
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 ListWelcome 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.
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.
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.
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.

"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 graduateVisit 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.
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