MSc Clinical Science (Pharmaceutical Science)

PROGRAMME HANDBOOK

2023/24

Division of Pharmacy and Optometry

School of Health Sciences

Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Introduction to the School of Health Sciences

Welcome from the Director of Post Graduate Taught Education

$\\nask.man.ac.uk\home$\Downloads\thumbnail_Andrew%20Mawdsley.jpg$ I am delighted to welcome you to the School of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. We are extremely pleased you have chosen The University of Manchester to commence or continue your postgraduate study journey; whether you are progressing straight from your undergraduate studies, seeking to develop your knowledge/skills in your chosen career or are, bravely, taking a completely different direction in life.

In the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and humanity, we will place you at the centre of a transformational learning process to support you to achieve your individual goals and aspirations. Our challenge to you is to embrace all of the opportunities available to you; be bold, think differently and realise your potential. We want your postgraduate journey with us to be intellectually stretching, rewarding and fun.

We are aware that most of you will need to juggle a number of competing priorities during your postgraduate taught studies. Some of you will already be in full time employment, while others will need to secure part time employment to fund your studies. We know that many of you will have family and caring responsibilities that will have to be prioritised before your own learning. We hope the information detailed in this programme handbook will help you in managing these competing commitments. Whether you are joining us on campus, or studying at a distance, you are an integral part of our School and University, and we are here to support you.

We are extremely proud of our postgraduate student community and alumni who are making a difference, both locally and globally. We look forward to working with you, confident that you too will play a role in transforming the lives of people who use health and social care services, whether during your studies or upon graduation.

I wish you every success in your postgraduate studies here at The University of Manchester.

$\\nask.man.ac.uk\home$\Downloads\sig2.jpg$

Mr Andrew Mawdsley
Director of Post Graduate Taught Education
School of Health Sciences

Introductory Courses

All students are automatically enrolled onto an introductory unit (SHSS60001 Introductory Courses) that provides information on health and safety, academic malpractice and academic literacy. Completion instructions for each of these sections are clearly defined within the course.

Completion of the academic malpractice and health and safety sections is mandatory for all students. All assessments must be completed as soon as possible after the programme begins, with the academic malpractice assessment completed before the first piece of coursework is submitted.

All students are also strongly advised to complete the academic literacy section. Completion of these assessments is monitored by the School.

Online Skills Training Resources

The Faculty has developed a skills training resource to support you through your postgraduate taught programme. This online material should supplement the assessed learning material and activities undertaken in your taught programme.

Accessing the online skills resource

You can access Blackboard through the My Manchester portal (http://my.manchester.ac.uk). The skills training resource is available in an academic community space available to all registered PGT students in the Faculty through Blackboard.

If you cannot see these units in your Blackboard, please contact your Programme Administrator.

Content

Full details of all these resources can be found in the introduction to each unit. These resources have been designed to give you formative feedback on your progress through them. If you experience any problems and would like to talk to someone, please contact your Programme Director. If you have questions about referencing and how it applies to your own work, please contact your Programme Director or dissertation supervisor/module lead.

Research Methods*	This course is spilt into 2 units that cover introductions to study design and dissertation skills. It has a number of online quizzes where you can test your knowledge.
Introduction to Statistics*	The course provides a valuable foundation for understanding and interpreting biostatistics. It aims to provide you with the fundamentals of quantitative analysis.
Presentation Skills	This short interactive unit is designed to help you enhance your presentation skills. Regardless of whether you are presenting in public, preparing for conferences, an oral examination or more informal settings this unit will give you the tops tips to improve your delivery. The course also includes a unit on influencing effectively, alongside the presentation and poster information.
Qualitative Research Methods*	This unit has been designed to give you an introduction to Qualitative Research.

* NOTE: the material in this online resource is for reference and formative learning purposes only. In some of your taught programme you may be required to undertake assessed course units for Research Methods, Qualitative Research or Statistics. If your programme involves taught units then you should refer to the Blackboard material relating to that course unit. Please contact your Programme Administrator if you are unsure which material relates to your assessed work. You will still be able to refer to the online skills resource in later years.

Welcome to the Programme

MSc Clinical Science (Pharmaceutical Science)

Welcome to the MSc Clinical Science (Pharmaceutical Science) postgraduate programme.

This student handbook provides details of the University of Manchester Programme leading to the MSc in Clinical Science (Pharmaceutical Science). It includes information about the aims and learning outcomes, structure, content, admissions, assessment and programme management. Please read it thoroughly. It should also be read in conjunction with related University documentation.

In Section A, there is a summary of how the course is structured while, in Section B, each of the course units are described. Section C contains practical information about the School, and Section D the various University Regulations.

Each of you will bring your personal experience and knowledge to the programme. Sharing that knowledge and experience with your tutors and other students in person and through the online discussion boards will significantly enhance the learning experience.

We have made every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information. However, some minor details may change during the course of your studies. All changes and additions will be brought to your attention. If there is something not answered within the handbook please do not hesitate to contact us.

We hope that your time here in Manchester will be enjoyable and successful.

General information about the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry is contained in this handbook, but more information can be obtained from the following web sites:

The Pharmacy home page:
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/pharmacy/
The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health home page:
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/
The University of Manchester home page:
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/

Ruth Barnes
MSc Programme Director
Division of Pharmacy and Optometry
Stopford Building
Tel: 0161 306 2343
Email: ruth.barnes@manchester.ac.uk
ptqa.stp_pds@manchester.ac.uk

Sue Renn
Deputy Programme Director
Division of Pharmacy and Optometry
Stopford Building
Tel: 0161 306 2343
Email: sue.renn@manchester.ac.uk
ptqa.stp_pds@manchester.ac.uk

Emma Davies
Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Division of Pharmacy and Optometry
Stopford Building
Tel: 0161 306 2343
Email: emma.davies-9@manchester.ac.uk
ptqa.stp_pds@manchester.ac.uk

School of Health Sciences Teaching, Learning and Student Experience Staff :

In order for staff to respond as quickly as possible to your request, and to ensure that your request reaches the correct member of staff, we have set-up dedicated email addresses that serve a different function. If your query relates to any of the below, please email the relevant email address.

Email Address	Supports queries about:
shs.assessment@manchester.ac.uk	Examination queries Assessment queries Assessment submissions Resit/reassessment queries
shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk	Attendance monitoring
shs.dc@manchester.ac.uk	Disability support
shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk	Mitigating circumstances
shs.placements@manchester.ac.uk	All placement queries
shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk	Registration advice and guidance Course unit selection and enrolment Timetable queries Programme content
shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk	Wellbeing student support, appointments and signposting
shs.hub@manchester.ac.uk	Student Support Hub – general queries and advice not covered by the above teams

As these inboxes are associated with staff supporting multiple programmes, please could you ensure that you always include the following details in your email, which will help us to ensure that your message is dealt with promptly:

Full Name

Student ID Number

Year of Study

Programme

Section A: Programme Structure

Rationale and General Description

This three-year taught part-time Master’s programme is suitable for students who wish to improve their knowledge, understanding and research expertise prior to embarking on a research PhD or when considering training for a career in clinical pharmaceutical sciences. The Master’s level qualification meets the needs of those requiring a higher degree and the programme is designed to provide training, skills and knowledge that would help support subsequent applications to clinical training.

The programme is part-time and delivered over a 3-year period. The taught elements are delivered in discrete blocks and are integrated around work-based practice.

During the first year of the course, students attend a number of course units covering a wide range of topics on:

Professional practice; public health, the psychosocial aspects of health and disease, clinical pharmacology, therapeutics and bioinformatics.
Regulation and quality assurance
Radiopharmacy
Aseptics
Production and Quality Control

During the second year of the course, students attend course units covering:

Research methods, Aseptics and Radiopharmacy
Students will also put forward and commence a research proposal.

During the third year of the course, students attend course units covering:

Production, Quality Control and Preparation for Practice.
Students will complete their research dissertation.

This taught element of the course comprises seminars, workshops and several forms of independent learning. Throughout the second and third years, students will also be working on a dissertation, which involves a substantial piece of empirical work. Dissertation topics are chosen and developed by students in consultation with their supervisor and the programme team.

Programme Aims

Students will become members of a School that leads research and development in areas of clinical pharmaceutical science. The ethos fosters excellence in pure and applied research and in developing treatment approaches. The educational aims of the programme are to provide students with an understanding of core principles and features of clinical pharmaceutical science or professional training. The course will produce students who:

have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of key theoretical, clinical and methodological issues in the application of clinical and health psychology.
understand the role of psychological processes and states in disease and illness and understand the inter-relationships between emotion, behaviour, cognition, personality and well-being.
have experience and training in a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
have knowledge of core principles and features of interventions within clinical pharmaceutical science
have an understanding of the ways in which clinical scientists work within healthcare and related services at the level of individuals, groups and populations.
meet regional and national demand for highly qualified clinical scientists with an understanding of theoretical and methodological applications of clinical pharmaceutical science

Programme Learning Outcomes

Students, on successful completion of the programme, will:

Develop professional practice. Students should be able to demonstrate personal qualities that encompass communication skills, self-management, self-awareness, acting with integrity, taking responsibility for self-directed learning, critical reflection and action planning to maintain and improve performance. Students will have the ability to work, where appropriate, in partnership with other professionals, often as part of a multidisciplinary team, with the public, service users, patients and their carers as partners in their care, embracing and valuing diversity.
Impart basic, core scientific knowledge, skills and experience in their specialism, enabling them to critically evaluate and critique current research and innovation methodologies. In the healthcare setting, the patient and the public are at the centre of care and students prioritise patient safety. Students will be equipped to deal with complex scientific and clinical issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences including patients and the public.
Develop a conceptual understanding and advanced scholarship in and, where appropriate, propose new research questions and hypotheses.
Develop scientific and clinical leadership skill based on the continual advancement of their knowledge, skills and understanding through the independent learning required for continuing professional development. They will develop the ability to critique, analyse and solve problems, define and choose investigative and scientific and/or clinical options, and make key judgements about complex facts in a range of situations.

A copy of the programme specification can be found on the STP Virtual Common Room on Blackboard.

Details of the aims and learning outcomes associated with specific course units are found under the appropriate headings in Section B.

