Type of module:

Summary module description:

Module focussing on the ethical principles of research, including clinical trials (design, implementation and reporting) and the principles of reduction, refinement and replacement in the use of animals in research. The module will also cover how pharmacology relates to social challenges and public health; the impact of pharmacology on patient care with respect to the safe and effective use of medicines; the various career paths and opportunities afforded by a pharmacology degree; and an appreciation of the value of public engagement and outreach.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of how pharmacology plays a major role in today’s society in terms of economic impact and employment. The module will focus on the ethical questions that this input raises including use of animals, pharmacoeconomic questions and safe testing and use of pharmacological products to contribute to public health. The module will also consider employment opportunities and aspects of scientific integrity, following ethical working practices and developing a willingness to engage with developments across science and healthcare.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• Discuss and debate the ethical use of animals in research

• Discuss and debate principles of reduction, refinement and replacement in the use of animals in research

• Discuss and debate the pharmacoeconomics of drug provision

• Discuss and debate the ethical use of animals in research

• Discuss and debate how pharmacology relates to social challenges and public health

• Understand career paths and opportunities afforded by a pharmacology degree

• Understand the value of public engagement and outreach

Additional outcomes:

Working in small groups during debates and engaging in a multidisciplinary team-based working will:

• Improve team-working skills, such as leadership, motivating and working with others, and contribute to identifying the learning and development needs of team members through coaching and feedback

• Communicate effectively within a team and communicate findings to a wider audience.

• Improve self-directed learning.

Outline content:

• The ethical use of animals in research


• Reduction, refinement and replacement in the use of animals in research


• How pharmacology relates to social challenges and public health


• The impact of pharmacology on patient care with respect to the safe and effective use of medicines


• The various career paths and opportunities afforded by a pharmacology degree; CV writing for industry and academic


• Working in the pharmaceutical industry


• An appreciation of the value of public engagement and outreach.


• Personal development in terms of develop the skills for lifelong learning e.g. independence, time management, organisation and planning, initiative, knowledge transfer; and the ability to self-assess performance will also be covered.


• Study skills in relation to pharmacology


• Safe testing and use of pharmacological products to contribute to public health

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course content will be provided through a mixture of formal lectures and interactive workshops, supported by tutorial sessions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	15
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30
Revision and preparation	25
Group study tasks	15
Reflection	15
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written assignment based on an ethical/societal question; oral presentation based on a debate on an ethical/societal question.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment and associated feedback form a large proportion of the module, with students being provided with workshops, tutorials and online assessments to prepare for the final examination. Formative assessment is provided through compulsory small group tutorials and workshops, instructor-, self-, and peer-led assessment and feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students must obtain an overall module mark of 40% and obtain at least 40% in the final examination.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is by examination in August and will be by written examination. Students are normally permitted one further attempt at any failed assessments. Failed coursework may be reassessed by an alternative piece of work, before or during the August examination period. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020