploring core chemical concepts that will be developed throughout the module, you will examine the relationship between protein structure and function, gain an overview of enzyme catalysed biochemical reactions/reaction kinetics and understand why this is important in the progress and control of biochemical reactions and other biological processes, including major metabolic pathways for the processing of carbohydrates, fatty acids and protein/amino acid.

Semester 2

LSC-10066: Molecular Cell Biology (30 credits)

This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of molecular cell biology where you will focus on the mechanisms involved in the storage, processing and control of the expression of the genetic information and the subcellular locations thereof. You will investigate how cells within a multicellular organism interact and communicate with each other in addition to exploring the diversity of cells and organisms.

Compulsory modules

Semester 1 and 2

LSC-20107: Practical Skills in Bioscience (0 credits)

The continued development of practical, analytical, observational and interpretative skills from laboratory investigations is essential across all levels of study in the biosciences. This module will further introduce you to a range of practical techniques in the study of biological samples.

Semester 1

LSC-20113: Molecular Pharmacology I (30 credits)

This module focuses on developing a more advanced understanding of pharmacokientcs/pharmacodynmamics and application of pharmacological approaches in the treatment of a range of conditions, which may include the treatment of hypertension, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Semester 2

LSC-20115: Molecular Pharmacology II (15 credits)

In this module you will continue to develop your understanding of the delivery, potency, and mode of action of select pharmacological agents, applied specifically in context to microbial infection and cancer.

LSC-20061: Neuropharmacology (15 credits) 

Initial topics in this module will cover the basic principles in neuropharmacology.
Specific drug actions on neuronal and synaptic function will then be examined for several major classes of drugs such as antipsychotics. In addition, you will explore issues surrounding drug addiction and dependence, drug therapies for major neurodegenerative diseases and the role of pharmacogenomics in treatment and management of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

LSC-20085: Cell Signalling (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with an overview of the diverse mechanisms used by cells to communicate, the main modes of cell-cell communication, the major classes of signalling molecules, the receptor types upon which they act and their mode of action and associated signal transduction pathways.

LSC-20056: Research & Analytical Skills (15 credits)

You will explore the different forms of scientific experimental design that you may encounter in your final year experimental projects and onwards into postgraduate study. You will learn more about scientific data analysis, how to correctly undertake a range of statistical tests and draw conclusions from them that make sense in the context of the biological research.

Optional modules

Semester 1

LSC-20079: Neuroanatomy (15 credits)

This module will explore the functional anatomy of the human nervous system, its blood supply, and the movement of cerebrospinal fluid. Specifically, you will identify the morphology and organisation of major neurological structures including the thalamus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, limbic system, brainstem nuclei, the major sensory and motor projections, the blood supply to the brain, and the movement of cerebrospinal fluid.


LSC-20015: Molecular, Cellular and Structural Immunology (15 credits)

This module gives students a consideration of how the mammalian body copes with infection by various pathogens and includes an understanding of the cellular basis of the immune system and the generation and selection of the immune repertoire. It also addresses functional insights on immune protein structure, including key molecules of the immune such as antibodies, as well as pathogen structure, including viruses and bacteria.

LSC-20050: Human Genetics (15 credits)

The field of Human Genetics is growing rapidly in the post-genomic age and this module aims to sample a few of the key topics. You will explore inheritance patterns in humans, the application of quantitative and population genetics and the clinical applications of genetics. The emphasis on this module is on the real-life application of the factual knowledge and skills gained and so the
pre-recorded lectures will be followed up by synchronous and asynchronous interactive workshop sessions where you will work through a series of problems related to the lecture material or complete team-based activities.

LSC-20003: Gene and Protein Engineering (15 credits)

The manipulation of the genetic material using techniques covered in the course allow us to study the structure and function of single genes, to design and produce modified and novel DNA molecules, and subsequently to produce novel gene products such as proteins used to develop new drugs or vaccines. Essential background knowledge of key molecular biology tools and techniques will be revisited, expanded on and explained in further depth and detail to achieve scaffolded learning.

Compulsory modules

Semester 1

CHE-30058: Mechanisms of Drug Action (15 credits)

A mixture of lectures and problem classes are used to explore different aspects of medicinal chemistry, following the pathway a drug molecule takes into, though and out of the body. The mechanism of action of drugs from different pharmaceutical classes will then be explored in detail.

