Pharmaceutical Science with Science Foundation Year
Pharmaceutical science is the discipline that sits between basic chemical and biological research and the practical development of medicines for clinical use. It encompasses drug discovery, formulation, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, quality assurance and regulatory science, and it is central to one of the most important and economically significant sectors of the modern economy. Understanding how drugs are developed, tested, manufactured and brought to patients safely and effectively is the core concern of the pharmaceutical scientist, and this four-year programme at the University of Lincoln, which includes a science foundation year, is designed to prepare graduates for exactly this role.
The foundation year builds the scientific knowledge, including chemistry, biology and the basic sciences, that degree-level pharmaceutical science requires, allowing students who need that preparation to progress smoothly into the full honours programme. You will study the pharmaceutical sciences across their full range, developing knowledge of drug design, drug delivery systems, pharmacology and the regulatory and quality frameworks that govern the pharmaceutical industry. A placement year gives you direct professional experience in a pharmaceutical or related scientific context, and a year abroad adds an international dimension that reflects the global nature of the pharmaceutical industry.
Work placement opportunities are integrated throughout the programme.
Pharmaceutical science graduates enter one of the largest and most research-intensive industries in the world. Roles in drug discovery, formulation development, manufacturing, quality control and regulatory affairs are common in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms and contract research organisations. Clinical research organisations, healthcare regulators and public health agencies also employ pharmaceutical scientists.
The scientific training the degree provides is a strong foundation for postgraduate study in pharmaceutical science, drug discovery, clinical pharmacology or regulatory science, and many graduates combine their careers with professional development through the Royal Society of Chemistry or other relevant professional bodies.