Course structure

Overview

The MPharm degree is structured into core modules in each year, with a research project in the fourth year and a choice of two optional modules from a range of modules in the third year.


The summary of the MPharm Programme structure looks as follows:

You will take the following course units (modules):

One

CORE MODULES (all year 1 modules are worth 1 course unit)

PHAY1001 The role of the pharmacist in healthcare

PHAY1002 Chemistry of medicines

PHAY1003 Body systems and therapeutics 1: Underpinning principles of cell and system function and drug action

PHAY1004 Making safe and effective medicines
Two

CORE MODULES (all year 2 modules are worth 1 course unit)

PHAY2001 Clinical and professional considerations

PHAY2002 Medicines from the bench to the clinic

PHAY2003 Body systems and therapeutics 2: Cardiovascular, renal and endocrine systems

PHAY2004 Body systems and therapeutics 3: Central nervous systme, gastro-intestinal system, liver, skin, eye
Three

CORE MODULES (all year 3 modules are worth 1 course unit)

PHAY3101 Communicating science and practice

PHAY3102 Future design, delivery and administration of medicines

PHAY3103 Body systems and therapeutics 4: Immunology, inflammation, respiratory diseases, infectious disease and cancer

PHAY3104 Options (students choose 2 options from a range)
Four

CORE MODULES (all year 4modules are worth 1 course unit, except the project which is worth 2 course units)

PHAYM101 Preparation for professional practice

PHAYM102 Advancement of practice through science

PHAYMX90 Research Project

   

Study Abroad for a term

You may apply to spend three months during the fourth year at one of our European partner universities. Placements in hospital, university or research labs in the UK, USA or another country are also possible. Each year about 40 students go abroad. More information about student placements and exchanges can be found here.

Teaching and Learning

You will be exposed to many different styles of teaching and learning. These help you to develop skills which will be useful to you as a professional and ultimately enable you to take responsibility for your continuing professional development.

  • Lectures, with associated handouts
  • Practical classes
  • Tutorials and problem-solving sessions
  • Problem-based learning groups
  • Coursework assignments and projects
  • Computer-assisted learning (CAL) software packages
  • Visits, to hospital and community pharmacies, industry
  • A research project with dissertation and oral presentation
  • A distance-learning project to promote integration of the whole programme
  • Clinical seminars and workshops
  • Ward-based clinical placements
  • Skills workshops with patients
  • Journal clubs
  • Independent learning through CPD (continuing professional development) portfolio, including reflective practice diaries
  • Private study, with appropriate guidance

Academic Tutor Scheme

In the first year, you are assigned to an academic tutor whom you will meet regularly for small group tutorials. In these tutorial groups, consisting of 4-5 students, you will take part in structured exercises to develop your writing, oral presentation and numerical skills, and identify subjects with which you may need further help. Your academic tutor is available for academic and personal support throughout the duration of your course.

Typical Timetable

An average weekly timetable includes 5-6 hours of lectures, 10-15 hours of practicals and 2-4 hours of seminars or tutorials.

Coursework and Examinations

Your performance is assessed by both coursework and written examinations. Exams are held at the end of each year, in June. Resit examinations are held in September (at the discretion of the Exam Board). Marks from all years of the course, except the first year, count towards the final honours classification.

Page last modified on 09 apr 13 09:27