PHAR0001: Medicinal & biological chemistry 1 (Introduction
to medicinal & biological chemistry)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: 1. To familiarise the student
with:
a) the fundamental principles of atomic structure molecular and
intermolecular bonding and functional group recognition.
b) the principles of reaction mechanisms in organic and biochemical
systems and
2. To illustrate the importance of the 3-dimensional structure
in medicinal and biological chemistry.
After taking this course the student should be able to
a) Demonstrate an understanding of the factors which affect the
3-dimensional shape of molecules
b) Identify common functional groups and write suitable reaction
mechanisms for their interconversion.
c) Recognise structural features responsible for acidity basicity
hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic bonding.
d) Assign appropriate stereochemical descriptions to organic and
biological molecules
Content: The topics included in this course include atomic
structure and hybridisation with its implications for molecular
geometry. Intramolecular covalent bonding. Intermolecular weak
bonding; origins and relevance to ligand/receptor and substrate/enzyme
binding. Structural factors that affect reactivity. Survey of
functional groups and their interconversion at a mechanistic level.
Stereochemistry in organic and biological molecules. Central role
of the carbonyl group in chemistry and biochemistry.
PHAR0002: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 1 (Human
physiology)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Co PHAR0010
Aims & Learning Objectives: An outline of human physiology
Content: Physiology of the major systems of the body and
control, i.e. physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and
gastrointestinal and renal systems to understand how the major
systems of the body are integrated and controlled.
Students must have A-level Chemistry and another Science A-level,
preferably Biology in order to undertake this unit.
PHAR0003: Cell biology 1 (Cells & their organisation)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to the organisation of procaryotic and eucaryotic cells, and to
introduce the basic theory and practice of microbiology.
After taking this course, the student should be able to (a) demonstrate
an understanding of cell structure and function to a level sufficient
to enter further cell biology, microbiology and pharmacology units,
and (b) carry out basic techniques in microbiology competently
and safely.
Content: An outline of cellular organisation, structure
and function of major organelles in procaryotic and eucaryotic
cells. Subcellular fractionation. Molecular components of cells:
sugars, polysaccharides, glycogen, fatty acids, lipids, phospholipids,
aminoacids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids. Introduction
to microbiology: basic nomenclature, Gram-positive and -negative
envelopes, peptidoglycan, endospores, microbial nutrition. Introduction
to bacterial viruses.
PHAR0004: Instrumental analysis 1
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: PR50 OT50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to instrumental analytical methods used in a pharmaceutical context
and their bases in theory. To give the student practical experience
of using a variety of analytical instruments in exploring selected
pharmaceutical applications.
After taking this unit, the student should be able to: (a) demonstrate
an understanding of the theoretical backgrounds to thin layer,
gas and high performance liquid chromatography and infrared, ultraviolet
and visible, fluorescence, flame emission and atomic absorption
spectroscopy, and of their scope and limitations, (b) demonstrate
a familiarity with the forms in which data from the above techniques
are presented, the relevant units, constants and parameters, (c)
perform necessary calculations and data manipulations for the
interpretation of results.
Content: Thin layer, gas and high performance liquid chromatography.
General principles of spectroscopy, vibrational and electronic
types of spectroscopy.
PHAR0005: Physico-chemical properties of drugs 1
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 PR50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: In conjunction with Physico-chemical
properties of drugs 2, to introduce students to the physico-chemical
characteristics of drugs and allied entities. To explain how these
are relevant to their in vivo actions, their analytical
quantification in medicines and biological fluids and in the design
of medicinal products. To provide a practical training in measurement
of physico-chemical characteristics.
After taking the unit, the student should be able to: a) correctly
derive formulation masses and concentrations, b) demonstrate an
understanding of the differences and similarities in real and
ideal behaviour of drugs and, when the two can be approximated,
c) demonstrate a sound appreciation of the solution properties
of drugs and the impact of pH and other vehicle variants on their
values, and d) demonstrate an understanding of the processes of
passive drug transport and the role of solution thermodynamics
in pharmaceutical science.
Content: Ideal and real behaviour of drugs in the gaseous,
liquid and solid state. Gas-liquid equilibria. Drug polarity and
functional group effects. Crystal structure and polymorphism.
Solvents and solute-solvent interactions. Concepts of activity,
pH and its determination, pKw. Acid-base equilibria, pH/drug dissociation
profiles, buffers.
PHAR0006: Study skills & computer use
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW70 OT30
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to effective study methods, the usage of the University library
and computing facilities, and data summary
Content: Effective study and note taking. Introduction
to University computer facilities. The PC environment. Communications,
library usage and bibliographic searching. Wordprocessing, spreadsheets.
