Senior Lecturer

Pharmacology with Research Placement - UH-000368

The University of Huddersfield seeks and encourages applicants in order to widen participation, improve access and apply the principles of equal opportunities.  We provide support for applicants who require additional assistance in order to select the right course of study and make a successful transition to studying at University.  We encourage local, national and international applications.  Further information for International Students can be found on: <a href="http://www.hud.ac.uk/international">http://www.hud.ac.uk/international</a>
 
If you were educated outside the UK, you are required to have International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at a score of 6.0 with a minimum score of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in any single component. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of <a href="http://www.hud.ac.uk/international/pre-sessionalenglishprogramme/">Pre-Sessional English Programmes.</a>
 
The University provides opportunities for the accreditation of prior learning (APL) as stated at the following link:  <a href="https://www.hud.ac.uk/policies/registry/awards-taught/section-c/">https://www.hud.ac.uk/policies/registry/awards-taught/section-c/</a>
 
The University’s general minimum entry requirements are specified in Section D of the Regulations for Awards which can be found on the University website as follows: <a href="https://www.hud.ac.uk/policies/registry/awards-taught/section-d/">https://www.hud.ac.uk/policies/registry/awards-taught/section-d/</a>
 
Every person who applies for this course and meets the minimum entry requirement – regardless of any disability – will be given the same opportunity in the selection process.  General advice and information regarding disability and the support the University can give can be found by contacting student services as follows:
Telephone: 01484 472675
Email: <a href="mailto:disability@hud.ac.uk">disability@hud.ac.uk</a>
 
Further information is available at their website at:
<a href="http://students.hud.ac.uk/wellbeing-disability-services/disabilityservices">http://students.hud.ac.uk/wellbeing-disability-services/disabilityservices</a>  
 
Further advice on the specific skills and abilities needed to successfully undertake this course can be found by visiting the University website at <a href="http://www.hud.ac.uk/courses/">http://www.hud.ac.uk/courses/</a> and by contacting the admissions tutor.
 
<ul>
<li>The specific entry requirements and admission criteria for the courses are detailed below:</li>
</ul>
      
<ul>
<li>BBC at A-Level including a grade B in Chemistry, or a Grade C in Chemistry plus a grade B in another relevant Science subject. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A-Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science. Alternatively, a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is acceptable but must be accompanied by another Science A-Level at grade C or above. </li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a grade B in a Chemistry A-Level, or a grade C in Chemistry at A Level plus a grade B in another Science subject.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above to include modules in relevant science subjects</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications which should include modules in relevant science subjects.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Successful completion of the University of Huddersfield Science Extended degree course</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Applications are also welcomed from mature candidates capable of benefiting from the course</li>
</ul>
 
Full details of entry requirements are given in the University prospectus and on the web site.

UH-000368 - Pharmacology with Research Placement

Foundation Optional

Foundation Core

Foundation Compulsory

Foundation Level

Honours Optional

Honours Compulsory

Honours Core

Honours Level

Intermediate Core

Intermediate Compulsory

Intermediate Optional

Intermediate Level

Sandwich Year Out Optional

Sandwich Year Out

Structure

Cell biology: the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; the cell as the fundamental unit of life; cell division, cell cycle, stem cells, cell specialisation and cooperation.

prepare, process, interpret and present data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programmes for presenting data visually.

Bioinformatics and systems biology: the computation of high volumes of biological data and the properties of a network of interacting components in a system, as well as the components themselves, including an appreciation of the algorithms to decipher biological relationships.

recognise the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct. 

the ability to read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding, while addressing such questions as content, context, aims, objectives, experimental design, methodology, data interpretation and application. 

Pharmacology: the importance of drug actions in the living organism for prevention and treatment of disease; the principles of drug-receptor interactions and the relationship between dose and response, routes of administration, types of drugs, how drugs are metabolised and eliminated from the body, toxic effects; approaches for drug discovery; personalised medicine/precision medical science.

develop the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (for example working independently, time management, organisational, enterprise and knowledge transfer skills). 

cite and reference work in an appropriate manner, including the avoidance of plagiarism. 

Biochemistry: key chemical principles relevant to biological systems, the structure and function of biological molecules and the biochemistry of processes which support life including cellular metabolism and its control.

demonstrate competence in the basic experimental skills appropriate to the subject(s) studied.

apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems.

Principles of clinical trials, for example: the avoidance of bias, the effect of sample size, the placebo effect, the concept of therapeutic index which relies upon the integration of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and other safety information to contribute to an understanding of the risk associated with a drug, as well as the ethical issues surrounding the use of human study participants and human tissues. SHB4015, SHB4018

knowledge of a range of communication techniques and methodologies relevant to the particular subject, including data analysis, information technology and the use of statistics.

carry out sample selection; record and analyse data in the laboratory or elsewhere; ensure validity, accuracy, calibration, precision, replicability and highlight uncertainty during collection.

identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities and perform in a manner appropriate to these roles, in particular those being developed through practical, laboratory and/or field studies.  

receive and respond to a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal, graphical.

the ability to employ a variety of methods of study in investigating, recording and analysing material.

an understanding of how to identify, protect, and exploit intellectual property (IP) as part of the scientific innovation process.

evaluate their own performance as an individual and a team member.