Credit Requirements

To be awarded a degree, you have to accumulate the requisite credits by passing the assessments for course units and thus gaining the credits associated with them. Students must accrue 180 postgraduate credits to qualify for the degree of MSc. Further details on Credit Requirements can be found in the Postgraduate Taught Regulations Document.

Supervisory Arrangements

Each student will be allocated an academic advisor at the start of the programme. The University defines the role of academic advisor as follows:

To assist students with the process of induction and orientation into academic life and the University community and respond promptly to any communication from him/her;
To work with students to build personal academic relationships;
To retain an interest in their students’ personal and general academic and professional development throughout their academic careers while at the University, providing information and guidance on academic choice;
To monitor both academic performance and student engagement in a proactive manner and advise on constructive strategies to enable improvement, for example through the use of a personal portfolio or personal development plan;
To offer general academic advice to their allocated students on their general progress and development towards the fulfilment of the Purposes of a Manchester Education, and to signpost relevant careers and skills development provision to enhance employability;
To listen and offer students help and advice about pastoral/non-academic matters and to signpost students to other student services for further assistance if necessary;
To ensure that a note is kept of discussions at each meeting (with the student) and any follow-up actions agreed with the student;
To provide references.

Dissertations

At the beginning of Year 2, all students are required to submit a research proposal for the research project, which must provide details of a work-based supervisor. The research proposal will be reviewed by a team of academic staff who will allocate an appropriate academic supervisor.

The University defines the role of supervisor as follows:

Giving guidance about the nature of research and the standard expected, the planning of the research programme, literature and sources, attendance at taught classes where appropriate and about requisite techniques (including arranging for instruction where necessary);
Maintaining contact through regular meetings (the frequency of meetings being appropriate to the research being undertaken and agreed in advance);
Being accessible to the student at other appropriate times for advice and responding to difficulties raised by the student;
Giving detailed advice on the necessary completion dates of successive stages of the work so that the thesis may be submitted within the agreed timescale;
Requesting written work or reports as appropriate and returning written material with constructive criticism and in reasonable time;
Ensuring that for degrees where an oral examination is required the student is adequately prepared by arranging for the student to present his or her work to staff and graduate seminars.
Ensuring that the student is made aware when progress is not satisfactory and facilitating improvement with advice and guidance;
Establishing at an early stage the Supervisor’s responsibilities in relation to the student’s written work, including the nature of the guidance and comments to be offered as the work proceeds and on the draft of the thesis before it is submitted. It must be made clear to the student that research for a higher degree is undertaken within the general principle that a thesis must be the student’s own work;
Making students aware of other researchers and research work in the department;
Providing pastoral support and advising students, where appropriate, of University support services;
Bringing to the attention of the students the health and safety regulations and academic rules, regulations and codes of practice of the University.

The relationship between the Student and his/her Supervisor is of central importance. Both the Student and the Supervisor have a responsibility to ensure that the dissertation is completed within the prescribed period of the programme. Supervisors and students should establish at their initial meeting clear and explicit expectations of each other in order to minimise the risks and problems of misunderstanding, personality clashes, inadequate supervision and unsatisfactory work. Timetables for Progress Monitoring meetings must be closely observed.

If you have any queries or concerns at any time during your period of study, there is a range of people you can approach:

Your Student Representatives
The Programme Administrator
Your Supervisor
Your Adviser
The Programme Director
The Consortium Lead (Dr Alain Pluen)
The Head of Division (Prof. Kaye Williams)

Course Assessments

Full details of modes of assessment for each Course Unit are provided in Section B.

The programmes contain a range of both formative and summative assessment tasks which have been designed to establish student’s knowledge and understanding of the stated learning outcomes for the course unit.

Formative assessments

These are developmental assessments which assess your learning as you work through the unit and whenever possible form part of the preparatory work for, and link to the summative assessments.
Formative assessments do not contribute towards the final mark but are an important part of your assessment in that feedback from these assessments will enable you to develop and improve before moving on to the summative assessment.
Formative assessments are marked as a pass or fail, feedback will be offered to guide your learning.
You must attempt all formative assessments within a course unit and if you do not pass you should discuss your learning needs with the course unit lead.

Summative assessments

Each unit includes at least one summative assessment. These have been designed to assess your learning and the practice-based application of it.
Each assessment task is allocated a percentage weighting towards the final mark.
The minimum weighting of any individual summative assessment will be 10%.

Criteria of Levels of Achievement

You must achieve a mark of at least 50% in all summative assessment components within a course unit to achieve a pass.

You will be eligible for the award of a distinction at Masters level if you achieve an average mark of 70% or more, based on the weighted programme as a whole. If credit has been awarded as a result of referral, you will not be eligible for the award of distinction.

You will be eligible for the award of a merit at Masters level if you achieve an average mark of 60% or more, based on the weighted programme as a whole. If credit has been awarded as a result of referral, you may still be eligible for the award of merit.

Postgraduate Taught Degree Regulations for Students

Postgraduate Taught degrees at the University of Manchester are based on the National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). This framework requires students to achieve credit at Masters level in order to get an award. For a standard postgraduate taught Masters programme this will normally mean passing 180 credits. A standard Postgraduate Diploma will normally have 120 credits and a Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits. The way in which you study these credits will be defined later in the programme handbook and the programme specification.

The University sets standards relating to your performance on every unit but also on your progression through the programme. Your programme and course unit specifications will set out the requirements for passing the credit on individual units.

The full PGT Degree Regulations can be accessed at:
http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate-degree-regulations/.

The following guidance should be read in conjunction with the Introduction to the Postgraduate Degree Regulations for Students:
http://www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/degree-regulations/

Exemptions to the PGT Degree Regulations:

Please be aware that the MSc Clinical Science (Pharmaceutical Science) programme has some higher requirements to the University degree regulations and details of these are outlined below.

The course unit pass mark is 50%.
The programme will operate a 50% pass rate across all assessments
The programme will not apply any compensation rules
An average mark of 50% must be achieved for each course unit with no individual component mark below 50%
In accordance with the University’s PGT Degree Regulations, the resit pass mark is 50% but this mark will be capped at 40% (unless the previous mark was within the compensation zone (40-49%) in which case the original mark will stand) and it is this mark that will be used to calculate the programme GPA.
As a requirement of the professional body, a resit pass mark will be recorded as 50R on the University transcript but the programme GPA will be calculated as described under the above point (ie as 40% or between 40% and 49% if the original mark was in the compensation zone).

Criteria for Awards

Award of Masters Degree

The award of Master degree is based upon credit accumulation using a pass mark of 50%.

Distinction

Exceptional achievements over the course of the Programme according to the taught masters marking scheme will be rewarded with the degree of Masters with Distinction.

To obtain a Distinction, students must have:

accrued 180 credits;
have passed all units with no referrals;
have achieved an overall weighted average of 70% or more across the programme;

Students who have compensated or have been referred in any course units are not eligible for the award of Distinction. In addition, the dissertation must be submitted by the end of the period of programme, unless there are significant mitigating circumstances, approved in advance for missing the end of programme deadline.

Merit

To obtain a Merit, students must have accrued 180 credits AND have achieved an overall weighted average of 60% or more across the programme, including any provision made for referred units.

Pass

To obtain a pass, students must have accrued 180 credits including any provision made for referred units.

Progression

You must achieve a mark of at least 50% in all summative assessment components within a course unit to achieve a pass.

Reassessment

Reassessment as a result of a fail is known as a “Referral”. Reassessment as a result of approved and verified mitigating circumstances is known as “Deferral” and may be permitted where students are reassessed as a first attempt, for which no penalty applies.

Students may be referred in up to half of the total taught credits. The combined total number of credits referred on MSc Clinical Science (Pharmaceutical Science) cannot exceed half the taught credits. Decisions with regard to which components should be reassessed are made by the Examination Board. When a student is referred they will normally be permitted to retake the assessment/exam on one further occasion.

At the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, students will normally be allowed one resubmission of a failed dissertation or project and this will normally be within four months of the date of the publication of the result.

The pass mark for a reassessment is the same as the first attempt (i.e. 50% for masters). When a reassessment is passed, the mark is capped at the lowest compensable fail mark (i.e. 40R), unless the previous mark was within the compensation zone, in which case the original mark will stand with a suffix ‘R’. This mark is used in the weighted average/total mark for the final award. The capped mark is applied to the whole unit and not the failed component. However, in units comprising three distinct 10-credit components, failure of one 10-credit component will not be considered as failure of the whole 30-credit unit.

Please refer to the ‘Programme Exemptions to PGT Degree Regulations’ section of the handbook where specific exemptions applicable to the programme will be listed.

Available Degree Classifications

Overall programme mean average of between 50.0%-59.9% MSc Pass
with 180 credits successfully completed

Overall programme mean average of between 60.0%-69.9% MSc with Merit
with 180 credits successfully completed

NB If either the Taught Average or Dissertation mark fails within the buffer zone of 58.0-59.9 the student may be considered for the award of Merit. Further information please see the Postgraduate Taught Regulations.

Overall programme mean average of ≥ 70% MSc with Distinction
with 180 credits successfully completed
and no mark < 50% on any Course Unit at first attempt

NB If either the Taught Average or Dissertation mark falls within the buffer zone of 68.0-69.9 the student may be considered for the award of Distinction. For further information please see the Postgraduate Taught Regulations.

Deadlines for Assessed Work

All assessed work must be handed in at the prescribed time. Submission deadlines are published on Blackboard. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU TRANSFER THESE DATES TO YOUR DIARIES AS SOON AS THEY ARE PUBLISHED.

If you experience difficulties that will prevent you from submitting assessed coursework on time, you can request an extension of up to one week. You need to provide a credible reason for your extension, in line with the extension policy, but you do not need to submit evidence to support your request.

Please think carefully about whether one-week is enough time to submit and how this will impact the rest of your workload before requesting an extension.

To apply for an extension, you will need to complete this form:

https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_56LcBQhsaZ6Agsu

Extensions should be applied for by 15:00pm on the day of your original assessment submission date. Any applications after this time will not be considered and you will need to apply for mitigating circumstances.

