BSc (Hons) Pharmacology and Drug Discovery with Foundation Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- 8B21
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Our pharmacology and drug discovery degree offers you the opportunity to explore some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today. You will investigate how we can support an ageing population and combat the increasing number of cases of diseases such as cancer, as well as how we can help one in four people suffering from mental health issues.
Your passion for chemistry and biology will be put to use for the good of human health as you develop the life-changing medicines of the future. Our course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle these challenges and make a difference in the world of pharmaceutical research.
Our research-rich environment is at the heart of our course, allowing you to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to excel in this field.
If you do not yet have the knowledge or grades required for our BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery program, our Foundation Year is designed to fill any gaps in your knowledge. The Foundation Year provides a firm grounding in chemistry, biology, and mathematics, as well as introducing you to key concepts of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.
Overall, our degree provides a comprehensive education that prepares you for a rewarding career in pharmacology and drug discovery, where you can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Pharmacology is a fascinating field that involves the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. Our Pharmacology Drug Discovery programme offers a unique and innovative multidisciplinary approach, combining biology, chemistry, and physical sciences to understand the science behind disease and medicines.
Our BSc is the only programme of its type in the UK, and it will provide you with an in-depth understanding of how drugs work to combat disease, as well as how new drugs are designed, synthesised and manufactured. In addition, we include business studies to equip you with the necessary management skills required to succeed in today's corporate world.
Our academic researchers, including pharmacologists, cell biologists, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists, will teach you the latest techniques and research in pharmacology and drug discovery. Our practical classes provide you with experience in synthetic medicinal chemistry and current molecular pharmacology, essential techniques used in the discovery of new medicines. You will also learn how to design experiments and write reports in the form of scientific papers.
One of the highlights of the course is the opportunity to conduct your own original research in an individual project carried out within an active research laboratory. This project will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world problem and gain valuable experience in the field.
Overall, our Pharmacology Drug Discovery programme is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research. Our multidisciplinary approach and practical learning experiences will prepare you for a fulfilling and rewarding career in this exciting field.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our Foundation Year is designed to prepare you for success on our BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery programme. The year-long course will provide you with all the necessary skills in chemistry, biology, and mathematics to excel in your studies.
In addition to these fundamental subjects, you will also study pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and drug delivery, giving you a broad introduction to the field. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto our three-year degree programme in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery.
For the years of study beyond the Foundation Year, please see the BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery course pages.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our Pharmacology Drug Discovery programme utilises a range of innovative teaching methods to provide you with a comprehensive education. In addition to traditional lectures, tutorials, and practical classes, we incorporate case studies, problem-based learning, team-based learning, and research and business management projects into the curriculum.
As part of your student-led learning, you will also have the opportunity to give presentations and produce posters. We may utilize a combination of asynchronous and synchronous online teaching activities to ensure flexibility and accessibility.
Our state-of-the-art teaching laboratories provide you with a practical learning experience where you can carry out experiments based on the subjects covered in the lecture programme. Our sessions are supervised by your lecturers and postgraduate student demonstrators, who ensure the safe execution of experiments and discuss the underlying theory.
Overall, our innovative teaching methods and practical learning experiences are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of pharmacology and drug discovery.
Assessment
Throughout the Pharmacology Drug Discovery programme, you will be assessed using a variety of methods to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. We will prepare you for these assessments with guidance and formative assessments, where you will receive feedback on your work before submitting the final piece.
Our detailed feedback will help you to identify areas for improvement and ensure that you continue to achieve your full potential throughout the course. We believe that constructive feedback is an essential part of the learning process and will help you to develop the necessary skills to succeed in your future career.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- CCC. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- Extended Diploma: MMM. Excludes Uniformed Services. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – CDD
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – MMP
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- BBCCC
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 6 subjects at H4.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 28 points.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: MMM.
Diploma: MM plus C at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: M plus CC at A-Level
We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three-year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
Once you successfully finish your Foundation Year you will go straight onto the BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery.
You’ll graduate from that ready to pursue a career in drug design or development within academia, the health sector or industry.
You could also choose a broader life science career, for example with a grant-funding body, charity, learned society or in academia, regulatory affairs or publishing.
We embed employability skills throughout the course, with sessions on developing CVs, interview techniques, presentation skills, team-working, research and business skills.
For entrepreneurial students who, in the future, want to turn their work into a business, there are dedicated facilities on the Norwich Research Park, with state-of-the-art lab and office spaces right on our doorstep.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Research scientist in industry, research institute or university
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Healthcare scientist
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Analytical chemist
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Biomedical scientist
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Medical sales representative
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Toxicologist
Discover more on our Careers webpages.