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LSC-10093 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-10093 - Introduction to Pharmacology
Coordinator: David Watson Tel: +44 1782 7 33676
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

You will explore some of the processes by which pharmaceuticals enter the market covering the stages involved from pre-clinical candidate selection and development, through to clinical trials. You will also be introduced to core principles in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The module will also consider specific examples of drugs/ligands and target binding interactions, including receptor pharmacology, supported with small group case-based learning tutorials, where you will develop teamwork and leadership skills. You will also develop skills in communicating outcomes of independent research into drug developing/mode of action to different audiences.

Aims
This module will introduce key steps in the drug development pipeline from candidate selection through to clinical trials, as well as the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics at an introductory level. Specific examples of drug/ligands and their target binding/molecular interactions will be explored, supported through small group case-based learning activities and aligned with concepts developed in other areas of the course, including enzyme and receptor activity, and their modulation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the principles of the drug discovery pipeline from candidate selection through to clinical trials: 2,3
explain basic concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and their importance to drug delivery, potency and selectivity: 1,2,3
describe, using relevant examples, some of the molecular interactions between drugs/ligands and their targets in biological systems: 1,2,3
identify and explain key features of the structures of molecules related to their suitability as therapeutic agents and their mode of action: 2,3
2,4
perform basic calculations (e.g calculation drug dosages, converting from one unit to another, molarity calculations, data analysis): effectively prepare for, chair and record proceedings during case-study sessions; take responsibility for their own learning and reflect upon that learning: 3

Study hours

Scheduled:
Semester 1:
4x 1.5 hours case-based learning sessions
22 hours scheduled learning/teaching sessions supporting and expanding on core learning materials, and supporting assessment
8x 5 hours engagement with asynchronous content (including initial consumption, wider reading and note taking).
Semester 2:
12 hours scheduled learning/teaching hours supporting and expanding on core learning materials, and supporting assessment preparation
4 x 5 hours engagement with asynchronous content (including initial consumption, wider reading and note taking).
4x 1.5 hours case-based learning sessions
1x 2 hour IT workshop
Independent Study:
8 x 2 hours preparation for case-based learning tutorials
34 hours preparation of patient information leaflet
70 hours independent study and preparation of case report
70 hours wider independent study and revision for exam
2 hour exam

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Assessment weighted 20%
Group communication exercise
Working in groups (2-3), students will produce a patient information leaflet (two sides of A4) on an allocated pharmaceutical detailing key information on application, function and biological activity of the molecule. A single group mark will be awarded.

2: Report weighted 40%
Case report of 1,500 words
Students will select one of the case-based learning scenarios covered in the module as the basis of the case report. This will consist of three sections addressing i) the physicochemical properties of the selected pharmaceutical and its development, ii) target binding and mode of action in the treatment of the select disease/condition and iii) a short reflective narrative on their approach to the assessment/CBL activities and further development of independent research and communication skills. The assessment has a word count of 1,500 (excluding figures and tables)

3: Exam weighted 40%
Unseen exam (MCQs and SAQs)
The paper will contain a mix of MCQ/SAQ style questions covering module content, students will also be provided with a list of common equations in pharmacology as part of the exam paper to support completing some of the problem questions. The exam will take place in the semester 2 assessment period and while the exam is designed to take approximately 1 hour, all students will be allocated 2 hours to ensure an inclusive and accessible assessment experience. Students will be permitted to take a double-sided A4 memory prompt of notes with them to the exam.

4: Competence weighted 0%
Class participation: engagement with, preparation and participation with case-based learning
Students will have the opportunity to take on the roles of scribe, chair and group member during tutorials. Students must attend and engage with a minimum of 50% of the scheduled CBL sessions. The tutor will judge their level of participation in the CBL process across the whole year, including their participation in group discussions, preparation for tutorials, communication and problem solving skills to ensure that it is at an acceptable level to meet professional body requirements.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025