If mitigating circumstances prevent you from submitting an extension request in advance, or mean that you miss the extended deadline that has been awarded, you should submit mitigating circumstances following the procedures outlined in the mitigating circumstances procedure. Please note, such requests for mitigation will only be considered where students provide a clear justification (including evidence) for failing to follow the normal extension request procedure.

Some DASS students are entitled to an automatic one-week extension, which does not need to be applied for. If you are a DASS student with this automatic extension and require longer than one-week, please complete the form above by 15:00pm on the day of your DASS submission date.

Late Submission Penalty (including the Dissertation)

Work submitted after the deadline without prior approval will be subject to a late penalty in accordance with the University Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes. The penalty applied is 10% of available marks deducted per day/24 hours (from the time of the original or extended deadline), until the assignment is submitted, or no marks remain.

Penalties for late submission relate to 24 hours/calendar days, so include weekends and weekdays, as well as bank holidays and University closure days.

The mark awarded for the piece of work will be reduced by:
10% of the available marks deducted if up to 24 hours (1 day) late
20% of the available marks deducted if up to 48 hours (2 days) late
30% of the available marks deducted if up to 72 hours (3 days) late
40% of the available marks deducted if up to 96 hours (4 days) late
50% of the available marks deducted if up to 120 hours (5 days) late
60% of the available marks deducted if up to 144 hours (6 days) late
70% of the available marks deducted if up to 168 hours (7 days) late
80% of the available marks deducted if up to 192 hours (8 days) late
90% of the available marks deducted if up to 216 hours (9 days) late
100% of the available marks deducted if up to 240 hours (10 days) late

If the assessment is submitted within 10 calendar days of the deadline, the assessment should be marked and feedback to the student provided. If this mark before the penalty is applied reaches the appropriate pass mark but the applied penalty results in a fail of the assessment, the student should not be required to resit the assessment as the original mark can be taken in lieu of a resit/referral and normal resit/referral procedures will apply. Further information and examples can be found in the Policy and associated Guidance documents below.

For work submitted more than 10 days late, it is regarded as a non-submission and need not be marked. In this case, a mark of zero will be awarded and normal resit procedures will apply.

The sliding scale should only be applied to first-sit submissions. For all referred (resit) assessment, any late submission will automatically receive a mark of zero.

For further information:

Guidance on Late Submission

Policy on the Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes

Mitigating Circumstances

Sometimes, factors beyond your control may interfere with your ability to attend to your academic studies. The University’s mitigating circumstances procedures exist to try to mitigate against the impact that this could have on your grades.

The full mitigating circumstances policy and guidance can be accessed via the following link: https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/study-support/mitigating-circumstances/

We strongly recommend that you seek advice from a member of the Wellbeing team before submitting any claim for mitigating circumstances. You can contact them via shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk or shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk

Grounds for mitigation

Grounds for mitigation are unforeseeable or unpreventable circumstances that could have, or did have, a significant adverse effect on your academic performance.

Possible mitigating circumstances include:

significant illness or injury
the death or critical/significant illness of a close family member/dependant
significant family crises or major financial problems leading to acute stress
absence for public service e.g., jury service

Circumstances that will not normally be regarded as grounds for mitigation include:

holidays, moving house and events that were planned or could reasonably have been expected
assessments that are scheduled close together
misreading the timetable or misunderstanding the requirements for assessments
inadequate planning and time management
consequences of paid employment
exam stress or panic attacks not diagnosed as illness or supported by medical evidence
disruption in an examination room during the course of an assessment which has not been recorded by the invigilators

Applying for mitigation

You should inform us if you experience difficulties that may negatively affect your performance on assessed work. You can inform us of such difficulties by submitting an online Mitigating Circumstances Form. The form must be completed by you. It will ask you to provide details of your difficult circumstances and to list the assessments affected. It is important that you list each separate assessment, giving details of the course unit and the nature of the assessment (e.g. PSYC10711 Essay or PSYC10100 Week 4 Quiz). Your form should also be supported with evidence, which is independent and time-specific (for example, a doctor’s note which confirms that you were ill and indicates the period affected). Our Student Support and Wellbeing team can advise you on the information required on the form.

You should inform us of mitigating circumstances as soon as you become aware that they might affect your performance. Typically, mitigating circumstances must be submitted prior to the assessment taking place. In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to inform us in advance, you should submit your Mitigating Circumstances application as soon as possible after deadline or scheduled examination, supported by a credible and compelling explanation of why your claim could not be submitted in advance.

Please note, not informing the University of circumstances due to personal feelings, e.g., shame, embarrassment and pride, or having concerns over the confidential treatment of requests for mitigation, are not considered to be credible and compelling explanations as to why the circumstances could not be made known or shown by these deadlines. If the details of the mitigating circumstances are considered to be highly confidential, you can discuss with the wellbeing team shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk the best way to submit an application. The committee handle all requests for mitigation with sensitivity and due regard for confidentiality.

How mitigation is considered and applied

Evidence for personal and medical mitigating circumstances is considered by a mitigating circumstances committee. It is this committee’s role to determine whether there is evidence of mitigating circumstances, whether those circumstances could have had an effect on your performance, and the likely impact. The committee will consider all submissions and, where there is evidence that circumstances have been serious enough to have an effect on one or more elements of assessment, the committee will make recommendations to the exam board.

The exam board, at the recommendation of the mitigating circumstances committee, can take a limited number of actions to apply mitigation. In most cases, acceptance of the mitigation will involve revoking any late submission penalties or allowing for the missed or failed coursework/exam to be taken again as a first sit.

A claim for mitigating circumstances may be turned down for several reasons:

The circumstances detailed by the student are not regarded as grounds for mitigation under the Policy on Mitigating Circumstances
The supporting evidence does not cover the relevant period
The supporting evidence is not supplied by an appropriate (independent) source
The supporting evidence is deemed insufficient to support the student’s claim of the seriousness of impact on their assessment performance
The wording of the evidence supplied does not support the student’s claim e.g. the material does not provide a medical diagnosis
No evidence is provided, and the student has not given any explanation as to the reasons why nor indicated when evidence could be available
The evidence relates to a chronic condition which the student is already in receipt of support from the Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS). This does not include instances where the student has an acute flare up of a pre-existing condition which may be accepted if properly evidenced and confirmed by DASS
The deadline for submitting mitigating circumstances has been missed, without a credible and compelling reason
The claim relates to an ongoing condition or circumstance previously used to claim mitigation where the Panel, on the earlier occasion, instructed the student that this mitigation could not be used again and may have instructed the student to access support from the Disability Advisory and Support Service

Assignment Word Count (including the Dissertation)

In accordance with the University Policy on Marking, Schools must have procedures in place to apply a penalty if the word count exceeds the limit by more than 10%.

Each written assignment has a word limit, which you must state at the top of your first page. It is acceptable, without penalty, for you to submit an assignment within a range that is plus 10% of this limit. If you present an assignment with a word count exceeding the specified limit +10%, the assignment will be marked but 1% will be deducted from this mark for every 100 words over the limit given.

For an original word limit that is 1000 words and an assignment that is marked out of 100: If a submission is made that is 1101 words, then it exceeds the 10% leeway, and is more than 100 words over the original limit and should receive a 1-mark deduction.

In accordance with accepted academic practice, when submitting any written assignment for summative assessment, the notion of a word count includes the following without exception:
·    All titles or headings that form part of the actual text. This does not include the fly page or reference list.
·    All words that form the actual essay.
·    All words forming the titles for figures, tables and boxes, are included but this does not include boxes or tables or figures themselves.
·    All in-text (that is bracketed) references.
·    All directly quoted material.

Certain assessments may require different penalties for word limits to be applied. For example, if part of the requirement for the assessment is conciseness of presentation of facts and arguments. In such cases it may be that no 10% leeway is allowed, and penalties applied may be stricter than described above. In such cases the rules for word count limits and the penalties to be applied will be clearly stated in the assessment brief and in the submission details for that assessment.

Submitting work

The filename MUST contain your ID number then your assignment title,

e.g. 7123456 Assignment 1.

DO NOT save the work as ‘Essay’ or as the title of the work.

All assignments must include a cover page with the unit title, assignment question and your student number. Do not include your name as assignments are marked anonymously. Please see below for an example:

The University of Manchester

PHAR71010 – Basic Principles

(Assignment title)

(Submission date)

(Final word count)

(Student ID)

DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THIS DOCUMENT.

When creating your document please ensure your ID number is on each page (in the header or footer) and your name does not appear on the document.

All assignments must be submitted electronically via SafeAssign. The published deadlines for assessments all relate to the electronic submission which is done via Blackboard and the SafeAssign system. You must submit by the deadline published.

Submitting an electronic copy of the work

Log onto Blackboard via the MyManchester : https://login.manchester.ac.uk/cas/login
Click on the relevant course unit
Click on ‘Course Tools’ in the column on the left of the page
A dropdown menu will appear, go to ‘SafeAssign’ then ‘SafeAssign items’
All assessments for that unit will appear – click on the relevant once and follow the submission process
An on-screen receipt for your assignment will be shown once submitted
For a how-to video on submitting via Blackboard, please follow this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_913066741&feature=iv&src_vid=7ZuZW9-KAjY&v=oI3X0XW-xkI
If you have any problems accessing the student portal contact http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/contacts

Please remember you can only upload one document so you cannot save your references as a separate document.

The electronic copy is your official record of submission.

Blackboard Assignment – SafeAssign

The University uses electronic systems for the purposes of detecting plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for marking. Such systems include SafeAssign, the plagiarism detection service used by the University.

As part of the formative and/or summative assessment process, you may be asked to submit electronic versions of your work to SafeAssign and/or other electronic systems used by the University (this requirement may be in addition to a requirement to submit a paper copy of your work). If you are asked to do this, you must do so within the required timescales.

The School also reserves the right to submit work handed in by you for formative or summative assessment to SafeAssign and/or other electronic systems used by the University.

Please note that when work is submitted to the relevant electronic systems, it may be copied and then stored in a database to allow appropriate checks to be made.

Feedback for assessments

The purpose of feedback is to provide constructive criticism and encouragement so that you can improve your standards as time goes on. Thus in addition to marks we will give you written feedback on most of your assessed coursework and give it back to you.

