Pharmaceutical Science | BSc (Hons) | University of Lincoln

Dr Lorna Lancaster - Programme Leader

Lorna Lancaster is Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science and is a specialist in alternative antibiotics and vaccines. Her research interests centre around alternative antimicrobials. In particular, she is interested in bacteriocins - toxins produced by a strain of bacteria to kill other like strains of bacteria. Her work aims to determine the function, activity, stability, and inhibition of these toxins by using a variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques.

Academic Staff List

Welcome to BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

Pharmaceutical Science encompasses a range of scientific disciplines, introducing students to the exciting world of drug discovery, development, and management. Our aim at Lincoln is to produce passionate pharmaceutical scientists who are adept in addressing the healthcare challenges of the future and are well prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

The course offers an insight into the structure, function, and mechanisms of drugs; how different drugs can act on the human body; and how their potentially lifesaving effects can be harnessed safely.

At Lincoln our academic staff include experienced researchers and practitioners. The programme is closely aligned with the pharmaceutical industry and has been developed with employer input.

How You Study

The first year introduces students to the core subjects that are fundamental to pharmaceutical science, such as chemistry, cell biology, human anatomy, and disease. Students can then progress to examining the analytical methods relevant to drug development, medicine delivery, immunology, pharmacology, and toxicology in the second year, where they will also explore key research techniques. The third year introduces more advanced subjects as well as the regulatory and ethical standards that apply to industry professionals.

There are also opportunities for students to take part in research alongside academics in order to develop their knowledge and experience, and enhance their skill set.

