PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR FOUNDATIONS OF PHARMACOLOGY - 2026/7

Module Overview

In this module, you will gain a strong foundation in cell biology, human physiology, and pathology, alongside essential research and laboratory skills that underpin modern pharmaceutical sciences. The content is designed to prepare you for more advanced pharmacology studies in later years.

Module provider

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Module Leader

PINNA Alessandra (Chst Chm Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

X

Module content

Indicative module content:

• Introduction to biochemistry: amino acids, proteins, protein structure and function, enzymes (kinetics and mechanisms).

• Introduction to molecular biology: structure and function of nucleic acids, replication, transcription, regulation of gene expression, genetic engineering, protein synthesis.

• Introduction to Human Physiology: cell physiology and function of cell membrane,  circulatory, respiratory, nervous, urinary, gastrointensitnal and endocrine systems, homeostasis, and feedback mechanisms.

• Concepts of health and disease and basics of pathology: causes and types of diseases, inflammation, infection, immunity, cancer biology overview.

• Introduction to microbiology: microorganisms relevant to human health and disease, host¿microbe interactions, infectious disease.

• Introduction to biotechnology and biologics: applications in biomedical science; basic principles of recombinant DNA technology, genetic modification, production of biological molecules, and the use of biotechnology in research and healthcare.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

For the laboratory exercises an alternative written assessment can be set. This is based on analysing or explaining experimental data, or detailing experimental techniques.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to evaluate students¿ understanding of key biomedical concepts, practical research skills and data analysis abilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for Year-2 Pharmacology. Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

1. Laboratory reports. (LO 4 and 5)

2. Examination. (LO 1, 2 and 3)

Interactive and formative assessment:
Formative feedback in this module is designed to support student learning continuously, helping students identify areas for improvement and consolidate skills before summative assessment. Feedback will be provided across lectures (interactive questions, mini quizzes), workshops (guided sessions, peer discussion), laboratory sessions (hands-on supervision), and written work.
Feedback:
Feedback will be provided throughout the module during lectures, through interactions in laboratory and workshop sessions, and on individual laboratory reports. This will include general guidance to the whole group as well as specific feedback on work to support learning and development. In addition, one-to-one feedback can be requested by appointment with the module leader or relevant lecturer, providing opportunities for further discussion and clarification of concepts.

Module aims

• Develop a foundational understanding of the molecular, cellular and physiological principles that underpin human health and disease.
• Develop knowledge of the structure and function of biomolecules, cells, and biological systems.
• Develop an understanding of the mechanisms underlying disease processes.
• Build practical research skills and familiriase with research-relevant software.
• Develop the ability to integrate experimental data with theoretical knowledge, fostering critical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific reasoning.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to prepare students for Year 2 pharmacology and engage them actively in their own learning, combining theoretical understanding with practical, research-led experiences.
The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures: delivered primarily through structured PowerPoint-supported lectures led by experienced members of academic staff with subject-specific expertise. These are designed to introduce key concepts in cell biology, physiology, and pathology, using interactive questioning, problem-solving, and real-world examples to reinforce understanding.

• Workshops: delivered by experienced academic staff with subject-specific expertise and will adopt a problem-based learning approach centered on relevant, real-world scenarios. Students will develop research and digital capabilities. Dedicated time will be allocated for students to work through tasks individually and collaboratively, with ongoing opportunities to interact with the lecturer, ask questions, and engage in discussion. Each session will conclude with lecturer-led feedback, including worked solutions and guided reflection, to consolidate learning and support the development of transferable skills relevant to future academic study and professional practice.

• Laboratory sessions: delivered by experienced academic staff, supported by trained demonstrators who will be available throughout each session to provide guidance and assistance at every stage of the practical work.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHE1051

Other information

The school of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience.

This module is designed to develop your employability by equipping you with practical and research-focused skills valued in pharmaceutical sciences and related careers. You will enhance your digital capabilities through the use of tools for exploring molecular and cellular data. The module encourages resourcefulness and resilience as you plan experiments, troubleshoot challenges, and interpret unexpected results, learning to adapt and problem-solve independently.

Through labs, workshops, and report writing, you will also develop transferable skills including critical thinking, scientific communication, and project management, all of which strengthen your employability in both academic and industry research settings.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.