Statistical distributions, mean, median, variance, regression.
Statistical software usage.
PHAR0007: Introduction to analysis & measurement
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: PR100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to the role of analysis in the pharmaceutical sciences and to
important general concepts in analysis. To make the student aware
of safe laboratory conduct and familiar with basic manipulative
skills using volumetric analysis as the major vehicle. To familiarise
the student with the various types of titrimetric methods and
their application to the analysis of pharmaceuticals.
After taking this course the student should be able to: (a) work
safely in a chemistry laboratory, (b) weigh out chemicals and
prepare solutions of appropriate concentrations and interconvert
between different units of concentration, (c) perform a volumetric
analysis accurately, and (d) demonstrate an understanding of the
application of titrimetric methods to pharmaceutical analysis.
Content: Analytical techniques in Pharmacy. The concept
of quantitative analysis based upon a procedure having a response
which is linear with respect to concentration. Accuracy, precision,
sensitivity and sources of error. Weighing, use of volumetric
glassware, burettes, pipettes and Gilson pipettes in the preparation
of solutions and dilutions. Chemical bases of volumetric analyses.
Use of titrimetric methods for the analysis of pharmaceutical
materials.
PHAR0008: Medicinal & biological chemistry 2 (Introduction
to medicinal & biological chemistry)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The unit aims to introduce
the student to: a) the fundamental structure and biological function
of amino acids and peptides and relate enzyme catalysed processes
to organic reaction mechanisms seen in semester 1; b) the structure
and reactions of naturally occurring carbohydrates and polysaccarides;
c) the concepts of aromaticity in organic molecules and relate
this to their chemical behaviour and biological properties.
After taking this unit, the student should be able to: a) outline
the role of amino acids as precursors of the biogenic amines;
b) demonstrate an understanding of how and why biological macromolecules
adopt and maintain their in vivo structures; c) discuss
an enzyme's action on its substrate in terms of electrophilic
and nucleophilic reaction mechanisms; d) identify important aromatic
reactions and show how aromatic nuclei contribute towards drug
action.
Content: Topics include the structure classification biosynthetic
origins and biochemical roles of amino acids. The nature of the
peptide bond and the nature of the forces which maintain primary,
secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins. The
structure of the monosaccarides. The role of the glycosidic bond
in polysaccaride formation and the biological role of these molecules.
Aromatic compounds, the nature of aromaticity and the occurrence
and role of aromatic nuclei in drug molecules.
PHAR0009: Medicinal & biological chemistry 3 (Spectra
& structures)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop the student's
understanding of the chemistry of heterocyclic compounds. To introduce
the student to the use of spectroscopic data in organic chemical
structure elucidation.
After completing this unit the student should be able to use proton
NMR, MS and IR spectra to determine the chemical structure of
simple organic compounds.
Content: Introduction to NMR and MS and their co-ordinated
use with IR in the elucidation of organic chemical structures.
The contribution of heterocycles to drug action.
PHAR0010: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 2 (General
pharmacology)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co PHAR0002
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to general aspects of pharmacology and receptor theory.
Content: Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and
excretion; receptor theory; blood and respiration pharmacology.
PHAR0011: Cell biology 2 (Introduction to biochemistry)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 PR50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To familiarise the student
with the biochemistry of protein function, energy metabolism,
DNA replication, transcription and translation, and to introduce
basic concepts of recombinant DNA technology. To introduce practical
techniques related to protein determination and enzyme activity.
After taking this unit, the student should be able to demonstrate
an understanding of fundamental biochemical processes sufficient
to enter further units in cell biology, microbiology and pharmacology.
Content: Protein function, reactive groups, enzymes, allostery,
protein fractionation and analysis. Energy metabolism, carbohydrate
and fatty acid oxidation. DNA replication, RNA synthesis, protein
synthesis. Introduction to recombinant DNA techniques.
PHAR0012: Instrumental analysis 2
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 PR50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To give the student practical
experience of using a variety of analytical instruments in exploring
selected pharmaceutical applications. To develop the student's
ability to report laboratory work.
After taking this unit, the student should be able to: (a) follow
written and verbal instructions in using simple analytical instruments;
(b) demonstrate a familiarity with the forms in which data are
presented, the relevant units, constants and parameters; (c) perform
necessary calculations and data manipulations for the interpretation
of results; (d) write a basic practical report to include an introduction,
methods, results, discussion and conclusions.
Content: Thin layer, gas and high performance liquid chromatography,
vibrational and electronic types of spectroscopy.
