Academic Schools
School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences
We offer a progressive multidisciplinary portfolio of highly-practical and professional courses to equip you with the knowledge and skills to change tomorrow in the world of pharmacy and life sciences.
About the School
Our courses are delivered within an innovative learning environment, providing you with forward-looking, relevant, supportive, and professionally-recognised education.
The focus on applied study, practical development and evidence-based research combines challenge with the reward of doing something truly worthwhile with your career; the chance to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives, to society, and to the pharmacy and life sciences industry.
Future-ready Graduates
Our education programmes are innovative in their approach, with a strong emphasis on practice-based learning. You will have access to a range of state-of-the-art laboratories and learning environments to facilitate the development of skills required for new professional roles and you'll emerge with valuable practical skills in lab techniques, analysis and problem-solving and the inter-personal skills that are vital for successful careers.
Interprofessional Learning
Our School is multidisciplinary, and you will benefit from shared learning experiences across a broad range of subject areas – bio and biomedical sciences, analytical and medicinal chemistry, forensic science, food, nutrition and human health, pharmacy practice and the pharmaceutical sciences. There is a joint interprofessional learning programme between RGU and the University of Aberdeen which engages 11 undergraduate healthcare professions including: biomedical science, diagnostic radiography, medicine, midwifery, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy and social work. Through this programme you will be given the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams drawn from across the breadth of health and social care disciplines. This provides fantastic experiential learning opportunities and enables realistic interprofessional learning opportunities where you can learn about the roles of the other professions and benefit from the experience of partnership working.
Professional Accreditation
We have a proven track record for excellence, all our courses are accredited and approved by professional bodies including:
- General Pharmaceutical Council
- Institute of Biomedical Science
- Association for Nutrition
- The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
- The Royal Society of Biology
- The Health and Care Professions Council
- Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
This is one of the reasons why our graduates are in such high demand by employers.
Awards and Recognition
- 1st in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy (National Student Survey 2023, excludes colleges, small, specialist and private providers)
- 1st in Scotland and the UK for graduate prospects: on outcomes in Forensic Science (Complete University Guide 2024, excludes small and specialist institutions)
- 1st in the UK for graduate prospects in Biological Science (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
Community Pharmacy Practice
Virtual Tour
Facilities
We offer a range of chemistry, formulation, molecular biology, cell culture, microbiological, forensic science, food handling and aseptic laboratories in our modern, state-of-the-art facility. We also have a number of informal and formal learning spaces, including pharmacy and clinical simulation centres, a real crime scene house, and access to a moot courtroom to present forensic evidence. Our research students use our expert kit to work on a wide-variety of interesting projects including analysis of DNA, oilfield chemicals, illegal drugs and counterfeit whisky.
These facilities allow you to learn in inspiring surroundings, with access to the very best in equipment and cutting-edge technology. Our sustained investment in these facilities means that you develop high-quality analytical, clinical, and professional skills which are valued greatly by future employers. Our graduates are well-prepared for entering the job market and our courses are regularly placed amongst the top performers in league tables for graduate employment.
Placements & Professional Links
Placements
Our courses are designed in response to the needs of industry, and therefore we have developed close links with local and international companies as well as public sector organisations. Placements are an excellent opportunity for students to gain real world experience and for employers to see what our students have to offer.
For our undergraduate students in particular, work placements will play an integral part of your learning experience, where you will discover a lot about yourself and your chosen career path as you gain valuable industry exposure.
We have facilitated student exchange schemes for many years. Exchange students are welcomed to RGU from France, Germany and Italy and participate in courses in Forensic and Analytical Science and Biomedical Science. We have established a number of successful student exchange schemes in the area of Pharmacy with East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and University of Tasmania in Hobart. These exchanges are non-credit bearing, but allow students from other countries to experience a different model of healthcare provision.
Professional Links
We are proud to be associated with the following leading organisations, institutions and professional bodies.
NESCOL is Scotland's largest provider of further/higher education. Upon completing an HNC or HND, many students go on to complete a degree at Robert Gordon University.
HCPC is a regulator which was set up to protect the public by keeping a register of health professionals who meet the Council’s standards for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises in Great Britain. The role of the GPhC is to protect, promote and maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public who use pharmaceutical services in England, Scotland and Wales.
The RSC is the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, its activities span education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public.
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the professional body for biomedical scientists in the United Kingdom. It aims to promote and develop biomedical science and its practitioners.
The Society of Biology is the professional body for UK biologists. The Society has some 10,000 individual members and through its corporate specialist member societies represents over 80,000 professional and non-professional bioscientists.
The British Dietetic Association is the professional association for dieticians. Its aims are to advance the science and practice of dietetics, promote training and education in the field and regulate the relations between dieticians and their employers through the BDA Trade Union.
The Association for Nutrition (AfN) defines and advances standards of evidence-based practice across the field of nutrition and at all levels within the workforce.
The Nutrition Society was established to advance the scientific study of nutrition and its application to the maintenance of human and animal health. Highly regarded by the scientific community, the Society is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe.
Research
There is an increasing requirement for evidence-based practice in order to meet the demand for clinical effectiveness and good practice.
Research at RGU is built on strong foundations of education and practice-based research. Over the years we have built up a vibrant research community in partnership with the NHS in Scotland and other Universities and institutions.
