Courses

Programme Specification

BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich)

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich)

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Bachelor of Science

Programme Code

PMY-BSC-BI

UCAS Code

B213

HECoS Code

100250 - Pharmacology - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

Full Time - 4 Academic Years

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Pharmacy
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 6
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf	Pharmacy (MPharm)
Accreditations (PSRB)
No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

Students are required to secure an industrial placement with a relevant industrial placement provider. The placement offer must be approved by the School in advance of the student accepting the offer.

Before commencing the placement module, the following criteria must be met.

The student must:

1. be enrolled on the sandwich degree of the BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences or Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
2. have successfully passed all Level 2 modules
3. have been given approval from the School as to the suitability of the placement*

*a suitable placement is one that is a minimum of 46 weeks duration and allows the student to meet the learning outcomes for the module.

Where a student cannot meet these criteria, they should seek advice from their Adviser of Studies as to their options. These may include reverting to the non-sandwich version of the relevant BSc, deferring the start of their placement (with the approval of the provider), or taking a leave of absence to complete a placement independent of the BSc programme and placement module.

Progression policy

Students may carry one incomplete module (equivalent to 20 credit points) to the next level of the degree programme.
Students must pass all level 1 modules before progressing to the final year of the degree programme.
Students undertaking a placement year as part of the degree (sandwich year option) must have passed all modules in levels 1 and 2 of the programme prior to the commencement of their placement.
Students failing resit examinations in modules with a cumulative weighting of more than 40 credit points will be required to withdraw.
Students failing resit assessments in modules with a cumulative weighting of 40 credit points or less will be offered a repeat year.
Students are not permitted more than 3 resit attempts at any module. Students failing a module after 3 resit attempts will be required to withdraw.
Students will be allowed one repeat year only (where a repeat year is defined as one required to be taken by a student due to one or more failed resit examinations), unless there are mitigating reasons to allow a further repeat year to be considered.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Educational Aims Of Programme

This programme aims to produce graduates with the scientific knowledge and practical skills for a career in the pharmaceutical or related industries, with a particular focus on biotechnology. Successful students will have demonstrated a high degree of scientific understanding, practical ability and transferrable skills that will enable them to make a valuable contribution to society. Through the industrial placement, we aim to give students experience relevant to the pharmaceutical and/or medical device industries, equipping them with a knowledge, understanding and operation of industrial processes and enhancing their ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Analyse pharmaceutical problems, systems and data in a logical manner

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes increasing in complexity through stages 1-3
• Workshops in pharmaceutical microbiology, basic numeracy, statistical methods for analysis of pharmaceutical data
• Research project at stage 3
• Lectures
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Practical reports
• Coursework assignments
• Oral presentations
• Research project dissertation
• Written examinations
• Tutor and placement provider assessment

Critically evaluate the scientific literature

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops and lectures in scientific literature searching, preparing a critique of a paper, critically evaluating the scientific literature and the use of reference management software
• Research project at stage 3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignment (research paper critique)
• Critical literature review
• Oral presentations
• Written examinations

Learn independently, under supervision and additionally within a group environment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Working in groups and individually during practical classes at stages 1,2 and 3
• Mini group projects at stages 2 and 3
• Research project at stage 3
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical assignments
• Oral presentations
• Written project thesis
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Summarise core concepts from diverse sources. Prioritise the different elements in a complex system.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Workshops and tutorial based discussion
• Problem-based learning
• Research project at stage 3
• Self-directed learning from core textbooks, journal articles and other relevant sources

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Critical literature review
• Laboratory reports
• Oral presentations
• Research project
• Written examinations

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Think analytically and perform critical analysis

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Individual and group practical classes at stages 1,2 and 3
• Workshops/tutorials at stages 1 and 2
• Critical evaluation of scientific literature at stage 3
• Research project at stage 3
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Practical reports
• Class tests
• Oral presentations
• Research project dissertation
• Written examinations
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Demonstrate organisational skills, including the ability to effectively manage projects and meet deadlines

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Coursework, laboratory report writing and project resource limitations
• Preparation for workshops/tutorials
• Completion of literature review, oral presentation and preparation of final year research thesis to specified deadlines
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework/laboratory assignments
• Oral presentations
• Research project dissertation
• Critical literature review
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Present general pharmaceutical data/material in both written and oral form

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops/tutorials at stages 1 and 2
• Group practical at stage 3
• Research project at stage 3
• Oral presentations
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
• Oral presentations
• Research project dissertation
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Work and learn independently and under supervision