PHAR0013: Physico-chemical properties of drugs 2
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW10 PR10
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: In conjunction with Physico-chemical
properties of drugs 1, to introduce students to the physico-chemical
characteristics of drugs and allied entities. To explain how these
are relevant to their in vivo actions, their analytical
quantification in medicines and biological fluids and in the design
of medicinal products. To provide a practical training in measurement
of physico-chemical characteristics.
After taking the unit, the student should be able to: a) correctly
derive formulation masses and concentrations; b) demonstrate an
understanding of the differences and similarities in real and
ideal behaviour of drugs and when the two can be approximated;
c) demonstrate a sound appreciation of the solution properties
of drugs and the impact of pH and other vehicle variants on their
values; and d) demonstrate an understanding of the processes of
passive drug transport and the role of solution thermodynamics
in pharmaceutical science.
Content: Buffer calculations. Drug solubility in aqueous
solution, influence of pH, ionic strength and ion pairing. Partitioning,
effects of molecular structure and pH. Diffusion and permeation.
Introduction to solution thermodynamics.
PHAR0014: The role of the pharmacist
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The aim of the unit is
to provide an overview of the role of the pharmacist as a member
of the health care team. At the completion of the unit the student
should be able to demonstrate a knowledge the diverse roles of
the pharmacist and the ways in which the professional pharmacist
interacts with other health professionals and with patients.
Content: The history of pharmacy and the historical development
of the role of the pharmacist. The roles of the present day pharmacist.
The interaction between the pharmacist and other health professionals.
Communication with patients; patients' expectations of pharmaceutical
services.
PHAR0015: Medicinal & biological chemistry 4 (Medicinal
chemistry & spectroscopy for structure elucidation)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop the student's
understanding of biological chemistry at a molecular level particularly
with respect to structure-activity relationships and the metabolism
of xenobiotic compounds. The use of advanced spectroscopic techniques
in chemical structure elucidation.
After completing this unit, the student should be able to: a)
demonstrate an outline understanding (at the level of chemical
structures and mechanism) of major pathways of xenobiotic metabolism;
b) examine proton and carbon 13 NMR, MS and IR spectroscopic data
in order to elucidate chemical structures; c) carry out simple
radiochemical calculations.
Content: Molecular aspects of pathways of xenobiotic metabolism.
Advanced and multinuclear NMR techniques. Problem solving workshops
using an integrated approach to spectroscopic structure elucidation.
Radiochemical calculations.
PHAR0016: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 3 (Cardiovascular
& autonomic pharmacology)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop an understanding
of the action of drugs on the autonomic and cardiovascular systems.
Content: Understanding the action of drugs in the autonomic
nervous system, kidney and cardiovascular systems. Physiology,
pathology and pharmacology of these systems.
PHAR0017: Cell biology 3 (Receptors, signal transduction pathways
& gene regulation)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX75 OR25
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To familiarise the student
with the organisation of eucaryotic cell membranes, and their
interactions with receptors. To introduce the components of intracellular
signalling pathways from the receptor to the cell nucleus, and
to illustrate the role of these systems in regulating normal gene
expression and the development of cancer.
Content: Membranes and the cytoskeleton. Receptor families,
second messenger systems, Ser and Tyr protein kinases and their
phosphorylation targets. Impact of signalling pathways on nuclear
events, including regulation of gene expression through transcription
factors. Proto-oncogenes, oncogenes and the control of cell growth.
PHAR0018: Medicines design 1 (Preformulation & introduction
to formulation)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The unit aims to introduce
the principles involved in the formulation of medicinal products,
and present the physical and chemical basis for formulation choices.
By the end of the unit, students should be able to make initial
rational choices about formulation decisions.
Content: Routes and mechanisms of drug absorption, influence
of drug physico-chemical processes. Introduction to dosage forms
and routes of administration. Surface phenomena. Particle sizing
and micromeritics. Bulk properties of particles. Thermal analysis
of materials and use of these techniques in preformulation. The
chemistry of polymers, their physical properties and their uses
in formulation. Rheology of pharmaceutical materials: liquids,
solids and semi-solids; their characterisation and properties.
The stability of prepared pharmaceuticals.
PHAR0019: Statistics for pharmacists
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To equip students with
statistical techniques appropriate to the analysis of biomedical
data.
Content: Introduction to probability. Use of statistical
software. Comparing two groups. Data transformations. Student's
t- and non-parametric methods. Analysis of variance, multiple
comparisons. Correlation, contingency tables.
PHAR0020: Medical microbiology
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To understand the pathogenic
mechanisms of infectious disease and the human host response to
infection.
