This module will provide students with the opportunity to investigate the most recent advances in pharmaceutical science and the development of drugs; it is therefore highly likely that the content will develop from one year to the next.
Based upon current knowledge, the module content will initially include:
Advances in drug discovery – using an annual report, such as ‘The Year in Drugs’ published by Chemical and Engineering News, students will investigate the latest drugs to appear on the market, and research in detail their discovery, synthesis and pharmacology
Personalised medicines – the development of treatments that are tailored specifically for a patient based upon their diagnosis, physiology and other factors that may impact on the success of a treatment regime
Biologics – complex drugs produced by biotechnological methods or isolated from natural sources, including gene-based and cellular biologics
Vaccines – their discovery, activity, production and recent advances, particularly as anti-virals
Chemotherapy and other oncological treatment strategies

COURSEWORK weighted at 100%.

Coursework consisting of the following elements:
1. REPORT 3000 words (50%) - A report, in the style of an academic review paper, that provides research about topical drug releases and a critical evaluation of their development and activity 1,2,3] (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2)

2. ASSIGNMENT 3000 words or equivalent (50%) - A proposal of a new drug / treatment regime for a specified health condition, to include coverage of the synthesis, formulation and pharmacology (learning Outcome 3) FINAL

There will be 12 x 2 hour tutor-led sessions (some of which may involve external speakers) that will be used to discuss the core material and provide a forum for group discussions. In addition, there will be 12 x 1 hour student-led workshops / tutorial during which students will share information that they obtain during independent study and discuss with the tutor their progress with the assessments. If necessary, the latter may take the form of one-to-one meetings.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chemical and Engineering News

None.

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1. Research, critically evaluate and analyse information about current advances in pharmaceutical science for dissemination to others
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY

2. Critically evaluate the development and activity of new drugs
LEARNING, ANALYSIS

3. Apply knowledge at the forefront of pharmaceutical science to propose new drug solutions for known health issues, providing appropriate in-depth scientific arguments and justifications
PROBLEM SOLVING, APPLICATION