Chemical Principles
Pharmaceutical Science with Foundation Year
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Full-time
Part-time
With placement
Four year
Eight year
Five year
September 2020
In a nutshell
This course will provide you with a strong foundation in biological and chemical sciences, allowing you to progress onto either of the BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science degree course.
It is ideal if you want to develop your career along a conservation pathway but have a non-scientific background, or you don’t meet the entry requirements for direct entry to an honours degree. This course may also be attractive if you are returning to education or if you wish to change career direction.
Completion of the Human Genome Project means that it is now possible to identify the genes associated with many cancers and inherited disorders - this presents many challenges. At the University of Salford, we are training a new generation of pharmaceutical scientists to meet these new challenges and to apply scientific knowledge in order to design drugs that improve the quality of people’s lives.
This course is designed for students looking for a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. It is also suitable if you are aiming for a career in research, teaching and many other professions in which biology and biochemistry are important components such as animal health, food science, cosmetic science, in medical laboratories, technical sales, patent law and scientific journalism.
Pharmaceutical science is at the cutting-edge of research and is an exceptionally versatile scientific discipline with opportunities in the field continuing to grow and develop. This provides graduates of this course with some excellent prospective career paths and our programme will ensure that you are fully equipped to take advantage of them.
You will:
- Gain a broad, basic knowledge of chemical principles to prepare you for more advanced study
- Have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a placement year
- Develop skills to meet the challenges created by the completion of the Human Genome Project
options available
Course accreditations

This is for you if...
Want an excellent route into science for those from a non-scientific background
You are returning to education or seeking to develop your career in a new direction
You didn't meet the entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science
All about the course
During the foundation year you will study modules which will increase your knowledge and understanding of basic biology and other aspects of environmental studies. There is an emphasis on both understanding and problem solving in addition to practical and communication skills. These skills will aid and enhance your performance on the honours degree.
Year one introduces the basic concepts of pharmaceutical science and includes both theoretical and practical modules. Year two builds upon course content from year one, increasing in depth and specialisation. In your final year you will take core modules and optional modules and complete your degree with a supervised research project in a subject of your choice.
Between years two and three of this course we encourage students to complete a placement year, which is arranged with our support. Recent students on this course have been offered placements at Pfizer in Kent, the Transplant Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital and the Cancer Research UK Manchester institute. In our experience, final degree results and employability are enhanced for students who undertake a placement year.
If you are studying part-time you select two to four modules from each year of study, completing the rest of the modules for the year in the following year. This leads to a maximum six-year duration for a part-time degree. If studying part-time you do not have the placement option.
You'll start to understand the significance of the structure of atoms, their classification in the periodic table, chemical reactions and bonding to form organic and inorganic molecules and the importance of pH.
Scientific Methods
Take a hands-on approach to develop biological and chemical laboratory skills, practise environmental and fieldwork techniques, and apply scientific knowledge in the interpretation of results of experiments and surveys.
Data Handling
Develop skills for application of statistical and mathematical methods and practise using Information Technology for effective presentation and communication of data and ideas.
Professional Communications
Develop life-long learning skills including techniques for self-assessment and reflection, written and verbal communication skills for meetings, debates and presentations.
Choose two options from
Biological Principles
Explore the characteristics of plant and animal cells which are the building blocks of all life forms; their interactions with micro and macro environments, and learn about the diversity of animal and plant life in a range of ecosystems.
Earth Processes
Explore the interactions of earth processes, geological structures and environmental functions, the use of resources e.g. fossil fuels including fracking and consider the differential impacts of a range of geological hazards – earthquakes, volcanic activity and rising sea levels.
Environmental Conservation
Understand key ecological concepts, explore biogeography, appraise conservation techniques and consider priorities and issues in management of habitats and wildlife.
Science for Health
Evaluate a range of environmental and scientific factors that interact to influence health – e.g. pollution, nutrition, drug development and consider examples of environmental interventions and clinical trials.
Biological Chemistry
The Biological Chemistry module introduces the basics of molecular structure and spectroscopy, structure and function of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
Genetics
This module will help you develop an understanding of genes and genetics, and their influence on evolution and development. It looks at the basic principles of molecular genetics and the function and evolution of genes in organisms.
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
The aim of this module is to introduce organic chemistry through structure and mechanism. You will study organic reactions of key functional groups such as alkenes, carbonyl and aromatic compounds.
Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Skills
This module is designed to allow you to develop basic laboratory skills and techniques that underpin fundamental biochemical investigations.
Introductory Biochemistry
The aim of this module is to introduce principles of biochemistry. You will study biochemical pathways and organelles, relevant to cell biology.
Cell Biology
This module will look at the multidisciplinary nature of cell biology and the basic structure of cells, focusing on animal cells. It will help you develop a theoretical knowledge of the fundamental physiological and biochemical functions carried out by cells.