Content: This unit introduces the concept of how micro-organisms
cause infectious disease. It outlines the general defence mechanisms
of the human body against infection and the ways in which micro-organisms
defeat these systems. A number of paradigms of infectious diseases
will be used to illustrate the critical stages of pathogenesis,
namely adhesion, replication, evasion of host defences and damage
to the host.
PHAR0021: Applied pharmaceutical analysis 1 (Simple applications
& written reports)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 2
Assessment: PR80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop the student's
understanding of sample preparation for analytical procedures
and of advanced chromatographic techniques. The selection and
use of analytical techniques for solving analytical problems and
the presentation of results as a formal written report. After
completing this unit, the student should be able to apply appropriate
chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to simple pharmaceutical
problems, report the results in a scientific manner and draw valid
conclusions.
Content: Sample preparation for analysis; advanced chromatographic
methods. Problem solving workshops in chromatography. Open-ended
problem solving practical mini-project utilising chromatographic,
spectroscopic, volumetric or potentiometric methods.
PHAR0022: Medicinal & biological chemistry 5 (Biosynthetic
sources of pharmaceutical materials)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop the student's
understanding of biosynthetic sources of pharmaceutical materials.
To show how spectroscopic methods can be used to obtain stereochemical
information and to identify drug metabolites.
After completion of this unit the student should be able to: a)
demonstrate an awareness of natural sources of pharmaceutical
materials; b) demonstrate an outline understanding (at the level
of chemical structures and mechanism) of major pathways of biosynthesis;
c) demonstrate an understanding of the value of spectroscopic
data in stereochemical and conformational analysis.
Content: Plant and animal sources of pharmaceutical materials.
Molecular aspects of biosynthetic pathways. Problem-solving workshops
on the use of spectroscopy for stereochemical analysis.
PHAR0023: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 4 (Pharmacology
of the central nervous system)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: An understanding of drugs
affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Content: Physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the
brain and spinal cord.
PHAR0024: Medicines design 2 (Applied pharmaceutical microbiology)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the principles
of control of microbial contamination and sterilisation as applied
to pharmaceutical products. After taking this unit, the student
should be able to demonstrate an understanding of, a) the microbiological
and physico-chemical properties of non-antibiotic antimicrobial
agents and their use in pharmaceutical formulation and, b) the
principles and the technology of the various methods of sterilising
pharmaceutical products and the associated procedures concerned
with quality assurance.
Content: Sources of microbial contamination. Kinetics of
microbial inactivation and the construction and interpretation
of survivor curves. Disinfectants, antiseptics and preservatives;
their modes of action, assessment of efficacy and formulation
parameters. Introduction to sterilisation methods; comparative
advantages and disadvantages of heat, irradiation, gaseous and
filtration methods. Validation of all methods. Pyrogens. Sterility
testing. Facility Design.
PHAR0025: Pharmacy practice 1 & 2
Semester 2
Credits: 12
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 PR50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives:
Aims. To introduce the student to the following: Pharmaceutical
legislation, Codes of Professional Practice and statutory controls
relating to the availability of medicinal products. Practical
procedures and techniques employed in the Practice of Pharmacy.
The principles of behavioural sciences relevant to the Practice
of Pharmacy and to develop communications skills appropriate to
professional interactions, patient counselling and responding
to symptoms. To integrate the student's knowledge of pharmaceutical
sciences with the legal and professional responsibilities of the
pharmacist.
Objectives. After completing the unit, the student should be able
to: Identify the legal classes of medicines. Identify whether
or not a prescription is legally valid. Make documentary records
legally required in the supply of medicines. Demonstrate an awareness
of persons who are entitled to possess and supply Controlled Drugs.
Interpret a prescription in the hospital or community situation
and monitor it for legality, appropriate therapy, appropriate
dosage and potential drug interactions. Extemporaneously prepare
simple products for internal or external use. Access and update
Patient Medication Records and operate a computer labelling system.
Demonstrate the legal and ethical implications of making an emergency
supply of a Prescription Only Medicine at the request of a medical
practitioner and a patient. Communicate with a medical practitioner
to discuss prescription details. Communicate with a patient to
convey sufficient information to enable him/ her to comply safely
and effectively with a medication regimen. Respond to symptoms
presented by a patient. Be familiar with hospital case notes.
Content: Legislation: Introduction to the structure of
British legislation. The Medicines Act (1968). The Misuse of Drugs
Act (1971). Legislation controlling Health Care Professionals.
Labelling of Medicines for Sale. PPCAL workshops on Medicines
Act & Misuse of Drugs Act.