All summative assessments will be double marked. Marks awarded for your assessments (i.e. everything which contributes to your final degree classification) are subject to moderation by the examination board and the external examiner. Consequently all marks given to students before the final examiners’ meeting has taken place must be regarded as provisional. Shortly after the examinations meetings we will publish final results to the Student System.

When you have graduated you may obtain a detailed official written account of all your examination results (called a transcript) from the Student Services Centre on payment of a small fee. This carries the University stamp and is recognised for such purposes as admission to a further course of study at another institution (in the UK or abroad), membership of professional bodies, exemption from sections of professional examinations and so on. If you need a transcript, contact the SSC on 0161 275 5000.

Return of Marked Work

Understandably students are keen to know their results and to receive back written work with comments. However, there must inevitably be a trade-off between the diligence of the marking process and the speed at which it takes place. Marks from assessed work must also be entered into our records, and this process is slowed by the need for painstaking checking to ensure accuracy. Students will be notified by email once the work has been marked and grades are available. We will endeavour to mark work and give feedback to students 15 working days after the hand-in date.

However, occasionally there may be delays as a result of staff illness or other unforeseeable factors.

The Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Students can be accessed at the following link:

http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=6518

How to find your marks

Once work has been marked, you will receive an email from the programme administrator to tell you that the marks have been released. Work submitted via Blackboard will usually show a mark along with feedback on the Blackboard system, through GradeMark.

You can also access marks by logging into your MyManchester account at https://www.portal.manchester.ac.uk/uPortal/render.userLayoutRootNode.uP and going to My Services/Self Service and Student Centre. You can choose ‘Assignments’ from the drop-down box and choose the relevant module. Your final mark for the module doesn’t appear until the module is fully completed and marks have been through an exam board.

Examinations

Examinations run in the standard University exam period. The University publishes the dates of each examination period two years in advance, please refer to:

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/key-dates/

Please be aware that you may be tested on any topic from within a module. Do not presume that because a piece of coursework has covered one area of a module that it will not also appear in the exam. Past papers for some modules (where appropriate) will be published on Blackboard. Do not assume that exams will take the same format as previous years. Academic staff should not indicate what will/will not feature in an exam as this may not be accurate. Staff may have submitted questions that may not, necessarily, appear on the final exam paper. You should presume that anything can appear on the exam paper unless informed officially by the Programme Administrator or Programme Directors.

Recording Lectures

Please do not assume you can record lectures with a voice recorder or other device. Please do not record lectures or other teaching sessions without obtaining the prior permission of the teacher. This does not apply to DASS registered students.

Dissertations

The dissertation involves a student working closely with their supervisor to develop and implement an empirical research project. Details of what is involved, and of how and when to submit the dissertation are provided on the Blackboard spaces for PHAR61750 Research Project 1 and PHAR61770 Research Project 2.

The University of Manchester guidance on presentation of taught Masters Dissertations is available at:
Guidance for the presentation of Taught Masters dissertations

The guidance explains the required presentation of the dissertation, and failure to follow the instructions in the guidance may result in the dissertation being rejected by the examiners.

Monitoring Progress – Dissertations

In order to monitor their progress, students will have regular, scheduled meetings with their dissertation supervisor. Progress forms should be completed at these meetings. These meetings are in addition to the normal dissertation supervisory meetings between the student and supervisor, of which there should be a minimum of 6 per academic year for part-time students.

In addition, students may request meetings with the Programme Director at any point throughout their studies if there are additional matters they wish to discuss.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled teaching and learning sessions in every year of study, unless alternative arrangements or flexibility in attendance has been agreed for individual students, if unavoidable circumstances such as illness prevents you from attending or if absence has been authorised. This includes both on-campus teaching as well as online/blended, distance or remote learning modes of delivery.

If you are unable to attend a teaching session you should inform the lecturer/instructor in the first instance to catch up on missed learning and for support with teaching materials. For absences of 1-2 days, you do not need to tell the Student Support and Wellbeing Team.

If you expect to miss one or more full weeks of teaching, you must notify the Student Support and Wellbeing team on shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk, as well as your Academic Advisor. Please provide a reason for this to help the team provide appropriate guidance and signposting as required.

If your attendance is deemed to be too low, someone from the Student Support and Wellbeing team will be in touch to check in with you and make sure that you are ok. If the poor attendance continues without a valid reason, your Academic Advisor will be informed. If there is still no improvement in your attendance, you will be asked to a meeting with your Programme Director. This is in line with the university policy on monitoring attendance.

Requests for interruption

If at any point in your studies you feel that you need to take some time away from your degree, you can interrupt your studies and return once you are ready. You need to be aware of the below implications when considering taking an interruption, so it is best to discuss any queries you may have with the Student Support and Wellbeing Team/Programme Director/Year Tutor/Academic Advisor.

There are a few important things to think about when deciding to interrupt:

Primarily, your wellbeing. If an interruption is the best decision for you, it should benefit your present and future wellbeing and support you completing your degree to the best of your abilities.
Tuition Fees
Accommodation (if living in UoM halls)
Possible changes to course content on return
Tier 4 students MUST be referred to the Student Immigration Team in SSC to discuss consequences of interruption (3.2 Policy on Interruptions to UG and PGT Programmes of Study)

If you then wish to request an interruption to study, either via email, during a welfare meeting, or following a meeting with an AA, you would need to complete an SHS Interruption Request Form, which can be obtained by contacting the Student Support and Wellbeing team on shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk. It is helpful to know at this stage how long you expect to interrupt for and when you might return.

You need to complete and sign the form, returning it back to the shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk email address with any appropriate supporting evidence. The form will then be sent to the relevant member of academic staff for approval (this may be the Programme Director, Year Tutor or Academic Advisor).

*Please note that students will be contacted by the Student Support and Wellbeing Team prior to their return to study/return from interruption*

Withdrawal from studies

If you decide that you are unable to continue your programme, you can withdraw from your studies. You will need to be aware of the below implications when considering withdrawing from the programme, so we would always advise discussing any queries you may have with the Student Support and Wellbeing Team/Programme Director/Year Tutor/Academic Advisor.

Tuition Fees
Accommodation (if living in UoM halls)
Future career prospects

If you then wish to withdraw from the programme, either via email, during a welfare meeting, or following a meeting with an AA, you will need to complete a SHS Withdrawal Request Form, which can be obtained by contacting the Student Support and Wellbeing team on shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk

Students need to complete and sign the form, returning it back to the shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk email address. No supporting evidence is required for a request to withdraw. The form will then be sent to the relevant member of academic staff for approval (this may be the Programme Director, Year Tutor or Academic Advisor)

Once the Student Support and Wellbeing Team has received the form which has been approved by the relevant member of staff, a standard confirmation letter will be sent to you confirming the details of the withdrawal.

Academic Appeals

For the most up to date information regarding appeals, students should refer to the University’s general support pages, since the pages are updated to reflect changes in policy and guidelines.

Students have a right of appeal against a final decision of an Examination Board, or a progress committee, or a graduate committee or equivalent body which affects their academic status or progress in the University.

Students thinking of appealing should first discuss the matter informally with an appropriate member of staff, in order to better understand the reason for the result or decision and to determine whether the matter can be resolved informally by the School prior to making a formal appeal.

Should you wish to proceed to a formal appeal, this must be submitted within the timeframe outlined in the Academic Appeals Procedure to the Faculty Appeals and Complaints Team electronically by e-mail: FBMHappealsandcomplaints@manchester.ac.uk).

The Academic Appeals Procedure (Regulation XIX) and associated documents, including the form on which formal appeals should be submitted, can be found at http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/academic/basic-guide-academic-appeals/

Student complaints

The University’s Student Complaints Procedure (Regulation XVIII) and associated documents, including a complaints form, can be found at www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/academic

The University has separate procedures to address complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or victimisation – see https://www.reportandsupport.manchester.ac.uk/

Students thinking of submitting a formal complaint should, in most instances, attempt informal resolution first (see the Student Complaints Procedure). Formal complaints should be submitted on the relevant form to Faculty Appeals and Complaints Team electronically by e-mail: FBMHappealsandcomplaints@manchester.ac.uk).

Conduct and Discipline of Students

General University information on the Conduct and Discipline of Students can be found at https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/academic-appeals-complaints-and-misconduct/conduct-and-discipline-of-students/.

Faculty policies for students on Communication and Dress Code, Social Networking and Drugs & Alcohol can be found at:

http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29038 (Communication and Dress Code)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29039 (Drugs & Alcohol)
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=29040 (Social Networking)

Information on Academic Malpractice and how to avoid it can be found at http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/guidance-to-students-on-plagiarism-and-other-forms-of-academic-malpractice/

In accordance with the Policy on Submission of Work for Summative Assessment on Taught Programmes, ‘All typed summative assessment, including dissertations, should be submitted online and subjected to plagiarism detection software, where appropriate’.

The University Library has produced online resources to help students in avoiding plagiarism and academic malpractice at:

https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/training/my-learning-essentials/online-resources/

An Introduction to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism is provided by the Student Guidance Service at:
An Introduction to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism (Student Guidance Service)

The Student Support website provides guidance on Good Study Skills at:
https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/study-support/goodstudyskills/

The Student Support website also provides guidance on avoiding academic malpractice:
https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/study-support/academic-support/assessments-and-exams/avoiding-academic-malpractice/

Sharing Information

The University may share appropriate information relating to your health and/or conduct with external organisations such as your professional employer(s) (for example, relevant NHS Trust Professional and Statutory Regulatory Bodies (PSRB), placement and training providers and/or regulator.

This may occur where concerns in relation to your health and/or conduct arise and the University considers it necessary for them to be disclosed to one or more of the above organisations. The University’s Privacy Notice for Registered Students (which is accessible via this link: http://www.regulations.manchester.ac.uk/data-collection-notice/) includes further information about how the University may use and process your personal data, including the legal basis and conditions which may be relevant to such processing (see section 6 of the Privacy Notice).

The University will only disclose special category data (such as data relating to your health) to a third party organisation where one of the additional conditions are satisfied (see section 9 of the Privacy Notice), including where processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest.