Pharmacological methods, including knowledge and/or practical experience of: drug concentration/dose-response relationships, experimental methods and techniques applied to pharmacology (for example bioassays, receptor binding, receptor cloning, recombinant proteins for therapy, animal models of disease, genetic manipulation of cells and animals and their uses), ethical and legal issues pertaining to the use of animals in research, as outlined in the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, with knowledge of approaches to replace, refine and reduce their use. SFB1011, SIB2012, SFB1012, SHB4001, SHB4018

Drug discovery and development, including toxicology, with knowledge of the regulatory processes that monitor drug quality, safety, and effectiveness. SHB4018


The nature of disease and fundamentals of pathology to include the development of age-related diseases and the impact of lifestyle upon health and disease.

communicate about their subject appropriately to a variety of audiences using a range of formats and approaches and appropriate scientific language.  

a broadly based core covering the major elements defined by the particular
programme and providing the wider context required for the subject area, together with specialised in-depth study (which may be career related) of some aspects of the subject area. Whatever the degree programme, there is a need for an interdisciplinary and (where appropriate) multidisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of the processes and mechanisms of life, from the molecular and cellular levels through to those of the whole body and the environment in which a person lives.

recognise and apply subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts or principles (for example, the relationship between genes and proteins, or the nature of essential similarities and differences between prokaryote and eukaryote cells). 

familiarity with terminology, nomenclature and disease classification systems, as appropriate.

awareness of the contribution of their subject to the development of knowledge about the complexity of human health and disease.

demonstrate an understanding of statistical significance and statistical power.

understanding of information and data within the context of biomedical sciences, accompanied by critical analysis and assessment to enable understanding of the subject area as a coherent whole.

awareness of the contribution of biomedical sciences to debate and controversies, and how this knowledge and understanding forms the basis for informed concern about the quality and sustainability of health and well-being.

Physics and chemistry sufficient to support understanding of biochemical and biophysical processes and instrumentation.

develop an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view. 

Molecular biology: the structure and function of biologically important molecules including DNA, RNA and proteins and the molecular events that govern cell function. Molecular biology overlaps with biochemistry, genetics and cell biology.

build on knowledge and understanding of the role and impact of intellectual property (IP) within a research environment.

use a range of media critically as a means of communication and a source of information

Pharmacokinetics (what the body does to drugs), including absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion SFB1011, SIB2012, SHB4015, SHB4018

identify and work towards targets for personal, academic, professional and career development.

recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members. 

awareness of intellectual property (IP) and how scientific advances can be secured and progressed by the application of intellectual property rights (IPRs).

evaluate published claims by interpreting methodology and experimental data, and make judgements about the strength of the evidence. 

Developmental biology, which may include topics such as human life cycles, ageing, stem cells and regenerative medicine.

methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing biomedical sciences information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for its use through the study of texts, original papers, reports and data sets.

an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes.

Genetics, genomics and human variation: the structure and function of genes, the principles of their inheritance, genetic disorders with particular biomedical significance, evolution and population biology.

Pharmacodynamics (what drugs do to the body) in health and disease, including:molecular targets of drug action: receptors, enzymes, ion channels, transporters and others drug-receptor relationships, including agonism (full, partial, biased and inverse), antagonism (competitive and non-competitive), and an understanding of how these properties relate to drug specificity, selectivity and potency the main molecular targets for drugs, knowledge of their structure and function, and the ways in which drugs alter this function at the molecular level changes in receptor signalling caused by drug action, including mechanisms of desensitisation and tolerancehow drug action affects the major organ systems of the body as well as drug effects on cell function, cell proliferation and cell death emerging technologies in personalised medicine (for example small molecular inhibitors, antisense therapy, biopharmaceuticals

competence in the basic experimental and/or survey skills appropriate to the subject under study.

critical and analytical skills including a recognition that statements should be tested and that evidence is subject to assessment and critical evaluation.

engagement with current developments in the biomedical sciences and their applications, and the philosophical and ethical issues involved.

obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate practical techniques, working individually or in a group, as is most appropriate for the subject.

develop an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work.

Immunology: acute and chronic inflammation, structure, function and mechanisms of action of the components of the immune system; innate and acquired immunity.

Human anatomy and physiology: the structure, function, neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts and major systems (musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, urogenital, nervous, endocrine) and their relationship to each other.

obtain and integrate several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses. 

Microbiology: the structure, physiology, biochemistry, identification, classification and control of micro-organisms, including the roles of normal flora.

solve problems by a variety of methods, including the use of appropriate software. 

the ability to think independently, set tasks and solve problems.

the capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, the ability to marshal arguments, mediate and debate both with specialists and non-specialists, using appropriate scientific language. 

conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data (for example from a survey database). These data may be obtained through individual or group projects in the appropriate subject.