Pharmacy Practice: Principles of Good Dispensing Practice. Pharmacist's
liabilities and responsibilities. Introduction to the supply of
medicines in hospital and community. The Drug Tariff. Patients'
Medication Records. Hospital Case Notes. Posology. PPCAL workshop
on Prescription Problems.
Behavioural sciences: Introduction to Behavioural Science relating
to the Practice of Pharmacy. Interpersonal skills. Patient Compliance.
Responding to Symptoms. Workshops on: Communications, Responding
to Symptoms and Hospital Case Notes.
PHAR0026: Applied pharmaceutical analysis 2 (Experimental
design & oral presentation)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OR100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop further the
student's ability to design appropriate experiments, select and
apply experimental methods and draw valid conclusions to analytical
problems in a pharmaceutical context. To develop student confidence
in the oral presentation of such work to an audience of their
peers.
After completing this unit, the student should be able to design,
carry out and report on an analytical investigation of a simple
pharmaceutical problem.
Content: Two open-ended analytical miniprojects utilising
chromatographic, spectroscopic, potentiometric or volumetric methods.
PHAR0027: Medicinal & biological chemistry 6 (Recent advances
in small molecule ligands)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To extend the student's
understanding of fundamental concepts in medicinal chemistry by
a detailed study of selected, topical examples.
After completing this unit, the student should be able to recognise
the fundamental principles of medicinal chemistry and apply them
to unfamiliar agents and in unfamiliar settings.
Content: GABA receptors, Glu receptors, Anticancer agents,
Cannabinoid receptors. It is envisaged that the examples chosen
will vary from year to year, depending upon topicality.
PHAR0028: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 5 (Pharmacology
of autocoids & immunology)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Understanding release of
autocoids and the immune response.
Content: Drugs affecting autocoids, inflammation and immune
disorders.
PHAR0029: Physiology, pathology & pharmacology 6 (Pharmacology
of the endocrine system)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The action of drugs on
the endocrine system.
Content: Physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the
endocrine system.
PHAR0030: Medicines design 3 (Liquid & semi-solid formulation
1)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX90 CW10
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: In conjunction with Liquids
and semi-solid formulation 2, to provide the student with an understanding
of the formulation of liquid and semi-solid dosage forms and the
underlying physico-chemical principles involved in the formulation
of these preparations. After taking the unit, the student should
be able to demonstrate an understanding of the pharmaceutically
important properties of liquid and semi-solid products and how
they are formulated.
Content: Liquids overview, water, solubilisation, liposomes,
oral solutions, organoleptics, principles of suspension formulation,
suspension stability, suspension formulation, viscolysers, osmotic
phenomena, principles of parenteral formulations, parenteral solutions,
other parenteral formulations, sustained release parenterals,
parenteral devices.
PHAR0031: Medicines design 4 (Liquid & semi-solid formulation
2)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX90 CW10
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: In conjunction with Liquid
and semi-solid formulation 1, to provide the student with an understanding
of the formulation of liquid and semi-solid dosage forms and the
underlying physico-chemical principles involved in the formulation
of these preparations. After taking the unit, the student should
be able to demonstrate an understanding of the pharmaceutically
important properties of liquid and semi-solid products and how
they are formulated.
Content: Ophthalmics; eye drops and contact lens solutions.
Liquids packaging; principles, materials, product-package interactions.
Semi-solids overview. Creams formulation. Dermatologicals; skin
properties, formulations, drug delivery and transport, packaging.
PHAR0032: Pharmacy practice 3 (Developments in pharmacy practice)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives:
Aims. To build on and extend the range of knowledge and skills
acquired in Pharmacy Practice 1 and 2.
Objectives. After taking this unit, the student should be able
to: Monitor prescriptions and patients' hospital medication charts
relating to more complex therapy. Critically review the legality,
appropriateness of therapy and dosage and the risk of potential
drug interactions and adverse drug reactions in proposed patient
therapy. Build on a structured approach to responding to symptoms
presented by a patient. Prepare a wide range of extemporaneous
products. Communicate with patients and health care professionals.
Content: Legislation: employment legislation; health &
safety legislation; consumer legislation. poisons legislation,
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health CHIP Regulations, Spirits
Legislation NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regs NHS & Community
Care Act (1990).
Practice: Developments in pharmacy practice. NHS: history, present
structure & future developments. Royal Pharmaceutical Society
of Great Britain: Charter, organisation and pharmacist's duty
under statute. The practical course widens the student's experience
of clinical pharmacy with more complex patients medical histories
and potential drug interactions. Practical skills are further
developed using extemporaneous exercises.
Social & behavioural sciences. Workshops cover communications
skills and further examples of responding to symptoms.
PHAR0033: Infections
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To familiarise the student
with the major infections and their treatment with antimicrobial
agents.