Understanding Academic Malpractice

The University does not permit plagiarism or other forms of academic malpractice under any circumstances, and individuals found to have committed such an incident can expect a harsh penalty, which in some cases results in exclusion from the University. To ensure that you are fully informed about University expectations and understand your responsibilities with regard to academic malpractice please ensure you complete mandatory academic malpractice training in the Blackboard unit SHSS60001.

A copy of the University’s Academic Malpractice Procedure can be found at the following link: http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=639

You can also access an online e-learning package on avoiding plagiarism via the University Library’s award-winning skills programme, My Learning Essentials.

Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) We urge students to be cautious when using a chatbot or AI tool within their learning. Chatbots and AI tools can be useful, but there are a number of risks associated with using them. Please ensure that you are aware of what is permissible use of AI for each assignment. You can utilise AI to generate ideas, key themes, and plan your assessment but not to write your assessment. Do not use AI to generate text, or partial text for use in your assessment unless the assignment brief explicitly states that this is permitted, otherwise use will be deemed academic malpractice. This is academic malpractice because the words and ideas generated are not your own and not an accurate reflection of your learning. Further to this, the words and ideas generated by the chatbot or AI tool may make use of other, human authors’ ideas without referencing them, which is plagiarism. Where a chatbot or other form of AI has been used, make sure you acknowledge that use. Information on how to cite can be found here: https://manchester-uk.libanswers.com/teaching-and-learning/faq/264824 Some units, for example those on AI and technology, permit the use of AI. However, they require you to sign a code of conduct which must be adhered to. Make sure you understand and follow these codes. If you are unclear on what is permissible, speak to the unit lead.

If you have any doubts or further questions please contact the Programme Director.

Fitness to Practise

Information on Fitness to Practise related matters can be found at www.tlso.manchester.ac.uk/appeals-complaints/fitnesstopractise.

Programme Management

The Programme Committee will be primarily responsible for monitoring the programme and will report directly to the Pharmacy and Vision Sciences Postgraduate Teaching and Learning Committee. This committee in turn reports to the School of Health Sciences PGT Committee. Special responsibility for the programme will be taken by the Programme Directors, the Consortium Lead for Postgraduate Taught Programmes and the Head of Division. The Programme Committee will, in liaison with the Pharmacy and Vision Sciences Teaching and Learning Committee, take responsibility for programme structure, development and delivery. The Programme Director will be responsible for admissions to the programme.

The Programme Director, in liaison with the Consortium Lead and the Postgraduate Programmes Manager, will be responsible for Quality Assurance for the programme.

Election of a Student Representative

Your representation plays a vital and important part in helping us to maintain and improve the quality of the programme we deliver. Early in Semester 1, students will be asked to select one individual to represent their interests to the MSc Programme Board. The student representative will be required to attend some compulsory training and attend one Programme committee per year. The reps will also organise group feedback sessions at the end of each semester for all students to voice opinions on the programme.

Student Evaluation

We will ask you to complete an evaluation form at the end of each teaching block. These questionnaires are reviewed by the unit leads and the Programme Director. The responses to these evaluations will be considered when reviewing the structure and content of the programme. Your feedback is extremely important, not only for programme quality assurance but also to the University in meeting the requirements of external quality assessment.

Role of the External Examiner

External Examiners are individuals from another institution or organisation who monitor the assessment processes of the University to ensure fairness and academic standards. They ensure that assessment and examination procedures have been fairly and properly implemented and that decisions have been made after appropriate deliberation. They also ensure that standards of awards and levels of student performance are at least comparable with those in equivalent higher education institutions.

External Examiner’s reports

External Examiners’ reports relating to this programme will be shared with student representatives and details of any actions carried out by the programme team/School in response to the External Examiners’ comments will be discussed. Students should contact their student representatives if they require any further information about External Examiners’ reports or the process for considering them.

The External Examiner for this programme is: Dr Ahmed Faheem
Name of Institution: University of Sunderland
Position at current Institution: Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutics

Please note that it is inappropriate for students to make direct contact with External Examiners under any circumstances, in particular with regards to a student’s individual performance in assessments. Other appropriate mechanisms are available for students, including the University’s appeals or complaints procedures and the UMSU Advice Centre. In cases where a student does contact an External Examiner directly, External Examiners have been requested not to respond to direct queries. Instead, External Examiners should report the matter to their School contact who will then contact the student to remind them of the other methods available for students. If students have any queries concerning this, they should contact their Programme Office (or equivalent).

Role and Responsibilities of Unit Leads

To develop and update the unit specification in consultation with lecturers and programme directors, ensuring a coherent selection of teaching material and assessments to fit with the overall aim of the programme and its specifications
To liaise with programme administrators and the lecturers on their unit to ensure that the information on their unit in the programme handbook is accurate
To liaise with programme administrators and lecturers to organise examining, marking and student feedback
To develop and monitor the Blackboard E-Learning site for their unit, in liaison with lecturers for the sessions in their unit
To liaise with students concerning queries relating to teaching and assessments for the unit that are not specific to an individual teaching session
To attend programme meetings and the programme exam board in order to liaise with programme directors and student representatives
To consider and act upon student feedback, staff feedback, and external examiner feedback, in order to modify the structure, content and processes within their unit, in discussion with the programme team

Responsibilities of the Student

Pursuing the programme with a positive commitment, taking full advantage of the resources and facilities offered by the academic environment and, in particular, contact with the Supervisor, other staff and research students;
Discussing with the Supervisor the type of guidance and comment believed to be most helpful, and agreeing a schedule of meetings;
Ensuring that he/she is aware of the health and safety regulations and academic rules and regulations and codes of practice of the University;
Successfully completing any training programme arranged within the prescribed time period;
Taking the initiative in raising problems or difficulties, however elementary they may seem, bearing in mind that prompt discussion and resolution of problems can prevent difficulties and disagreements at a later stage;
Maintaining the progress of the work in accordance with the stages agreed with the Supervisor, including in particular the presentation of written material as required, in sufficient time to allow for comments and discussion before proceeding to the next stage. Where possible, students will be given details of the work programme for the academic year at the beginning of the year;
Agreeing with the Supervisor the amount of time to be devoted to the research and the timing and duration of holiday periods;
Checking the completeness and accuracy of the text of the thesis submitted; failure to check the thesis carefully may result in the thesis being failed or cause a delay in the award of a degree.

Section B: Syllabus, Course Units and Route through the Programme

Syllabus

Year One

Compulsory Components

PHAR61630 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science 1 (30 credits)

PHAR61730 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science 2 (30 credits)

Year Two

Compulsory Components

PHAR61650 Special Pharmaceutical Science 1 (30 credits)

PHAR61750 Research Project 1 (30 credits)

Year Three

Compulsory Components

PHAR61760 Advanced Pharmaceutical Science (30 credits)

PHAR61770 Research Project 2 (30 credits)

Course Unit Specifications

PHAR61630 Introduction to Clinical Pharmaceutical Science 1

PFHCS Co-ordinator: Dr Phil Macdonald

Academic Course Unit Co-ordinators: Ruth Barnes (UoM), Sue Renn (UoM), Emma Davies (UoM)

Practice-based Course Unit Co-ordinator: Mark Oldcorne (All Wales Quality Assurance Pharmacist)

Credit Rating: 30 credits

20 credits – Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science
10 credits – Introduction to Regulation and Quality Assurance

Course Unit Aims

This unit will provide trainees with context and foundations to their practice in healthcare as a Clinical Scientist. Central to this, the module provides students with an essential grounding in pharmaceutical quality assurance which underpins all GMP activities, and the means to ensure the provision of safe, effective, high quality patient centred care.

Students will engage with lecturers and reading material to gain a full understanding of the regulatory framework governing pharmaceutical preparation and manufacture within the NHS, with a fundamental understanding of Pharmaceutical Quality Systems (PQS) .
Trainees will develop a framework of skills and knowledge to evaluate and evolve practice in the context of the wider healthcare landscape. Throughout this module trainees will have opportunities to develop their professional skills.

The unit provides the students with an essential grounding in pharmaceutical quality assurance which underpins all GMP activities. Students will engage with lecturers and reading material to gain a full understanding of the regulatory framework governing pharmaceutical preparation and manufacture within the NHS.

It will also provide a fundamental understanding of Pharmaceutical Quality Systems (PQS) and the operational benefits and challenges of a robust system. The key documents of a PQS will be defined.

Course Unit Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

PFHCS (20 credits)

Knowledge and understanding:

Critically evaluate your personal responsibilities, challenges and limitations of your practice as a healthcare scientist in respect to the standards and ethical boundaries including confidentiality, informed consent and safeguarding.
Critically appraise the contribution of healthcare science and multi-professional working in the provision of patient care within the structure and function of health and social care including effective communication and leadership.
Critically evaluate the principles of methodologies which ensure the quality of practice in healthcare science.
Critically evaluate the principles of patient centred care applied to healthcare in the NHS including approaches to managing health which aim to promote wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.
Critically appraise the requirements for continuous development, evolution and improvement of services and standards in healthcare and innovations which impact healthcare science and healthcare.

Intellectual skills:

Critically reflect professional and personal behaviour
Present scientific and clinical information appropriately
Formulate a critical argument
Evaluate scientific and clinical information
Compare and contrast a range of leadership models
Appraise the ethical foundations of professionalism, including critical reflection, and how these relate to the clinical scientist, the patient, the practice of healthcare science and the wider healthcare environment.

Practical skills:

Present information clearly in the form of verbal and written reports.
Communicate complex ideas and arguments in a clear and concise and effective manner to both clinical professional and lay individuals
Work effectively as an individual or part of a team.
Demonstrate Leadership
Take a patient history

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

Be able to communicate effectively with professional colleagues and service users.
Consistently operate within sphere of personal competence and level of authority.
Manage personal workload and objectives to achieve quality of care.
Work in partnership with colleagues, other professionals, patients and their carers to maximise patient care.

Introduction to Regulation and QA (10 credits)

Knowledge and understanding:

Discuss the role of the Clinical Scientist in Pharmaceutical Sciences in ensuring the safety of the patient, related to pharmaceutical preparation, manufacture and quality assurance.
Evaluate error reports relating to pharmaceutical preparation and the impact that these have had on pharmacy regulations and guidance.
Critically evaluate the application of regulatory controls to pharmaceutical technology and quality assurance.
Critically appraise the principles of quality assurance and EU good manufacturing practice (GMP) and quality management systems.
Critique documentation relating to pharmaceutical preparation, manufacturing, quality assurance and quality control.
Discuss the health and safety aspects of pharmaceutical technology and quality assurance.
Critique the requirements for outsourcing and purchasing of pharmaceutical products.

