This course is a partnership between London Metropolitan University and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SUTCM). To participate in this course, you must first complete the SUTCM programme, with additional London Met modules. Provided you achieve the necessary grades, you’ll then progress onto this course – which you can choose to study either at SUTCM in Shanghai, or at London Metropolitan University in the UK.
Herbal medicine takes a holistic approach to wellness, and uses natural products to treat patients. On the top-up course, you’ll expand on your knowledge of traditional medicines and learn about the ways they are developing with the aid of technology. You’ll look at the way in which plant-derived drugs can be created through chemistry and pharmacology, and study related areas of science, including cell biology, bioanalytical science, medicinal chemistry and toxicology.
You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based placement year, during which you’ll gain exposure to the industry and get valuable hands-on experience.
Assessment
Aggregate scores for Level 5 and Level 6 will be used to determine your final grade.
You’ll be assessed through progress tests, summative examinations, and coursework in the form of detailed laboratory reports.
In your final year, you’ll write a detailed report based on an investigative project carried out through the academic year. This will be assessed through a presentation and oral examination as well as through the quality of the written report.
Professional accreditation
On graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2018/19 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
- Advanced Bioanalytical Science (core, 15 credits)
- Cell Biology (for Herbal Medicinal Science) (core, 15 credits)
- Medicinal Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
- Natural Products (core, 15 credits)
- Quantitative Analysis (core, 15 credits)
- Research Project (core, 30 credits)
- Synthetic Techniques for Herbal Medicinal Science (core, 15 credits)
- Toxicology (core, 15 credits)
After the course
On graduating, you’ll be well equipped to pursue a career in herbal medicinal product development, quality control and assurance work.
You’ll find career opportunities throughout the science-based industries, particularly the pharmaceutical, natural product, biotechnology, food and agricultural sectors.
The programme is also excellent preparation for advanced postgraduate study.
Placements
If you’re studying full-time, you can choose to study either at London Met or at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SUTCM), where all teaching is in English. If you choose the latter, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from SUTCM on graduation.
You’ll also have the chance to complete a placement year working in the industry.