The course includes lectures, seminars, laboratory-based practical classes, and lectures from visiting scientists from the pharmaceutical industry.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Fundamental Chemistry 2023-24PHA1003MLevel 42023-24This module aims to provide a fundamental understanding of the chemistry required to understand the structure, development, and mode of action of drugs and medicines. Students can learn about functional groups, bonding, and kinetics and thermodynamics with a focus on drugs and medicines.CoreGlobal Health Challenges 2023-24PHA1004MLevel 42023-24This module aims to provide a global overview of health and disease in order to understand the opportunities and challenges from a pharmaceutical sciences perspective. Students can learn about some of the biggest health challenges as defined by the WHO by studying the prevalence, epidemiology, and aetiology of some of the top 10 causes of death by communicable and non-communicable disease. They can also learn about the environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors which influence mortality rates. From a pharmacological and pharmaceutical perspective students can learn what drugs are available to treat these diseases, how they work, and their method of delivery. They will also consider what opportunities and challenges there are for the development of new drugs taking into account global need, cost, and availability to all.CoreHuman Anatomy and Physiology 2023-24BMS1073MLevel 42023-24Human Anatomy and Physiology provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the human body. It is intended to explore the role of the nervous and endocrine systems in the physiology of stress its role in homeostasis. The module is also designed to enable students to identify and understand the function of human bones, muscles, and joints and provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the heart, lung, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. It is intended to explore the components of the blood and immune system and their various functions, as well as enabling students to identify the anatomy and understand the physiology of the kidney, urogenital, and digestive systems.CoreIntroduction to Life Sciences 2023-24BIO1043MLevel 42023-24Introduction to the Life Sciences is designed to provide a foundation for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of fundamental cell biology, biochemistry and genetics in the context of life sciences.CoreIntroduction to Pharmaceutical Science 2023-24PHA1001MLevel 42023-24This modules covers what makes a successful drug, the basics of drug discovery and development and utilisation. The concepts of pharmaceutical science are taught along with the types of drugs, their formulation, and delivery.CorePharmaceutical Industry Concepts 1 2023-24PHA1005MLevel 42023-24This module will aim to develop the key skills required to work in the Pharmaceutical Science industry such as, statistics, mathematics, data handling, ethics, and critical analysis. Case studies from the pharmaceutical sector will be used to highlight the key advantages of having an understanding of all the elements of the programme especially these key skills.CoreAnalytical Chemistry 2.1: Separation Techniques 2024-25FRS2022MLevel 52024-25This module is designed to provide students with the underpinning knowledge related to the analytical process, which is later applied to further modules in the programme. Secondly, it introduces the theoretical principles, instrumentation, automation, and application of the principal separation techniques. Thirdly, it presents an essential suite of analytical tools utilised for inorganic analyses and speciation.CoreAnalytical Chemistry 2.2: Structural Techniques 2024-25FRS2023MLevel 52024-25This module covers the most advanced techniques in analytical chemistry and their use, focusing on category A techniques providing structural information and as such utilised for unequivocable identification. To emphasise this analytical aspect, the module also introduces students to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development and associated experimental planning as well as advanced validation strategies. The aim of the module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the advanced knowledge required to support level 3 modules, and to develop the practical skills and independent thinking necessary for all future practical applications.CoreDrug Design and Development 2024-25PHA2002MLevel 52024-25This module will aim to integrate the process of drug discovery and target selection in relation to therapeutic area and how drugs are formulated and delivered to the target. Learning will be in the context of examples of drugs, from discovery to their registration or attrition.CoreDrug Formulation and Delivery 2024-25PHA2001MLevel 52024-25This module aims to integrate the process of drug development in relation to the way in which a dosage forms are formulated and delivered to the target. Learning will be in the context of examples of dosage form, drug delivery route and underlying formulation, particle design, physical chemistry, and colloid science.CoreFundamentals of Pharmacology & Toxicology 2024-25BMS2010MLevel 52024-25This module is concerned with the study of the mechanisms by which drugs interact with biochemical, cellular, and physiological systems. The module aims to: - provide an introduction to key pharmacology principles - provide a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of actions of selected drugs - develop a critical appreciation of the importance and relevance of pharmacology in the treatment of diseases - develop an understanding of the principles of toxicology and drug overdoseCoreImmunology 2024-25BGY2002MLevel 52024-25This module provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response in health and human diseases. The structure, function and complex mechanisms of host defence by B- and T-Cells will be discussed. Students will evaluate the role of inflammatory mediators, soluble effectors, and cellular cytotoxicity in inflammation and immunity.CoreMedical Microbiology 2024-25BMS2031Level 52024-25This module provides an overview of medical and veterinary microbiology including virology, mycology, and parasitology, both through study of specific organisms, but also through the study of a variety of body systems. The module considers the transmission of infectious disease, including a discussion regarding situations of medical and veterinary environments, and control and treatment of infectious disease.CorePharmaceutical Industry Concepts 2 2024-25PHA2005MLevel 52024-25Pharmaceutical Science is a multidisciplinary programme with many different sciences and skills pulled into one discipline and this module is designed to bring all learning together from single discipline modules and highlight the relevance to the pharmaceutical industry. This module will advance understanding and application of key skills required to work in the Pharmaceutical Science Industry such as, statistics, mathematics, data handling, ethics and critical analysis. Case studies from the pharmaceutical sector will be used to highlight the key advantages of having an understanding of all the elements of the programme especially these key skills.CoreSchool of Pharmacy Study Abroad 2024-25PHA2006MLevel 52024-25The School believes that an option to study overseas is a valuable educational opportunity for our students. Provision of this option supports the educational aims of the School of Pharmacy and enhances the distinctiveness of its degrees at Lincoln. The optional year is intended to: - enable students to benefit from studying within a cross cultural environment; - expose students to a wider academic and cultural experience; - enhance their future employment opportunities; - by increasing their cultural and professional mobility. This module is optional for students within the School. Study Abroad is a year long module which enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the Universitys approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalAdvanced drug delivery, nanomedicine and toxicology 2025-26PHA3007MLevel 62025-26This module studies the cutting-edge of advanced drug delivery and nanomedicine, an area that sits at the interface of multiple scientific disciplines. The knowledge and skills gained will be highly applicable to future employment within the pharmaceutical industry and academia. Key is the understanding of how the body interacts with drug delivery vehicles and how this anatomical knowledge can be applied to the design of new more efficient drug carriers. By understanding the immunological basis of how toxicity evolves, this further optimises understanding of safety in the structural design of these systems.CoreAdvanced Pharmacology 2025-26PHA3002MLevel 62025-26This module looks at advanced aspects of pharmacology, aiming to build an understanding of drug-target engagement in relation to therapy, as well as drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.CoreBusiness, Regulation and Ethics for the Pharmaceutical Scientist 2025-26PHA3001MLevel 62025-26This module covers the regulations that surround the pharmaceutical industry, from drug registration to laboratory, clinical, and manufacturing standardsCoreEmerging Pharmaceuticals and personalised medicine 2025-26PHA3008MLevel 62025-26This module explores novel therapies including biologics, nucleic acids, gene therapy, and personalised medicines and dissects their potential use in the future. It will also explore the part genetics can play in the clinical use of these novel medicines and the impact it can have.CoreInternational Pharmaceutical Challenges 2025-26PHA3009MLevel 62025-26Within this module students will explore the challenges that occur around the world within the pharmaceutical field and how the industry is looking to overcome these challenges. Some of the areas that will be covered include: counterfeit medicine, medicine fraud, alternative medicines, natural products, green pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and transport of medicines.CorePharmaceutical Materials Science 2025-26PHA3005MLevel 62025-26As technology evolves at a rapid pace, this module aims to cover the essentials of cutting edge methods for analysis and delivery and taking into account the problems and issues surrounding manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.CorePharmaceutical Science Project 2025-26PHA3003MLevel 62025-26In this module students have the opportunity to undertake an independent programme of research under supervision from a member of staff. It provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate original and critical thought, as well as to build practical and project-management skills. A wide range of subject expertise exists within the School, and students are expected to select a project that is relevant to their programme of study. Under the guidance of a supervisor, students can review the literature, identify a hypothesis or hypotheses, and design a programme of research to test their hypotheses. They will be expected to manage the project, including obtaining relevant ethical approval and conducting a risk assessment. They will collect and analyse data, recording their activities in a lab notebook. Projects can be conducted in the laboratory or field, as appropriate for their field of study, use mathematical modelling or use pre-collected data to test hypotheses via meta-analysis. Students may work individually or in groups addressing similar questions, but must write up individually. The project will be written up in the format of a scientific paper following closely the style of a key journal relevant to their area of study, or as a thesis.Core

