Immerse yourself in the challenging field of drug discovery and development. Study the development of new drugs, the discovery of diagnostic markers of disease and the assurance of safety, quality and efficacy of manufactured drugs.
Overview
Biopharmaceutical science is the study of how biological molecules can be designed, manufactured and used as medicines. The course puts you at the forefront of recent trends in pharmaceutical research, in which increasing numbers of drugs are coming from large biopharmaceutical molecules.
On graduation, you can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in a large and growing industry. Over a quarter of all industrial research in the UK is performed by pharmaceutical companies.
Why us?
- This course has 100% Overall Satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2020
- This unique course makes extensive use of the new advanced technology within the laboratory infrastructure within our Sciences Complex
- The University has over 100 years of expertise in teaching science
- Industry focused curriculum is enriched by industry expert input through external lectures, visits and mentoring
- Industry standard equipment and training in the use of advanced analytical equipment allows a detailed insight into the natural world through laboratory sessions
- You will be encouraged to apply for an optional 1-year placement between levels 2 and 3, working with multinationals such as GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Sanofi-Aventis or in a local laboratory
Course structure
Teaching methods include laboratory practical work, tutorials, lectures, seminars, group work and e-learning. We encourage you to develop independent study skills.
Assessments help provide feedback and consolidation as well as counting towards your degree. Assessment methods include laboratory reports, presentations, research essays and examinations.
This course shares a common first year with BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry, which allows you to easily change course at the end of the first year should one of these routes appeal to you.
Facilities
This course is based in the Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts excellent laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million pound investments.
Career ready
Biopharmaceutical Science graduates have excellent employment rates as industrially-relevant practical skills are at the heart of the course.
Examples of companies that have employed our graduates include pharmaceutical multinationals such as Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, Onyx Scientific, Astra Zeneca, and NHS laboratories. Our graduates have also pursued further study with a masters, PhD or teacher training.
Placements
The employability of Sunderland graduates reflects our mix of academic rigour and practical skills. To enhance this mix, we encourage you to apply to undertake a 48-week placement between your second and final year. It effectively becomes a third year of a four-year course.
They are an excellent opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. The contacts made during placements can also be valuable for future job offers. Examples of companies that have offered placements to Sunderland students include Sterling Pharma, Lianhetech and GlaxoSmithKline.
Guest speakers
We have well-established links with a number of pharmaceutical multinationals and NHS Trusts. Through these links, we organise a course of guest speakers who discuss the cutting edge of pharmaceutical research and development.
The course helps you relate academic theory to current trends and issues. It’s all part of broadening your learning so that you’re prepared not just for exams but for life.
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