Content: Bacterial infections including those caused by
Staphylococcus sp, Streptococcus sp, Clostridium
sp, Neisseria sp. Enterobacterial species, Helicobacter
pylori, Listeria monocytogenes, Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Mycobacterium sp. Antibiotic treatment,
modes of action and resistance including penicillins, cephalosporins,
carbapenems, monobactams, b-lactamase
inhibitors, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, 4-quinolones, vancomycin
and fusidic acid and anti-tuberculosis agents. Viral infections
and their treatment including Herpes, Varicella and HIV. Fungal
infections including dermatophytes and Candida albicans
and treatment with amphotericin and azole agents. Treatment of
protozoal infections, including malaria. Helminths and arthoropods.
Antimicrobial synergy, antagonism and resistance amongst clinical
isolates will be investigated in the practicals and workshops.
PHAR0034: Pharmacy practice 4 (case studies in pharmacy practice)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To study topics relevant
to current pharmaceutical practice.
Content: Current developments in pharmaceutical practice
case studies.
PHAR0035: Dissertation in pharmacy
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: DS100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The aim of the unit is
that the students gain skills in conducting a literature survey
on a chosen topic, reviewing their findings and presenting them
in a well-organised piece of writing.
When the students have completed the unit, they should be able
to: a) use methods of searching for information on a pharmaceutically
related topic in a library or other information source; b) critically
review this information and assess the reliability and importance
of individual pieces of information, according to their source
and relevance to the topic chosen; c) construct a logically organised,
well argued and concise dissertation using this information.
Content: A topic related to the science and practice of
pharmacy will be chosen by each student from a list provided.
A tutor will be assigned to each student to monitor progress,
give advice and assess the dissertation.
One lecture will be given to all the students to introduce the
unit and to give general guidance on planning library work, assessing
the quality and relevance of data and writing the dissertation.
Three tutorials will be given by the tutors to assigned groups
of students; in these tutorials, the student will be given additional
guidance and their progress will be monitored.
PHAR0036: Medicines design 5 (Solid state formulation &
pulmonary delivery)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To show how solid dose
medications and inhaled systems are formulated and to give a physical
and chemical basis for the choice of particular formulated systems.
Content: Processing techniques common to the production
of solid dose pharmaceuticals: milling, mixing, granulation and
drying. The physics of tablet compaction. Direct compression tablet
production. Formulation of tablets for wet and dry granulation.
Techniques of capsule production. Coating: sugar coating, polymer
film coating and coatings for controlled release. Controlled release:
physiological basis and need. Controlled oral release achieved
by matrix, film-coated and osmotic systems. Formulation of pMDI,
DPI and nebulisable formulations
PHAR0037: Pharmacy practice 5 (Further advances in pharmacy
practice)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX30 PR20 OT50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives:
Aims. To consider the function and structure of various pharmaceutical
organisations and the roles and responsibilities of allied health
professions. Further consideration of legislation relating to
the profession of pharmacy and the acquisition of further practical
experience with scenarios relating to pharmacy practice. To consider
current and future developments in pharmacy practice.
Objectives. After taking this unit, the student should be able
to demonstrate an understanding of the application of pharmaceutical
knowledge, behavioural science and legislation to professional
practice, as a prerequisite to commencing pre-registration training
and, in due course, application for admission to the Register
of Pharmaceutical Chemists in Great Britain. Students must pass
this unit in order to be awarded their degree.
Content: Pharmaceutical organisations, the profession of
pharmacy. Current and future developments in pharmacy practice.
Case studies in pharmaceutical legislation. The practical course
continues to address more complex practice scenarios, building
on experience gained in previous units. Revision of practice and
legislation covered to date.
PHAR0038: Clinical pharmacy 1 (Introduction to clinical pharmacy)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to principles of clinical pharmacy, disease states and to demonstrate
the principles of taking a medical history. To enable the student
to differentiate between acute, chronic, important and trivial
disease states. At the end of the unit the student will have an
understanding of specific disease states, an improved understanding
of effective interpersonal communication skills and an improved
systematic approach to the problems experienced in clinical practice.
Content: Lectures: paediatrics, geriatrics, health of the
nation, health promotion, terminal care, intensive care, parenteral
therapy, accident and emergency.
Workshops: diabetes, gastro-intestinal tract, cardiovascular therapy,
asthma, anaphylaxis and allergy.
Hospital Visits: surgery, gastroenterology, rheumatology, endocrinology.
PHAR0039: Project 1
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The aim of the unit is
that the student gains skills in setting up an hypothesis and
in devising experiments designed to test that hypothesis.