How you are assessed

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, poster presentations, and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.

Industry Visits and Placements

There may be opportunities to visit pharmaceutical companies and to learn from industrial scientists and leading experts through a programme of guest lectures. These costs are covered by the University.

Some courses offer students the opportunity to undertake placements. When students are on an optional placement in the UK or overseas or studying abroad, they will be required to cover their own transport and accommodation and meals costs. Placements can range from a few weeks to a full year if students choose to undertake an optional sandwich year in industry (where available). Students are encouraged to obtain placements in industry independently. Tutors may provide support and advice to students who require it during this process.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BBC, to include a minimum grade C in Biology, Chemistry or Physics (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications). Practical elements must be passed.

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include Higher Level grade 4 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science: Distinction, Merit, Merit, or equivalent.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 32 points from 15 credits in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/sfysfyub/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Career Opportunities

This course aims to prepare graduates for a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Roles exist in industrial, commercial, and academic research, and in development roles within the medical, cosmetic, and food industry. Graduates may also opt to undertake careers in scientific sales and marketing, science journalism, or education. Some graduates choose to undertake further study at postgraduate level.

Student working in the Joseph Banks Laboratories

"The time I spent in the laboratory enhanced my research and manual skills in the areas of synthetic and analytical chemistry."

Magda Krupczak, BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science graduate

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Discover our Joseph Banks Laboratories, which provides specialist teaching suites and laboratories for study and research.

Book Your Place

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Key Information

BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science