Clinical and Molecular Genetics
The aim of this module is to introduce basic concepts in molecular biology, to explain the control of gene expression in pro- and eukaryotes and how dysfunction in these processes can lead to human genetic disorders. You will also develop an understanding of theoretical and practical knowledge in the application of clinical laboratory techniques used for diagnosis.
Chemical and Biochemical Research Skills
The aim of this module is to help you understand how to conduct scientific research from basic principles including: critical searching, citation and evaluation of research-based literature, data interpretation, analysis and presentation, report writing and communication.
Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry
The aim of this module is to introduce the general principles of drug discovery and modes of action of drugs.
Genomics and Proteomics
This module provides an appreciation of topics in molecular biology with an emphasis on genomics, proteomics and their underlying structural aspects.
Pharmacology
This module aims to introduce you to the general principles of pharmacological active ingredients and their effect upon the major organs. You will develop an understanding of techniques applicable to research in the field of pharmacology.
Human Systems Physiology
The aim of this module is to provide a reflective, systems-led approach to understanding the functions of human physiological structures. You will develop awareness and understanding of the multidisciplinary aspects of taking human physiological measurements with a clinical emphasis. This module will illustrate the adaptations of human organ structures to perform their functions within changing environments and physical activity.
Research Project and Professional Skills
An opportunity to work with a research group and contribute to original research in a relevant area of pharmaceutical science. The module also focuses upon key professional skills aimed at improving employability.
Biochemistry of Drugs and Disease
This module will provide a contemporary overview of some important disease processes and associated drug intervention mechanisms.
Applied Pharmacology
This module will enhance your understanding of pharmaceutical analysis and other aspects of drug development including pre-clinical and clinical trials.
Choose one option from
Advances in Pathophysiology
The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of selected human physiological systems including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the methodology used to monitor and assess cardiovascular and respiratory function.
Biotechnology
This module encourages an awareness of the importance of biotechnology in industry and develops your knowledge of a variety of biochemical processes in a range of important industrial applications.
Science and Industry
This module focuses upon key areas of the scientific industry such as marketing, health and safety and legal issues. External contributions from industry experts will enhance your learning on this module. It is aimed at improving your employability after graduation.
New
Frontiers in Medicine Design
Introducing you to the latest technologies and techniques used in modern medicine design, a major component of this module will focus on computational techniques used in the drug development process, with computer lab classes providing you with experience using industry-standard software. You will also learn about the latest developments in 'wet' laboratory techniques that are assisting in the development of treatments for conditions such as HIV.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a rapidly changing world, our multi-disciplinary courses will shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and conservationists. Shaped by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to become unstoppable in your career.
facilities
You will experience a modern learning environment, enriched with accessible lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries, with access to industry journals, databases, and simulation software.
As a pharmaceutical science student, you will have access to our state-of-the-art, integrated teaching laboratory known as the Bodmer Lab. The Bodmer Lab is a specialist, purpose-built facility and ensures our students benefit from the latest technologies to support their learning and remain on the cutting edge of innovation and discovery.
What about after uni?
This course will provide you with specialist and transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers from different sectors including Contract Research Organisations (CROs), small and large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The transferable skills learnt will allow you to seek work in several areas such as research, development, quality assurance, within the government, and assisting on legal cases.
This degree is ideal if you are interested in a career in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries, as well as clinical or other biomedical areas such as analytical biochemistry. Some of our recent graduates have found employment in hospitals, CROs (working on clinical trials in the metabolism section) and large pharmaceutical companies.
Career Links
Between years two and three of this course we encourage students to complete a placement year, which is arranged with our support. Recent Pharmaceutical Science students have been offered placements at Pfizer in Kent, the Transplant Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital and the Cancer Research UK Manchester institute. In our experience, final degree results and employability are enhanced for students who undertake a placement year.
What you need to know
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
APPLICANT PROFILE
We are looking for applicants with a strong interest in how medicines work, are designed and manufactured. You should also interested in biological and chemical sciences.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, no element below 5.5, is proof of this.
Please note: The entry criteria below are related to entry onto this course in the 2020/2021 academic year. If you’re interested in a future intake year, please check the course entry on UCAS.
GCSE
English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS tariff points
64 UCAS points
A level
64 UCAS points
BTEC National Diploma
MPP
Access to HE
64 UCAS points
Scottish Highers
64 UCAS points from Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate
64 UCAS points from Higher Level
European Baccalaureate
Completion of two full years study and an awarded qualification
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2020/21 | £8,250 for Foundation Year and £9,250 for subsequent years. |
Part-time | 2020/21 | Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying |
Full-time home | 2021/22 | £8,250 for Foundation Year and £9,250 for subsequent years. |
Part-time | 2021/22 | Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying |
Additional costs
All field trips are funded by the school but you may need to consider additional costs such as food and spending money.
International field trips that are part of core modules are also funded by the school but you will need to pay towards international field trips that are part of optional modules (although these are subsidised by the school) and you will be made aware of these costs before selecting the module.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Interested in starting university in September 2021? Book your place on our next Open Day.