The assessment philosophy of the MSc Pharmacology Award conforms to the recommendations of the aspects of relevant QAA Benchmarks and Masters level descriptors. The methods used for the assessment of students achievements will correspond with the knowledge abilities and skills that are to be developed through degree programme. Both formative and summative modes of assessment will be used. Evidence on which assessment of students' achievement is based will include: formal written examinations; summative practical assessments; laboratory and other written reports; problem-solving exercises; oral presentations; individual planning conduct and reporting of project work; and essay assignments. Evidence on which assessment of students' achievement is based may include: literature surveys and evaluations; collaborative project work; preparation and displays of 'posters' reporting project work; personal portfolios of learning achieved; computer-based assessments; and self and peer assessment.

The course assessment strategy is compliant with the University of Bedfordshires Quality Assurance Regulations. The commitment to practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific report writing is emphasised at all units of the programme. As such practical (laboratory) activities form a significant proportion of students assessment. Practical work will be assessed through written practical reports portfolio of varied lab experiments poster presentations and reflective laboratory diaries. Assessment throughout the units most notably in the research project will call upon abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged as some of the units require students to undertake oral presentations as part of the unit assessments. Throughout the course formative feedback will be provided in support of various tasks that include practical work in all four units mini-projects literature reviews case studies and presentation prior to final summative assessments. Students' capability in carrying out research will be assessed through a research proposal research project activities and presentations. Group work including laboratory practical sessions will help students to develop transferable skills such as taking initiative communication team working and decision making. Ability in oral communication will be assessed through presentations including a poster presentation.

All assessed work will be marked using the University's percentage based marking scheme. The pass mark for all units will be 40% or above. Students that fail to successfully complete the initial taught units may not be eligible to progress to the laboratory based research project stage of the course; this is determined by the Universitys regulations. Students who do not initially progress will be expected to undertake either referral assessments or if necessary retake failed units (no student can retake a unit more than once). When students pass the number of other units prescribed by the regulations they will be able to undertake their research project.