Intellectual skills:

Follow regulatory standards and guidance.
Evaluate scientific and clinical literature and present appropriately.
Critically appraise concepts and measures of quality and quality assurance and their links with the effective and efficient management of resources and improvement of service delivery.

Practical skills:

Prepare technical documents; product specifications, investigation reports.
Prepare risk assessments using a variety of tools and techniques.
Interpret complex data and report on the findings.
Prepare for an internal or external audit.
Identify shortcoming in existing procedure and recommend change.
Assess the impact of change

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

Read, interpret and apply standards and guidance to working practices.
Demonstrate professionalism and ethical awareness.
Communicate effectively with professional colleagues and service users.
Select and apply appropriate analysis or assessment techniques and tools.

Teaching and Learning Processes

A teaching block including face-to-face and online lectures and workshops.
E-learning: evidence-based learning supported by course notes, video/audio lectures, and discussion boards.

Assessment

Reflective written assignment, 3,000 words (50%)
Written assignment, 1,000 words (Formative)
Online e-assessment x4, 15 minutes (Formative)
Written assignment (group of 4-6), 3,000 words (25%)
Written assignment (individual reflection), 1,000 words (10%)
Presentation (group of 4-6), 20 minutes plus 5 mins questions (15%)

PHAR61730 Introduction to Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences 2

Unit leads:

RADIOPHARMACY: Bev Ellis (Consultant Radiopharmacist, CMFT), Victoria Gibson (Chief Radiopharmaceutical Scientist, Guys and St. Thomas’s)

ASEPTICS: Ruth Barnes, Sue Renn and Emma Davies (UoM)

PRODUCTION AND QUALITY CONTROL: Ruth Barnes, Sue Renn and Emma Davies (UoM)

Credit Rating: 30 credits

Course Unit Aims

The unit aims to provide students with background knowledge of radiopharmacy, aseptic preparation, pharmaceutical production and quality control. The unit provides a good proportion of practical study enabling students to appreciate how the theory applies in practice.

The radiopharmacy element allows students to appreciate the unique needs of the department in ensuring radiation protection.

The aseptic element provides students with an in-depth working knowledge of pharmaceutical microbiological aspects of aseptic manufacture and preparation. Students will also develop an ability to evaluate the use of cleanrooms and clean air devices to maintain patient safety.

The production and QC elements will prepare students to evaluate and develop services in production and QC of pharmaceuticals. Content includes principles and management of pharmaceutical production, requirements of QA in application to theory and practice of manufacturing and sterilisation of products and techniques used for analysis of starting materials, packaging components and finished pharmaceutical products

All elements will develop the students’ understanding of the principles of pharmaceutical science and formulation. Students will understand the process of designing a new product and building the analytical specifications and stability studies to bring a new product to market.

Course Unit Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course unit, students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

Introduction to Radiopharmacy:

Discuss the role of the Clinical Scientist in Pharmaceutical Science in ensuring the safety of the patient, with regard to the preparation, manufacture, quality assurance and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals.
Critically appraise the UK regulatory requirements and guidance relating to the design and operation of radiopharmacies and discuss the possible conflicts between these requirements.
Critically evaluate the radionuclides used in nuclear medicine and the different types of radiopharmaceuticals in routine clinical practice.
Apply integrative knowledge of the operation of a hospital radiopharmacy department and the activities undertaken in a hospital Nuclear Medicine department.
Critique the application of the principles of quality assurance in radiopharmacy.
Critically evaluate the application of the principles of radiation protection in radiopharmacy.
Demonstrate extended understanding of the interactions of radiation with biological systems.
Discuss the theory and practice of radiolabelling of blood cells.

Introduction to Aseptics:

Discuss the role of the Clinical Scientist in Pharmaceutical Sciences in ensuring the safety of the patient, related to aseptic preparation, manufacture and quality assurance.
Discuss standards and guidance relevant to aseptic preparation and aseptic manufacture including the requirements for documentation in aseptic services.
Demonstrate extended understanding of how a cleanroom functions to maintain a clean environment.
Explain the principles of aseptic manipulation, transfer processes, and cleanroom comportment within pharmacy aseptic services.
Describe the principles of basic pharmaceutical microbiology and environmental monitoring in pharmaceutical aseptic services.
Critically appraise the application of cleaning and disinfection agents and methods pharmaceutical aseptic services.
Explain key chemical and physical reactions affecting the stability of medicinal products.
Critically appraise common errors in aseptic processes and their potential consequences.

Introduction to Production & QC:

Describe the stages of the manufacturing process of various product types.
Apply integrative knowledge of the principles of sterilisation by irradiation, filtration, gas, moist and dry heat.
Describe the principles of quality assurance in relation to pharmaceutical production.
Critically evaluate the routine analytical techniques used in quality control of pharmaceuticals.
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the process for defining a test specification.
Describe the role of the QC (MGPS) in testing piped medical gas systems

Intellectual skills:

Follow regulatory standards and guidance.
Evaluate scientific and clinical literature and present appropriately.
Critically appraise concepts and measures of quality and quality assurance and their links with the effective and efficient management of resources and improvement of service delivery.

Practical skills:

Prepare technical documents; product specifications, investigation reports.
Prepare risk assessments using a variety of tools and techniques.
Interpret complex data and report on the findings.
Prepare for an internal or external audit.
Identify shortcoming in existing procedure and recommend change.
Assess the impact of change.

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

Read, interpret and apply standards and guidance to working practices.
Demonstrate professionalism and ethical awareness.
Communicate effectively with professional colleagues and service users.
Select and apply appropriate analysis or assessment techniques and tools.

Teaching and Learning Processes

A teaching block including face-to-face and online lectures and workshops.
E-Learning: evidence-based learning supported by course notes, video/audio lectures and discussion boards.

Assessment

Radiopharmacy:

2-week discussion board (Formative)
6-week discussion board (33%)

Aseptics:

15-20 miinutes video (33%)

Production/Quality Control:

1,000-word assignment (34%)

PHAR61650 Specialist Pharmaceutical Sciences 1

Unit Leads:

ASEPTICS: Charlotte Ollerenshaw-Ward (Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust)

RADIOPHARMACY: Bev Ellis (Consultant Radiopharmacist, CMFT), Victoria Gibson (Chief Radiopharmaceutical Scientist, Guys and St. Thomas’s)

RESEARCH METHODS: Dr Alain Pluen, Ruth Barnes, Sue Renn and Emma Davies (UoM)

Credit Rating: 30 credits

Course Unit Aims

The advanced pharmaceutical science unit comprises three 10 credit units.

The Aseptic portion of this unit builds on the background knowledge provided in Introduction to Aseptics. Students will be able to explain the function and operation of equipment and clean rooms. They will know and understand commissioning procedures and be in a position to critically evaluate monitoring data and diagnose problems.

The aim of Radiopharmacy is to build on the background knowledge provided in Introduction to Radiopharmacy. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of how to operate at a much higher level within a radiopharmacy dealing with complex issues that may arise. They will also learn of novel drug development and imaging modalities.

The research methods module will deliver the learning to enable students to undertake an evidence-based literature review, critically appraise the output, draw appropriate conclusions and report the findings, and where appropriate, use the findings to inform a research project.

Course Unit Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course unit, students will be able to:

Aseptics:

Knowledge and understanding:

Critically evaluate standards, practices and quality assurance arrangements relating to aseptic preparation and manufacture of medicines, the differences between these, and their application to patient safety and patient-centred care.
Critically analyse the procedures required for outsourcing and sub-contracting services relating to aseptics.
Critically analyse pharmaceutical microbiological aspects of aseptic preparation and their application in the workplace.
Critically evaluate the design, commissioning, and use of clean rooms/clean air devices.
Critically evaluate process and operator validations.
Discuss human factors and how it relates to errors, deviations and CAPA.
Apply integrative knowledge of the formulation, stability and preparation of specialist, aseptic dose forms.
Investigate emerging therapies and technologies related to aseptic services.

Intellectual skills:

Interpret stability data to determine the shelf life of the product.
Critically evaluate a range of microbiological and physical monitoring methods.
Construct risk assessments on preparation activities.

Practical skills:

Interpret and analyse monitoring data and diagnose problems.
Assist with clean room commissioning and routine monitoring.

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

Effectively utilise a range of information sources.
Demonstrate capacity for self-learning and independent thinking and to utilise problem solving skills
Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written).
Be able to set priorities and link these with effective time management.
Critically evaluate their personal performance both as an individual and within a team
Demonstrate skills in working collegiately and effectively with others as a member of a team.

Radiopharmacy:

Knowledge and understanding:

Explain the role of the Clinical Scientist in Pharmaceutical Science in the diagnosis and treatment of disease using radiopharmaceuticals, including the contribution to patient management, patient safety and patient-centred care.
Critically evaluate commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.
Discuss the principles of PET imaging, commonly used PET radiopharmaceuticals and the organisation of a PET radiopharmacy.
Critically appraise the preparation and clinical use of radiopharmaceutical and issues which may arise.
Demonstrate a critical awareness of radiation protection and safe working in radiopharmaceutical preparation.
Describe the functions of the different cell types routinely labelled in nuclear medicine, outline the different labelling methods and the most common clinical indications for these radiopharmaceuticals.
Discuss innovations and clinical trials within radiopharmacy.

Intellectual skills:

Interpret stability data to determine the shelf life of the product.
Critically evaluate a range of microbiological and physical monitoring methods.
Critically appraise the impact of the radiopharmaceutical production process on the quality of clinical outcomes.

Practical skills:

Work safely in the radiation environment.
Perform a range of radiopharmaceuticals.
Perform radiochemical purity testing on a range of radiopharmaceuticals and interpret results
Interpret and analyse monitoring data and diagnose problems.
Assist with clean room commissioning and routine monitoring.