LSC-30080: Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology (15 credits)

You will further explore the drug development pipeline with a focus on the translation of drugs from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials to clinical practice. As part of this you will consider in more detail the associated ethical and regulatory frameworks applied to medicines management through organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the MHRA, as well as explore different international contexts and monitoring of potential toxicity/side effects in patient groups.

Semester 2

LSC-30065: Medical Glycobiology (15 credits)

You will investigate the structure, biosynthesis, and biochemistry that underpins medically important carbohydrates, prior to a case by case discussion of their relevance to a wide range of clinical areas.
You will examine the possibility of novel carbohydrate-based therapeutics for a wide range of pathological conditions. Examples may include cancer, Alzheimer's disease, prion-based disease, malaria, HIV and influenza.

LSC-30082: Research Topics in Pharmacology (15 credits)

In this module you will develop higher-level skills in the analysis and evaluation of primary research articles in pharmacology. This will further develop your analytical skills and understanding of a wider range of techniques and approaches used to understand the mechanisms of drug action, pharmacokinetics and ligand-target binding interactions.

Optional modules

Semester 1 and 2

LSC-30045: Life Sciences Double Experimental Project (with research skills assessment) (30 credits)

This project is an opportunity for you to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research that may lead to the generation of new knowledge. This is an excellent opportunity for you to work alongside colleagues and undertake an authentic research project. This could include lab- or field-based projects, but also systematic reviews, bioinformatics, pedagogic or outreach work.

LSC-30038: Double Applied Life Sciences Placement
(30 credits)

This module provides you with an opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of research whilst on a placement.
You will get a taste of what it is like to work, often independently, in a real research/industrial environment.

Semester 1

LSC-30055: Biomedical Engineering (15 credits)

You will learn how knowledge of physiological measurements, biosensors, biomaterials, bioimaging and biomechanics can be used to develop new medical devices, transforming patient care.

LSC-30028: Advances in Medicine (15 credits)

This module investigates modern advances in medicine that impact current diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a range of diseases. You will explore the fast-emerging areas of research which are striving to improve diagnosis such as nanotechnology and new biochemical tests in diverse fields.

LSC-30036: Human Parasitology (15 credits)

This module promotes the understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Parasitic diseases of Humans with particular reference to protozoan and metazoan infections. Protozoan infections will include Malaria and Leishmaniasis. Metazoan infections covered will be Shistsomiasis (blood fluke) and Filariasis (worm).

LSC-30066: Tropical Biology Field Course (15 credits)*

The tropical biology field course is hosted by the University of Sains, Malaysia (USM), whose expertise in a range of aspects of tropical ecology and conservation will ensure that you will gain cutting-edge knowledge in the field. You will witness the challenges facing tropical ecological systems and how humans are impacting on sensitive ecological niches.

*Please note there will be a charge for this trip.

Semester 2

LSC-30061: Cancer Biology (15 credits)

This module will enable you to gain a broad introduction to the field of cancer biology.
You will explore the molecular and cellular hallmarks of cancer and how the understanding of these hallmarks is beginning to inform therapeutic development. You will discuss tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes, and the molecular biology of cancer detection and diagnostics. You will also be introduced to the latest developments in basic cancer research and the impact of molecular biology on developing cancer therapies.

LSC-30042: Current Topics in Neuroscience (15 credits)

In this module you will learn about the most recent advances in selected fields of neuroscience and their implications. You will be expected to read journal articles on a specific topic and learn how to summarize and evaluate the subject area concisely, in the process developing a better understand of the subject and an ability to identify the key points and what they mean for the future of neuroscience.

Semester 1

LSC-40087: Advanced Research Topics in Pharmacology
(30 credits)

This module will develop your skills in the acquisition and critical analysis of primary scientific literature relevant to a range of research methodologies in modern drug discovery and pharmacology.

LSC-40065: Literature Review and Grant Proposal (30 credits)

In this module you will further develop skills in the evaluation of scientific literature and experimental design.
In addition to producing a comprehensive literature review relevant to your research project area, you will also formulate research questions/hypotheses and design appropriate research strategies to address these in the form of a mini grant proposal and lay summary.

Semester 2

LSC-40063: MSci Extended Research Project (60 credits)

Within this module you will develop higher-level research skills in a selected area of pharmacology. Working closely with an academic supervisor you will formulate a research project and design and conduct appropriate investigations to address this.
You will develop further skills in experimental design and the critical analysis of scientific data, these will be communicated in the format of a research article produced to the specifications of a selected journal format, accompanied by a cover letter addressing the merits of your research article and justification for publication. You will also present the outcomes of the research project as either an oral presentation and/or poster.