At the end of the unit, the student should be able to present
the background to the chosen research area, the hypothesis to
be addressed and the means by which it is to be tested.
Content: A wide range of project topics will be made available
from which the student will chose one. It is likely that in many
areas, group project work will be encouraged.
PHAR0040: Advanced pharmaceutical studies 1
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide an opportunity
for the student to study selected areas of pharmaceutical interest
in depth; to explore the relationships between specialised subject
areas and their wider relevance in the world of pharmaceutical
science. At the end of the unit, the student will be able to demonstrate
an understanding of the selected topics and an ability to integrate
knowledge gained from all aspects of the MPharm degree programme.
Content: Areas of topical or potential interest in the
pharmaceutical and related sciences will be chosen for study.
The nature of the course dictates that the topics chosen will
change from year to year. It is proposed to introduce each topic
by means of an invited lecture or structured symposium; the subject
will be further explored by directed student-centred learning.
PHAR0041: Clinical pharmacy 2 (Continuation in clinical pharmacy)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To continue and develop
the aims and objectives of Clinical Pharmacy 1.
Content: Lectures: dermatology, oral medicine, family planning,
ophthalmology, wound healing, health economics, anaesthetics,
diabetes, epilepsy.
Workshops: health promotion, poisons and pain, dermatology, epilepsy
and CNS.
Hospital visits: respiratory, cardiovascular, geriatrics, CNS.
PHAR0042: Project 2
Semester 2
Credits: 15
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: RT100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The aim of this unit is
to allow the student to develop practical research skills. At
the end of the unit, the student should be able to demonstrate
an ability to generate original data, to analyse the data appropriately
and to present conclusions drawn from the data.
Content: Students will be offered a choice of research
project from a wide range of topics in the pharmaceutical sciences.
PHAR0043: Advanced pharmaceutical studies 2
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To provide an opportunity
for the student to study selected areas of pharmaceutical interest
in depth; to explore the relationships between specialised subject
areas and their wider relevance in the world of pharmaceutical
science. At the end of the unit, the student will be able to demonstrate
an understanding of the selected topics and an ability to integrate
knowledge gained from all aspects of the MPharm degree programme.
Content: Areas of topical or potential interest in the
pharmaceutical and related sciences will be chosen for study.
The nature of the course dictates that the topics chosen will
change from year to year. It is proposed to introduce each topic
by means of an invited lecture or structured symposium; the subject
will be further explored by directed student-centred learning.
PHAR0044: Measurement in pharmacology
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Understanding of the principles
of measurement required in experimental pharmacology. Basic techniques
and recording equipment; molarities; dose-response curves using
in vitro preparations.
PHAR0045: Experimental pharmacology 1
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW50 OT50
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: This unit is the first
of a series of 5 units and is designed to provide the student
with an appreciation of, and experience in, the practical techniques
which are used in the major areas of pharmacological research.
PHAR0045 is designed to make the student aware of the importance
of animal husbandry, to ensure competence in the handling and
preparation of experimental animals and to acquaint them with
the factors which influence the potency and duration of action
of a drug in the body. This will be coupled with a project which
will introduce students to techniques of information retrieval,
to working as part of a team and to the preparation of data for
oral and visual presentation.
After taking this unit, the student should be able to handle with
confidence various laboratory animals and be able to dissect and
prepare a range of organs for experimental purposes. A grounding
in the events which influence a drug's activity will also be gained.
Experience in the retrieval of scientific information together
with oral and visual presentation of a selected topic will also
be gained.
Content: Animal husbandry and handling; anatomy and dissection;
routes of drug administration, volumes of distribution; drug metabolism
and excretion. Selection of a major theme e.g. cancer which allows
a variety of aspects to be researched independently by small groups
and then presented either orally or in poster format to obtain
an integrated picture of the theme.
PHAR0046: Experimental pharmacology 2
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to the pharmacology of the different divisions of the nervous
system, the kidney and cardiovascular system.
Content: Neuromuscular transmission and blocking agents,
parasympathetic nerves, cholinergic receptors, ganglion blocking
drugs and muscarinic receptor antagonists, sympathetic neurotransmission,
adrenoceptors and ion channels in nerves and smooth muscle. Actions
of diuretics on urinary ionic composition, inotropic and chronotropic
effects of drugs on cardiac preparations, mechanisms involved
in control of blood vessel diameter.
PHAR0047: Experimental pharmacology 3
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to the practical techniques used to study the release, fate and
actions of endogenous substances with potent biological activities
and those used to investigate the mechanism of action of drugs
acting on the central nervous system with assessment of the resulting
behavioural changes.