Individual variation in drug action and toxicity for example: the effects of ethnicity, gender, age, pregnancy, genetic factors, disease and drug-drug interactions, in addition to the potential for allergy and drug addiction SHB4018

engagement with the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with the chosen subject.

demonstrate an awareness and knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles as part of an understanding of the need for quality management systems and a culture of continued quality improvements of relevance to the subject(s) of study.

plan an experiment in terms of hypothesis, sample, test or observation, controls, observable outcomes and statistical analysis.

understanding of the applicability of the biomedical sciences to the careers to which graduates will be progressing.

undertake practical investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner,
paying due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, ethical issues, procedures for obtaining ethical permission and informed consent and issues relating to animal welfare and showing sensitivity to the potential impact of any investigations on the study and on other stakeholders. 

Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards:
<ul>
<li>Course and module reviews (student evaluations and staff report)</li>
<li>Annual course evaluation report prepared by the Course Leader and considered by Course Committee and School Annual Evaluation Committee</li>
<li>Peer observation of teaching</li>
<li>External Examiners' reports</li>
<li>PSRB requirements</li>
</ul>
 
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards
<ul>
<li>Student Panel</li>
<li>Course Committee</li>
<li>School of Applied Sciences Teaching and Learning Committee</li>
<li>School of Applied Sciences Annual Evaluation Committee</li>
<li>Course Assessment Board -Annual Evaluation Committee - All forms of feedback, including a review of progression and completion rates are included in the annual course monitoring report. This is considered through the process of annual evaluation of courses and enables areas of weakness to be identified and clear action plans to be determined and monitored.  The School has introduced a rigorous module review process that is undertaken by Year Tutors prior to annual evaluation to ensure necessary changes to modules can be implemented immediately. In addition to the annual monitoring processes the University organises a quinquennial review at school level.</li>
</ul>
 
Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience
Student Feedback is an integral part of course evaluation and improvement.  Students provide feedback through a variety of means including:
<ul>
<li>Module and course evaluation questionnaires</li>
<li>Student representation on Course Committee</li>
<li>Student Panel.</li>
</ul>
 
Employer Feedback is sought through feedback questionnaires involving employers of our graduates and through monitoring from placement providers.
 
<ul>
<li>External Examiners provide evaluation of the standards achieved by the students. The course team is required to formally respond to comments raised by External Examiners and to report on progress made in addressing any areas on concern.</li>
</ul>
 
Staff development priorities include:
<ul>
<li>Staff Personal Development Review</li>
<li>Updating professional developments</li>
<li>Regular course meetings and annual review and planning for subsequent academic year.</li>
</ul>

UH-000368

<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Reports of validation panels</li>
<li>Periodic Review</li>
<li>Subject Review</li>
<li>Annual course review</li>
<li>External examiners’ reports</li>
<li>Qualifications and experience of staff</li>
<li>Recognition of BSc(Hons) suite of courses by RSB for accredited status          </li>
</ul>
            
</li>
</ul>

At course level support is provided by:
 
Flying Start is a key part of all Biology courses. This is a short and intensive induction programme of lectures, laboratory practicals, problem solving sessions, group work and social activities with several objectives and aims: to build the student community by building social cohesion within the cohort and by meeting with all members of staff within the Department; to familiarize the students with good laboratory practice, local H&amp;S procedures and build responsibility within the cohort; to demonstrate learning strategy and build clear expectations of rigour and self-discipline amongst the cohort particularly with respect to independent study, library use and problem solving individually and in set groups. The programme also covers key elements of biodiversity and the concept of evolution by natural selection through a tutorial and problem solving session involving small group work, library research and then feedback from the groups on a specific problem in biodiversity and evolution.
 
<ul>
<li>Students will be supported through academic mentoring</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Year/Module Tutors are available to help with module-specific academic problems.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Supporting documentation is provided online in the form of Course Handbooks, Module Handbooks, and Programme and Module specifications.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://brightspace.hud.ac.uk/d2l/login">Brightspace</a> virtual learning environment.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>Specialised computing laboratories and science laboratories</li>
</ul>
 
Student e-mail and access to teaching staff including the Head of Department and the Course Leader.
 
Supervised Work Experience (SWE) Students who take the optional SWE year are supported by the SWE Tutor and the Placement and Outreach Administrator.  Guidance in the preparation of CVs, letters of application and interview techniques is available.  Students are supervised by visits during the placement period.  The Department of Biological Sciences has a long tradition of support for placing SWE students with major employers.  These include The Wellcome Trust at The Sanger Institute, Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Syngenta, Avecia, GlaxoWellcome, Pfizer, EliLily, Covance, Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust the LIGHT and LIMM Institutes at Leeds and internal placements at the University of Huddersfield.