Course summary
On our Pharmacology BSc (Hons) degree you will further your understanding of how our bodies function in both health and disease from molecules and cells to whole organ systems. Successful completion of this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to contribute to current and emerging challenges in the understanding of drug actions and reactions and the development of new drugs to help fight disease.
- Not only will your studies focus on the investigation of how drugs are developed and their effects on living systems, but your studies will also take on a multidisciplinary approach incorporating aspects of human physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, underpinned by chemical principles.
- Upon successful completion, you will have the skills and knowledge to meet the demand for suitably trained professionals within the global pharmaceutical industry to expedite the critical task of translating basic laboratory medical research into technology and drugs that can be used to diagnose and treat patients.
- It is anticipated that on successful completion of this course you could have employment opportunities in a range of industries including pharmaceutical research and development roles, clinical trials, drug regulation and sales and marketing.
- Hands-on experience for a wide range of laboratory techniques such as gene amplification using PCR, gene sequencing, cell culture, flow cytometry using real world applicable techniques and clinical simulations in our cutting edge Superlab.
- Extensive industry links (e.g. Biocity) and opportunities to spend a year in industry in the UK or overseas as a placement student*; past students have worked at John Radcliffe Hospital and companies like Binding Site, and in countries as far afield as Canada, Spain and the Netherlands.
- Our experienced research active teaching team have worked within cardiovascular and respiratory pharmacology, clinical toxicology, NHS pathology laboratories. Staff bring their professional and research expertise into their teaching through the use of contemporary clinical case studies as the basis for problem-based learning activities (staff may be subject to change).
- This course would be ideal for students who wish to pursue careers in integrative medical and pharmacological science or are interested in focusing on drug development.
- Following British Pharmacological Society (BPS) guidelines, this course is designed to give you a solid foundation in areas of biology that support an understanding of pharmacology.
Modules
This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). Common first year courses Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences BSc (Hons) Biological and Forensic Science BSc (Hons) Year One In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field. It provides underpinning knowledge, laboratory and data analysis skills relevant for Pharmacology. This shared approach allows you to appreciate a diversity of applications and roles for biosciences and to gain a broad topic understanding. Modules Human physiology: Homeostasis and Health - 20 credits Genetics, Heredity and Evolution - 20 credits Structure, Function and Analysis of Biomolecules - 20 credits Cell Communication, Structure, and Function - 20 credits The Microbial World - 20 credits Applied Techniques in Biology - 20 credits Year Two In the second year there is a greater emphasis on the biology of disease. You will begin to specialise in pharmacology and related areas including physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and genetics. Laboratory work is a key component of the course, enabling you to learn the experimental techniques and develop the key experimental, data handling and reporting skills required for careers in science. Practical sessions will introduce you to modern laboratory techniques and clinical approaches to diagnosing and treating disease, while your research skills are broadened to include an understanding of research methodology and design, medical statistics, and methods of data analysis. Modules Disease Pathophysiology and Therapeutics Pharmacology and Pathophysiology - 20 credits Essential Techniques for Pharmacologists - 20 credits Cell and Molecular Biology for Pharmacologists - 20 credits Immunology and Inflammation - 20 credits Research and professional skills development - 20 credits Placement Year There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. Final Year The final year of your course aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from Year one and two. You will also have the opportunity to carry out an independent research project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor. Modules Drug Discovery: Past, Present and Future - 20 credits Toxicology, Addiction and Abuse - 20 credits Cancer Biology and Therapeutics - 20 credits Advanced Topics in Cardiovascular and Neuropharmacology - 20 credits Research Design - 20 credits Independent Project - 20 credits For full module information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.
Assessment method
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include: Phase tests Essays Group work Presentations Reports Projects Coursework Individual Assignments The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Royal Society of Biology
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 points
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - BCCCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
All applications are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, experience, reference and your motivation to study the course. The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three A2 Levels. This may include subject specific requirements where necessary. If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be invited to an Applicant Visit Day to discover more about the course and studying at Coventry University.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Coventry University
Priory Street
Coventry
CV1 5FB
Clearing contact details
Recruitment and Admissions Office
02476 888888
Additional information
Thursday 17 August 08:00-21:00, Friday 18 August 08:00-18:00, Saturday 19 August 10:00-16:00, Sunday 20 August 10:00-16:00, Monday 21 August onwards (weekdays only) 08:00-19:00