Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Pharmacology and Therapeutics) | Programme code | UFS3EMSBIO04 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | St Luke's (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
Please note - this programme code is for the Pharmacology and Therapeutics pathway within the main BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences programme.
For full programme details please refer to the core BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences programme specification:
- You can search by programme code: UFS3EMSEMS01
- or follow this link to the BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences programme specification: https://ipams.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/descriptions/index/programmeId/3763/version/0
For the BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Pharmacology and Therapeutics) pathway specific modules please see section Programme Modules here.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Pharmacology and Therapeutics) Pathway
Stage 1 – same as Stage 1 of the core BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences programme
Stage 1
Stage 1 – same as Stage 1 of the core BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences programme
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSC1005 | Integrated Human Physiology | 30 | No |
| CSC1004 | Fundamental Skills for Medical Scientists | 30 | No |
| BIO1332 | Biochemistry | 15 | No |
| BIO1334 | Genetics | 15 | No |
| BIO1337 | Microbiology | 15 | No |
| BIO1339 | Cells | 15 | No |
Stage 2
If you wish to pursue the Pharmacology and Therapeutics pathway, you are required to take 75 credits of compulsory modules, including the 15 credit CSC2005 Introduction to Pharmacology module. A further 45 credits should be selected from the optional modules, and those developed and advertised annually on the Medical Sciences web pages, to a total of 120 credits. If you choose the Pharmacology and Therapeutics pathway, you may wish to consider optional modules BIO2092 (Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics) and/or BIO2088 (Advanced Cell Biology).
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSC2012 | Disease, Diagnostics and Therapeutics (in third year for p/t students) | 30 | No |
| CSC2023 | Experimental Design and Statistics (in fourth year for p/t students) | 30 | No |
| CSC2005 | Introduction to Pharmacology (in third year for p/t students) | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
a You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC2008 Immunopathology, and CSC2004 Medical Genetics.
b If you take CSC2008 (Immunopathology), you will not be permitted to take BIO3078 (Cellular Basis of Immunity) in final year.
c You may only take one of these three optional modules: CSC2025 Decolonising Medicine, CSC2020 Coding for Medical Scientists and BIO2089 Molecular Biology of the Gene.
d You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC2027 Experimental Pharmacology and BIO2092 Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics.
e You may only take one of these two optional modules: NEU1006 Introduction to Neuroscience, BIO2088 Advanced Cell Biology and CSC2026 The Biology of Cancer.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO2088 | Advanced Cell Biology (See note e) | 15 | No |
| BIO2089 | Molecular Biology of the Gene (See note c) | 15 | No |
| BIO2092 | Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics (See note d) | 15 | No |
| CSC2004 | Medical Genetics (See note a) | 15 | No |
| CSC2008 | Immunopathology (See note a,b) | 15 | No |
| CSC2020 | Coding for Medical Scientists (See note c) | 15 | No |
| CSC2025 | Decolonising Medicine, An Introduction (See note c) | 15 | No |
| CSC2026 | The Biology of Cancer (See note e) | 15 | No |
| CSC2027 | Experimental Pharmacology (See note d) | 15 | No |
| NEU1006 | Introduction to Neuroscience (See note e) | 15 | No |
| NEU1006 | Introduction to Neuroscience (See note c) | 15 | No |
Stage 3
If you wish to continue on the Pharmacology and Therapeutics pathway, you are required to complete 120 credits at Stage 3, made up of 45 credits of compulsory modules including the 15 credit compulsory pathway module CSC3010 (Rational Drug Design), 45 credits from CSC3029, and at least 15 credits must be selected from the pathway-specific optional modules: CSC3009 (Pharmacogenomics), CSC3030 (New Therapeutic Targets in Cancer), NEU2019 (Neuropharmacology) and BIO3041 (Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry). The remaining 15 credits may be chosen from other optional modules, and those developed and advertised annually on the Medical Sciences web pages. Enrolment on optional modules will be conditional on your having completed any required prerequisite modules at Stages One and Two.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSC3019 | Translational Medical Science (in fifth year for p/t students) | 30 | No |
| CSC3010 | Rational Drug Design (in fifth year for p/t students) | 15 | No |
| CSC3029 | Medical Sciences Research Project (in sixth year for p/t students) | 45 | Yes |
Optional Modules
a If you took CSC2008 (Immunopathology) in second year you are not permitted to take BIO3078 (Cellular Basis of Immunity) in final year.