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

Effectively utilise a range of information sources.
Demonstrate capacity for self-learning and independent thinking and to utilise problem solving skills
Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written).
Be able to set priorities and link these with effective time management.
Critically evaluate their personal performance both as an individual and within a team
Demonstrate skills in working collegiately and effectively with others as a member of a team
Show appreciation of the way in which legislation, standards and quality management interface with normal working life.

Radiopharmacy:

Knowledge and understanding:

Discuss and critically evaluate the context within which research, development, innovation and audit are undertaken to improve patient care, promote innovation and improve service delivery.
Describe, compare and contrast a range of research methods/approaches, including cohort studies, qualitative, quantitative, systematic review, sampling techniques and clinical trials.
Explain and justify current UK ethical and governance frameworks and processes spanning the conduct of human and animal research, innovation and audit.
Critically evaluate the literature/evidence base to identify a research question and create a new approach or technique to improve patient care or service delivery.
Discuss and justify the research, audit and innovation process from idea generation to dissemination/implementation, including patient/user involvement and intellectual property.
Describe and evaluate a range of data analysis techniques to ensure the validity, reliability and appropriateness to the research aim, design and conclusion.
Describe how clinical guidelines are produced and the concept of evidence-based practice, including the role of current statutory and advisory regulatory bodies.
Identify potential sources of research and innovation funding for healthcare science/Clinical Scientists.

Intellectual skills:

To synthesis, analyse and systematically combine information obtained from different sources to develop a defined original research question and then to address it through the development of a coherent research project.

Practical skills:

Work within the principles and practice of instruments, equipment and methodology used in clinical pharmaceutical science.
Support safe storage and distribution of medicinal products.
Identify validation requirements for any changes to processes.

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

The ability to plan and devise a framework and timetable for action and carry these out systematically, either for individual purposes or in a group context.
Project management; taking responsibility for and planning a project from beginning to end.
Selection and use of appropriate methods to find solutions.

Teaching and Learning Processes

Aseptics:

A teaching block including face-to-face and online lectures and workshops.
Site visits (where possible).
E-Learning: evidence-based learning supported by course notes, video/audio lectures and discussion boards.

Radiopharmacy:

A teaching block including face-to-face and online lectures, workshops and practicals.
E-Learning: evidence-based learning supported by course notes, video/audio lectures and discussion boards.

Research Methods:

Online lectures and workshops.
E-Learning: evidence-based learning supported by course notes, video/audio lectures and discussion boards

Assessment

Aseptics:

Written assignment, 2,000 words (100%)

Radiopharmacy:

Written assignment, 2,000 words (100%)

Research Methods:

Project Proposal, 1,000 words (pass/fail)
Presentation on project proposal, 10 minutes (pass/fail)

PHAR61750 Research Project 1

Academic Course Unit Coordinator: Dr Alain Pluen, Ruth Barnes, Sue Renn and Emma Davies (UoM)

Practice-based Course Unit Coordinator: Each student will be supervised by their own supervisors (NHS and UoM)

Credit Rating: 30 credits

Course Unit Aims

The unit aims to provide students with a unique experience of designing and proposing an original research project. It will develop the students’ ability to critically appraise published research, formulate and work with a relevant research question, understand and apply appropriate research and data-analytic methodologies. Students will refine scientific writing and presentation skills and will demonstrate independent learning skill.

Course Unit Learning Outcomes

Having attended the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

Discuss the stages of the research and innovation process from conceptualisation to dissemination and if appropriate translation into practice
Describe the purpose and importance of different kinds of research including scientific or clinical research; translational research; operational and policy research; clinical education research; innovation; service development; and supporting professional service users and relate these to the roles undertaken by Clinical Scientists in the trainee’s specialism.
Discuss and evaluate the use of reference manager systems.
Justify the rationale for research governance and ethical frameworks when undertaking research or innovation in the NHS.
Describe the process and requirements for publication in a peer reviewed journal and the current system of grading research publications.

Intellectual skills:

Critically demonstrate considerable in-depth skills in terms of research; critical thinking; reasoning; and analysis and synthesis of information.
Generate timely and theoretically grounded research questions.

Practical skills:

Design, plan and undertake a research project to test a hypothesis from conception to completion/archiving in accordance with ethical and research governance regulations drawing on expert advice where necessary and involving patients and service users.
Plan and conduct a detailed, focused and current literature search
Implement and manage data collection
Conduct appropriate analytical techniques
Manage and manipulate datasets

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

Demonstrate independent thought
Develop self-management project skills (e.g. time management, prioritisation of tasks)

Teaching and Learning Processes

Students carry out their research project in their place of work and each has an approved supervisor who they are expected to meet regularly over the period of the dissertation. The remainder of the time is spent carrying out the literature search, developing a method and doing the research finally presenting their results both orally and as a 10,000 – 15,000 word dissertation.

Students are supported by the academic supervisor, unit lead and programme director throughout the unit via telephone, emails and visits where possible. In addition, all students should have a work-based tutor who offers them subject specific advice and personal support.

Assessment

Written assignment (part 1), 4,000-8,000 words. This assignment is not weighted, but must be a PASS
Presentation, 15 minutes. This assignment is not weighted, but must be a PASS.

PHAR61760 Advanced Pharmaceutical Science

Aseptics: Sue Renn (UoM) / Charlotte Ollerenshaw-Ward (Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust)

Radiopharmacy: Victoria Gibson (King’s College, London) / Dr Beverley Ellis (Consultant Radiopharmacist, Central Manchester University Hospitals)

Credit Rating: 30 credits

Course Unit Aims

This unit is split into two 15 credit modules; Radiopharmacy Advanced and Aseptic Advanced

The aim of the Radiopharmacy Advanced module is to build on the background knowledge provided in the Radiopharmacy module (Introduction to Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences 2). Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of how to operate at a much higher level within a radiopharmacy dealing with complex issues that may arise. They will also learn of novel drug development and imaging modalities.

The Aseptic Advanced module builds on the background knowledge provided in the Aseptics module (Introduction to Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences 2). Students will be able to explain the function and operation of equipment and clean rooms. They will know and understand commissioning procedures and be in a position to critically evaluate monitoring data and diagnose problems.

Course Unit Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

Radiopharmacy Advanced

Discuss the role of the Clinical Scientist in Radiopharmacy in the diagnosis and treatment of disease using radiopharmaceuticals, including the contribution to patient management and patient centred care
Discuss the regulations controlling transport of radioactive materials in the UK and describe the means taken to comply with these regulations.
Explain the mechanisms by which commonly used radiopharmaceuticals localise in their target tissues.
Describe those problems which might arise during the preparation and clinical use of radiopharmaceuticals and know how to identify and solve them where appropriate.
Describe the possibilities for interactions both desired and undesirable between radiopharmaceuticals and other medications.
Access and evaluate sources of reference information on all aspects of radiopharmaceuticals.
Describe the general principles of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging and the organisation of a PET radiopharmacy and list the products most commonly used therein together with their clinical indications.
Describe the types of procedures routinely employed in hospital radiopharmacy management.
Explain the Quality Control parameters which determine the quality of radiopharmaceuticals.
Describe the analytical methods by which these parameters are measured.
Discuss the significance of the development of radionuclide generators for Nuclear Medicine, and the principles of their design and operation, describe the Molybdenum-99/Technetium-99m generator system and give examples of other generators in routine use.
Discuss the importance of radiation hygiene and safe working in radiopharmaceutical preparation.
Discuss the need for automation in radiopharmaceutical preparation and the possible ways in which this might be achieved.
Discuss the physical and chemical properties required of a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical and list the products approved for general use in Nuclear Medicine together with their clinical applications.
Describe the functions of the different cell types routinely labelled in nuclear medicine, outline the most significant points in the labelling procedures used and list the most common clinical indications for these radiopharmaceuticals.

Aseptic Advanced

Discuss and justify all standards, practices and quality assurance arrangements relating to aseptic preparation and dispensing of medicines and their application to patient safety and patient centred care.
Explain pharmaceutical microbiological aspects of aseptic manufacture and preparation and their application in the workplace.
Evaluate the use of clean rooms/clean air devices to the best of their design potential.
Discuss the correct commissioning procedures for a clean room environment.
Critically evaluate process and operator validations.
Explain the function and operation of monitoring equipment and the maintenance of operational records.
Interpret monitoring data and diagnose problems.

Course Unit Content

This unit contains 30 credits of specialist training delivered over 2 modules; radiopharmacy advanced and aseptic advanced. This unit provides the trainee with the knowledge that underpins the specialist modules in the practice of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences and provides trainees with the knowledge and understanding that underpins and is applied to work based learning.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching will be delivered in 2 x 1-week blocks and will include lectures, small group discussions, role-plays and experiential tasks. There will be e-learning material available.

Assessment

Radiopharmacy: A 3,000 word written assignment. This comprises 50% of the unit mark.
Aseptics: A 3,000 word written assignment. This comprises 50% of the unit mark.

PHAR61770 Research Project 2

Academic Course Unit Co-ordinator: Dr Alain Pluen, Ruth Barnes, Sue Renn and Emma Davies (UoM)

Practice-based Course Unit Coordinator: Each student will be supervised by their own supervisors.

Credit Rating: 30 credits

Course Unit Aims

The unit aims to provide students with a unique experience of designing, conducting and reporting an independent, original research project.

The students will conduct a piece of empirical research that either addresses a specific research question in the field of clinical pharmaceutical sciences or involves the development and evaluation of new or existing technologies.

The students will be required to undertake a thorough systematic review of the scientific literature relevant to the project, which will be written up and form the introduction to the dissertation. The dissertation will also contain a clear and informed description of the methodologies employed and presentation and analysis of the data generated and a logical, scientifically valid and robust discussion of the findings.

Students will be equipped with the skills to design and develop research proposals to constantly improve and develop clinical pharmaceutical sciences.

Course Unit Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

Discuss the stages of the research and innovation process from conceptualisation to dissemination and if appropriate translation into practice
Describe the purpose and importance of different kinds of research including scientific or clinical research; translational research; operational and policy research; clinical education research; innovation; service development; and supporting professional service users and relate these to the roles undertaken by Clinical Scientists in the trainee’s specialism.
Discuss and evaluate the use of reference manager systems.
Justify the rationale for research governance and ethical frameworks when undertaking research or innovation in the NHS.
Describe the process and requirements for publication in a peer reviewed journal and the current system of grading research publications

Intellectual skills:

Critically analyse, evaluate and interpret data from the specific enquiry.
Apply appropriate and relevant statistical tools.