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures and tutorials at stages 1-3
• This is promoted through a range of coursework at all stages of the programme
• Research project at stage 3
• Directed self-reading/learning
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Oral presentations
• Research project dissertation
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Effectively use computers and information technology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• General and subject specific IT skills developed through module assignments. Practical training in computer-based software tools provided in Skills module and as required in stages 1-3
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Research project dissertation
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio
• Oral presentations

Work collaboratively

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Group projects are embedded in laboratory work and in mini-projects across stages 1-3
• Students expected to work in teams in specific workshops and tutorials
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Comply with local health and safety policies in operation with industrial placement provider, and discuss their utility

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Exceed minimum competency standards of their placement provider, showing evidence of effective oral and written communication

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Exercise initiative and personal responsibility in solving problems or approaching complex situations encountered in the working environment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio
• Oral presentation

Generate suitable work reports, in compliance with good documentation practice, and/or other relevant guidelines implemented in the industrial environment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of pharmaceutical science and its application to the design and analysis of medicinal substances

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes in stages 1-3
• Research project at stage 3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Oral presentations
• Research project
• Written examinations

Demonstrate understanding of pharmaceutical science and its application to the formulation, analysis and manufacture of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes in stages 1-3
• Research project at stage 3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Oral presentations
• Research project
• Written examinations

Demonstrate pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic knowledge and apply it to pharmaceutical product development

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes in stages 1-3
• Research project at stage 3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Oral presentations
• Research project
• Written examinations

Describe the applications of pharmaceutical science and pharmaceutical biotechnology within the pharmaceutical (and related) industries.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Industrial visits and careers events
• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops at stage 3
• Research project at stage 3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Oral presentations
• Research project
• Written examinations

Discuss the key quality assurance and quality control systems as relevant to pharmaceutical products and/or medical devices.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Industrial Placement Experience
• Tutorials
• E-learning material

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Oral presentation
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Apply knowledge and skills related to pharmaceutical science in an industrial setting

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio
• Oral presentation

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Describe the principles of cell structure, function and properties of molecules of biological interest

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes in stages 1-3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Written examinations

Understand the relationship between structure and activity of drug molecules and their subsequent biological use

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes in stages 1-3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Written examinations

Understand and utilise a variety of chromatographic and analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical analysis

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes in stages 1-3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Written examinations

Identify and quantify drug molecules and biological therapies within pharmaceutical products and biological media

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes in stages 1-3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Written examinations

Utilise a variety of existing databases and structure prediction tools in pharmaceutical research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes at stages 1-3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Written examinations

Design, formulate and manufacture pharmaceutical dosage forms and assign product specifications

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops/practical classes
• Research project at stage 3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Written examinations
• Oral presentations
• Research project

Problem solve within a pharmaceutical setting

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (stages 1-3)
• Tutorials/workshops (Stages 1-3)
• Practical classes at stages 1-3
• Research project at stage 3
• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Written examinations
• Oral presentations
• Research project
• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Understand the development and formulation pathways for biotherapeutics of relevance to the pharmaceutical biotechnology industry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures supported by tutorials/workshops
• Research project at stage 3

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Practical reports
• Written examinations
• Oral presentations
• Research project

Comply with GMP/GLP guidelines when conducting relevant duties

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Industrial Placement Experience

Methods of Assessment

• Tutor and placement provider assessment
• Reflective portfolio

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Pharmaceutical and Applied Microbiology	PMY1021	1	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	5%	20%	75%
Basic Skills for the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Sciences	PMY1052	1	0	YES	--	2 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Pharmaceutical Physiology - BSc	PMY1026	1	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	20%	20%	60%
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry	CHM1004	1	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Physicochemical Principles for Formulation	PMY1025	1	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	5%	20%	75%
Mathematics and Statistical Skills	PMY1020	1	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Medicinal Substances BSc	PMY2024	2	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	20%	40%	40%
Principles of Drug Action	PMY2021	2	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	38%	12%	50%
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology	PMY2026	2	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	0%	30%	70%
Pharmaceutical Formulation	PMY2025	2	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	80%	20%	0%
Preparing for industry	PMY2100	2	0	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Industrial Placement	PMY3100	3	120	YES	YES	48 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Personalised Medicine and Therapeutics	PMY3028	4	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	0%	60%
Industry: Quality, Regulation and Entrepreneurship	PMY3030	4	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research Project	PMY3024	4	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	40%	60%	0%
Applied Pharmaceutical Biotechnology	PMY3027	4	30	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	25%	25%	50%
Microbial Biotechnology	PMY3029	4	10	--	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	10%	20%	70%

Notes

No notes found.