b You may only take one of these two optional modules: CSC3018 Health Economics and BIO3086 Cell Biology of Disease.
c You may only take one of these three optional modules: CSC3009 Pharmacogenomics, NEU2019 Neuropharmacology and BIO3078 Cellular Basis of Immunity.
d You may only take one of these three optional modules: CSC3030 New Therapeutic Targets in Cancer, CSC3031 Applied Data Science and BIO3059 Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection.
e You may only take one of these two optional modules: BIO3041 Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry and BIO3058 Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSC3009 | Pharmacogenomics (See note c) | 15 | No |
| CSC3030 | New Therapeutic Targets in Cancer (See note d) | 15 | No |
| NEU2019 | Neuropharmacology (See note c) | 15 | No |
| BIO3041 | Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry (See note e) | 15 | No |
| BIO3078 | Cellular Basis of Immunity (See notes a,c) | 15 | No |
| BIO3086 | Cell Biology of Disease (See note b) | 15 | No |
| CSC3018 | Health Economics (See note b) | 15 | No |
| CSC3031 | Applied Data Science (See note d) | 15 | No |
| NEU3028 | Science Communication | 15 | No |
| BIO3059 | Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection (See note d) | 15 | No |
| BIO3058 | Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology (See note e) | 15 | No |
| CSC3031 | Applied Data Science (See notes f) | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate an integrated and detailed knowledge and understanding of the core biomolecular and biomedical science principles underpinning human health and important diseases | Structured small group learning sessions; lectures; practical laboratory classes; experiential placements; research project or dissertation; independent study, and personal tutor feedback. | ILOs 1-4 will be tested across the core and optional module formative and summative assessment, including essay examinations, short answer and multiple choice tests, written reviews, practical work and projects, quantitative problems, project report/dissertation, oral and poster presentations; project supervisor judgements, and reflective portfolio analyses. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Apply skills of critical thinking, problem-formulation, problem-solving, and rigorous scientific data handling to clinical science practice | Structured small group learning sessions; lectures; practical laboratory classes; experiential placements; research project or dissertation; independent study and personal tutor feedback. | ILOs 5-10 will be tested across the core and optional module formative and summative assessment, including essay examinations, short answer and multiple choice tests, written reviews, practical work and projects, quantitative problems, project report/dissertation, oral and poster presentations; project supervisor judgements, and reflective portfolio analyses. ILO 9-10 will also be assessed using peer and facilitator (personal development and professionalism) PDP judgements in small group sessions, portfolio reflection, and question and answer sessions. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
11. Communicate effectively and competently with patients, healthcare professionals, professional training placement teams, and lay audiences | Structured small group learning sessions; lectures; practical laboratory classes; experiential placements; research project or dissertation; independent study and personal tutor feedback | ILOs 11-14 will be tested across the core and optional module formative and summative assessment, including essay examinations, short answer and multiple choice tests, written reviews, practical work and projects, quantitative problems, project report/dissertation, oral and poster presentations; project supervisor judgements, and reflective portfolio analyses. |
7. Programme Regulations
Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2, 3 and 4 combined in the ratio 2:1:4 respectively.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring : It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Students on this programme will be supported by personal tutors, School of Bioscience Programme Advisors, and Pastoral Tutors. Students will be offered termly meetings with tutors who provide guidance and feedback on assessment, performance, and personal development issues.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences (Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
19. UCAS Code
B105
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/05/2013 |
Date of last revision | 17/06/2024 |
|---|