After this unit, the student should be familiar with the techniques
used to study the pharmacology of a range of autocoids and centrally-acting
drugs.
Content: Illustration of the pharmacology of histamine,
5-hydroxytryptamine, eicosanoids, nitric oxide, kinins, endothelins
and platelet-activating factor using smooth muscle and platelet
aggregometry. Neurotransmitter release from brain slices, microdialysis,
behavioural changes as assessed by locomotor activity, exploratory
behaviour etc.
PHAR0048: Experimental pharmacology 4
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to the techniques used when studying isolated cells or cell fractions.
Introduction to methods used in respiratory pharmacology. After
taking this unit, the student should be conversant with the methods
used to study the actions of drugs at a sub-cellular level and
understand how the effects of drugs on lung function are analysed.
Content: Handling of radio-isotopes, immunoassay systems,
cell fractionation, cell surface expression, flow cytometry. Methods
used to assess the actions of drugs on bronchial tone and respiratory
function in vitro and in vivo.
PHAR0049: Experimental pharmacology 5
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To introduce the student
to tackling a practical project as part of a small team and to
increase the student's skills in scientific communication. After
taking this unit the student should be able to design experiments,
allot tasks within a team and present the experimental findings
in a suitable form for transmission to the British Pharmacological
Society.
Content: Selected topics of current pharmacological interest
suitable for "mini-projects" for groups of 3-4 students.
PHAR0050: Pharmacokinetics & variability in drug response
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Content: Absorption and elimination kinetics, distribution
in body compartments; half-lives, individualisation of dose; drug
interactions; one and two compartment models, pharmacogenetics;
effect of age, disease and other factors on pharmacokinetics and
drug response.
PHAR0051: Medicines design
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The unit aims to give the
student a good understanding of the biological and formulatory
factors that may affect the therapeutic efficacy of drugs and
an overview of medicines.
Content: Factors affecting the absorption of drugs, formulation
of dosage forms, bioavailability of drugs and methods for its
modification.
PHAR0052: Antimicrobial chemotherapy
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To familiarise the student
with the major microbial infections and their treatment.
Content: Overview of bacterial infections. Antibiotic treatment,
modes of action and resistance including penicillins, cephalosporins,
carbapenems, monobactams, b-lactamase
inhibitors, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, 4-quinolones, vancomycin
and fusidic acid and anti-tuberculosis agents. Viral infections
and their treatment including Herpes, Varicella and HIV. Treatment
of protozoal infections, including malaria.
PHAR0053: Integrated studies in pharmacology
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To draw together material
from the earlier semesters and to provide a link with the advanced
studies in the following semester.
Content: Tutorials and essays covering topics from earlier
in the programme.
PHAR0054: Molecular pharmacology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop knowledge and
understanding of techniques in molecular biology and their applicability
to problems in pharmacological research.
After taking this course, the student should be able to demonstrate
an understanding of commonly used techniques in molecular biology,
and to appreciate the relevance of this molecular approach to
research in pharmacology.
Content: Gene manipulation - the polymerase chain reaction,
site-directed mutagenesis, fusion proteins and reporter constructs,
expression systems. Transgenic animals as models of disease, knock-outs.
Pharmacological applications of molecular biology - antisense
reagents, recombinant proteins, gene therapy and targeting.
PHAR0055: Project
Semester 1
Credits: 18
Level: Level 3
Assessment: RT100
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: The aim of this unit is
to allow the student to develop practical research skills. At
the end of the unit the student should be able to demonstrate
an ability to generate original data, to analyse the data appropriately
and to present conclusions drawn from the data.
Content: The student will be offered a choice of research
project from a wide range of topics in pharmacology.
PHAR0056: Critical skills
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX95 OR5
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: To develop skills in analysing
pharmacological data, producing written and oral presentations.
Content: Analysing pharmacological research papers and
writing discussions and conclusions from the data provided. Advice
for, and experience in oral examinations. Essay writing.
PHAR0057: Communication skills
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW95 OR5
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Completion of project report
and preparation of oral presentation.
PHAR0058: Selected topics in pharmacology - central nervous
system
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
PHAR0059: Selected topics in pharmacology - clinical pharmacology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
PHAR0060: Selected topics in pharmacology - immunology &
inflammation
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
PHAR0061: Selected topics in pharmacology - cardiovascular
system
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
PHAR0122: Industrial placement
Academic Year
Credits: 60
Level: Level 2
Assessment:
Requisites:
Aims & Learning Objectives: Please see the Director
of Studies for further information about the industrial placement
year.
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Pharmacy and Pharmacology Programme Catalogue
Programme / Unit Catalogue 1997/98