Practical skills:

Analyse the data using appropriate methods and statistical techniques and interpret, critically discuss and draw conclusions from the data.
Prepare a written project that describes and critically evaluates the research project clearly identifying the strengths and weaknesses.
Present a summary of the research project and outcome that conforms to the format of a typical scientific presentation at a national or international scientific meeting, responding to questions appropriately.
Prepare a summary of the research project suitable for non-specialist and lay audience.

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

In-depth and extensive capabilities in the analysis and synthesis of new and past evidence on the topic, as demonstrated and applied to their area of research
Engage in systematic and critical reflection of personal practice and the practice of others in relation to the enquiry.

Teaching and Learning Processes

Assessment

Dissertation of 10,000 – 15,000 words (100%)

Section C: Information about the Division and University

Divisional Administration Contacts

Head of Division: Prof. Kaye Williams

Divisional Operations Manager: Victoria O’Reilly

The School address is:

Division of Pharmacy and Optometry
The University of Manchester
Stopford Building
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PT

To access Stopford Building you will need a University of Manchester ID card. To obtain your student card, please contact the Student Services Centre (+44 (0)161 275 5000 / ssc@manchester.ac.uk).

Academic staff:

Ruth Barnes, Programme Director (ruth.barnes@manchester.ac.uk)
Sue Renn, Deputy Programme Director (sue.renn@manchester.ac.uk)
Emma Davies, Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Science (emma.davies-9@manchester.ac.uk)

Administrative contacts:

School of Health Sciences Teaching, Learning and Student Experience Staff :

Email Address	Supports queries about:
shs.assessment@manchester.ac.uk	Examination queries Assessment queries Assessment submissions Resit/reassessment queries
shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk	Attendance monitoring
shs.dc@manchester.ac.uk	Disability support
shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk	Mitigating circumstances
shs.placements@manchester.ac.uk	All placement queries
shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk	Registration advice and guidance Course unit selection and enrolment Timetable queries Programme content
shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk	Wellbeing student support, appointments and signposting
shs.hub@manchester.ac.uk	Student Support Hub – general queries and advice not covered by the above teams

Full Name

Student ID Number

Year of Study

Programme

Student Support Services

Student Support and Wellbeing Team

The Student Support and Wellbeing Team can support your wellbeing needs through the year. The team is here to support you when you wish to discuss circumstances such as interrupting your studies, financial issues, the submission of details of mitigating circumstances and any personal concerns that are affecting your ability to study and engage fully with your course. It is important to point out that Student Support is not a counselling service; it is a practical support service.

Support from the University

As a student at the University of Manchester, you have access to a huge range of support services and resources. This includes, but is not limited to, support relating to your studies, finances, health and wellbeing, settling in and making friends, personal safety and planning for your future beyond University.

Students’ Union Advice Centre

The Students’ Union has advisers who can help with any matter ranging from finances to housing and beyond. The Advice Centre is on the first floor in the Student Union Building, and is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, term time and vacation. See http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/.

Support of care experienced and estranged students

The University of Manchester recognises that care experienced students, and those that become estranged from their families often require additional support. This may take the form of, amongst other things, financial support, help with accommodation, provision of quiet study are as and general support. Please contact shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk for further details on how to access support.

Support for Students with Disability and Long-Term Health Problems

If you have a disability, or have learning support needs, we advise that you register with the Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS). They can offer a range of services to help you make the most of your University experience. Where appropriate, they will work with you to develop a support plan which will put in place any support you require for exams, from the library or from teaching staff.

Registering with DASS is particularly important for students where ongoing or recurring difficulties may impact their academic performance. The University’s Policy on Mitigating Circumstances (see section 6) does not allow students to make repeated claims for the same condition, because to qualify for mitigation, the circumstance must be ‘unforeseeable’. However, the Mitigating Circumstances Committee can award further mitigation where DASS support your claim; for example, by advising the committee that your condition is associated with ‘flare-ups’ (which are unforeseeable).

You find more information and how to register with DASS here: http://www.dass.manchester.ac.uk/

Support for International Students

Manchester has a thriving International student community and you will have lots of opportunities to engage with students from all over the world. The International Society (http://www.internationalsociety.org.uk), based on Oxford Road, organises trips, events, activities and community projects which are open to both International and British students. The Language Centre also provides support to International students who have concerns about their English skills (http://www.languagecentre.manchester.ac.uk/).

UoM Counselling Service

The Counselling & Mental Health Service works in partnership with other support services within the university and are here to provide support for you should you feel you need help with your mental health.

The Counselling & Mental Health Service offer a range of workshops, groups, 1-1 appointments and other resources to help you. For more information and to book an appointment click here: Get Help

You can also phone for advice on 0161 275 2864 between 9.00am – 4.30pm (Monday – Friday)

Student Support and Wellbeing Contact Details

The Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) team are your first point of contact for any non-academic queries you may have relating to your studies, such as what support is available to you, how to access it, and where to direct any queries which you’re not sure about. The IAG team can be contacted via email at shs.hub@manchester.ac.uk, over the phone at 0161 306 7811, or in person at the student hub which is located on the ground floor of the Jean McFarlane building.

shs.mitcircs@manchester.ac.uk – for information and guidance on mitigating circumstances and extensions, including sending evidence and receiving outcomes of applications.

shs.attendance@manchester.ac.uk – for queries related to attendance monitoring.

shs.wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk – for support and signposting to university wellbeing resources, as well as making a wellbeing appointment with an advisor.

shs.dc@manchester.ac.uk – for Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) enquiries.

Tier 4 Visa Students

As a part of your visa requirement, your attendance needs to be monitored with regular in-person check ins on campus. You will need to attend the SHS Hub (Ground Floor, Jean McFarland building) twice a week on your assigned days to scan your student ID card.

Student Centre

The online student support system, MyManchester enables students to register online and have access to their personal and academic details.

This means that you will be able to use the system to check and update your address and contact details, view your supervisor and advisor details and check the course units you are enrolled on. To access MyManchester, you will use the same log-in you were provided with at registration and log in to the system from the following page:

https://my.manchester.ac.uk/

You should use MyManchester to check we have the correct details for you and that you are on the correct programme for your intended award. You should also ensure that as soon as your contact details change that you update them on the system as well as informing the Programmes Support Team.

Communication with Students

Please note that only Blackboard, the University e-learning platform, and your allocated student university email address will be used as official communication by University staff. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can access and read email from this source.

Students are required to keep the University informed of any change to their personal circumstances such as change of name or address. Changes can be recorded by the student via their own personal online record, accessed via the MyManchester portal. It is also essential to inform the Programme Administrator if you do not intend to return to the next session of the course, if, for example, you are moving away.

Working with your own computer

Most students have their own computers, and should check that their system is compatible with the University’s. This will help avoid problems when you try to transfer documents from your machine to ours.

If using computers at work please ensure that firewalls do not block access to any of the University systems.

If you are thinking of buying a computer check the Purchasing page on the IT Services website: http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/ourservices/popular/purchasing/personal/

IT Services Support Centre online

Details can be found at: http://bmh-elearning.org/technical-support/

Telephone: +44 (0)161 306 5544 (or extension 65544). Telephone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In person: Walk-up help and support is available at the Joule Library, Main Library or Alan Gilbert Learning Commons:

Use Support Centre online for support with eLearning, from where you may make a request, report a fault, or search the Knowledge Base.

For IT and eLearning support visit: https://elearning.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/student/technical-support/

Blackboard

Blackboard (the University’s virtual learning environment) is available to students, and is accessed via https://my.manchester.ac.uk/.

All course-related materials will be placed on Blackboard so it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the system as soon as possible. Blackboard also offers Discussion forums which you may find a useful resource to share information about assignments and other course-related queries.

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is a web-based system that complements and builds upon traditional learning methods used at The University of Manchester. By using Blackboard you can

view course materials and learning resources,
communicate with lectures and other students,
collaborate in groups,
get feedback
submit assignments
monitoring your own progress at a time and place of your own convenience.

Training in the use of software

The Faculty eLearning team have produced a short introduction to Blackboard for new students. The recording is hosted in two places: the VLS and on YouTube:

https://video.manchester.ac.uk/faculties/52f9b4cd447aa2fbeb47d1926186f80b/46971601-1356-43e2-8e78-e9f8997821f0/
https://youtu.be/47pA877MKJg

The recording is just over seven minutes long and covers most of the commonly used tools in Blackboard.

Library facilities

The University of Manchester Library provides resources and support for your Division of Pharmacy and Optometry PGT programme. The Library has an extensive collection of eBooks, databases and journals online, in addition to the print holdings in The Main Library. The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons provides a 24/7 learning environment in addition to study skills workshops.

Off-campus, many resources are available by logging in with your University username and password (this includes individual book chapters digitised as part of a unit’s directed reading); where this option is not available, the material can still be accessed through the University’s VPN service, and this is clearly indicated in the Electronic Journals A-Z list and on the information page for each of the Databases . A small number of titles require a Special username and password . For further details, see Accessing e-journals, e-books and databases.

Training materials to help you make the most of the Library’s resources will be available in Blackboard.

The My Library tab in My Manchester has quick links to get you started:

A-Z of subjects includes a library guide for Pharmacy
Library search enables you to search the Library’s electronic and physical resources – books, journals, articles, images, manuscripts, video – using a single search box
training sessions listed in the My Learning Essentials Calendar
online enquiry form
your Library Account, including PIN
Document Supply for the DELIVER postal loans service (£5 per item)

Using other libraries has information on both regional (NOWAL) and national (SCONUL) schemes which may be helpful.

Occupational Health

Occupational Health is a specialised area of medicine concerned with the way in which an individual’s health can affect his or her ability to do a job and to study and conversely how the work environment can affect an individual’s health. Their aim is to promote the physical, mental and social well-being of students and to reduce the incidence of ill-health arising from exposure to work place hazards.

http://www.occhealth.manchester.ac.uk/