We host multi-disciplinary research that focuses its activities on addressing major issues around the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, care and welfare of patients, as well as environmental and bioscience areas of special interest. Our School also draws on the research skills of academic staff in three other our schools: Nursing and Midwifery, Applied Social Studies, and Health Sciences, as well as NHS and Scottish Government colleagues, and JBI Centre of Excellence.
Research Themes
We welcome applications from students to undertake research in the following broad areas:
- Clinical and Sports Biomechanics
- Biomedical Research
- Environmental Research
- Obesity Management
- Sports Nutrition
- Pharmacy Practice Research
Ethics
Our documentation that ensures researchers maintain the highest ethical standards that preserve the safety, rights, dignity and well-being of both participants and researchers.
Specialist Research Facilities
If you undertake research as part of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, you will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and receive support from experienced and dedicated staff.
Biomedical Sciences
- Cell culture (primary cultures and cell lines) and microbiological suites
- Molecular biology (PCR, RT-PCR, comet assay)
- Biochemistry (Western and Northern blotting, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC and capillary zone electrophoresis)
- Physiology and pharmacology (electrophysiology, myography, in vitro and in vivo assessment of cardiac and vascular function; platelet and leukocyte function)
- Tissue structure (histology, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy)
Environmental Sciences
- The University has a wide range of analytical equipment including GS-MS, LC-MS, HPLC systems.
Formulation Sciences
- The University has a wide range of equipment required for the formulation, manufacture and testing of medicines
- Complete range of equipment necessary for the dry and wet granulation of drugs and excipients for manufacturing as powders and tablets
- Production of oral modified release delivery systems supported by a full complement of equipment
- Other formulation types can be investigated with the help of a range of modern analytical instruments that include a Zetasizer (analysis of nanoparticles), texture analyser, dynamic rheometer, DSC, TGA and a hot-stage microscope (HSM).
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The University has a wide range of equipment suitable for conducting both solution and solid phase synthetic procedures, complimented by analytical equipment including a 400 MHz nmr, GCMS, LCMS, multiple HPLC's (analytical and preparative), GC, FT-IR, UV and Fluorescence spectrometers, scanning EM, Molecular modelling can be done on a Silicon Graphics Octane 1200 workstation.
Our Research Staff
Staff
Get in touch with the team at the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
Joanne Adam
Scottish Pharm Clin Academic Fellowship
Brian Addison
Associate Dean for ADSE
Fatma Al Raiisi
Visiting Lecturer
Fiona Allan
Visiting Lecturer
Amy Arnold
Principal Lecturer
Vicky Badhesha
E-Tutor
Amina Bahmed
Lecturer
Itza Baqueiro Pena
Technical Services Officer
Gemma Barron
Lecturer
Ranjit Barry
Lecturer
Giovanna Bermano
Professor
Morgan Black
Research Assistant
Aly Brown
West Regional Tutor
Ellen Bruce
E-Tutor
Gary Buchanan
E-Tutor
Louisa Burns
Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Tutor
Donald Cairns
Emeritus Professor
Graeme Carcary
Visiting Lecturer
Menia Chairetaki
Visiting Pharmacist/Teaching Practition.
Ewelina Chrapusta
Visiting Researcher
James Christie
Applications Supervisor
Lynsey Christie
Principal Lecturer
Sue Clarkson
Executive Assistant
Janine Coombes
Lecturer
Eoin Cowie
Lecturer
Nicole Cromar
E-Tutor
Ewan Cruickshank
Lecturer
Stuart Cruickshank
Principal Lecturer
Scott Cunningham
Professor
Shauna Cunningham
Lecturer
Lorna Dawson
Visiting Professor
Wendy Deegan
Lecturer
Kateryna Dehtiar
Laboratory Assistant
Clare Depasquale
Research Assistant
Lucy Des Clayes
Specialist Pharmacist
Alberto Di Salvo
Lecturer
Alec Dimitrov
E-Tutor
Ina Donat
Lecturer
Betty Dube
Lecturer
Susan Duthie
Associate Dean for Research
Christine Edwards
Professor
Neil Emmison
Principal Lecturer
Jenna Ewing
Course Administrator
Daniel Falconer
Online Learning Developer
Carlos Fernandez
Senior Lecturer
Ellie Ferries
Technical Services Officer
Senta Fischer
Visiting Student
Sam Fregene
Research Assistant
Paul William Gallagher
E-Tutor
Ela Gawlik-Nazaruk
Laboratory Assistant
Margit Ilse Geissler
Visiting Professor
Andrew Gibb
Lecturer
Evelyn Gillies
Fixed Term P/T Lecturer
Nadine Godsman
Research Fellow
Marie Goua
Visiting Lecturer
Gwen Gray
Lecturer
Jennifer Gray
E-Tutor
Jasmin Gregory
Technical Services Officer
Kyna Harvey
E-Tutor
Emma Hector
Lecturer
John Hesketh
Visiting Professor
Phillippa Hulme
Lecturer
Emily Hunter
Technical Services Officer
Rida Iftikhar
Demonstrator
Catriona Innes
Visiting Teacher Practitioner
Savanna Jacobs
Technical Services Officer
Arinola Joda
Visiting Lecturer
Zuzanna Kadej
Technical Services Officer
Laura Karim
Lecturer
Graeme Kay
Associate Dean for ESCD
Aisling Kerr
Lecturer
Polina Khodareva
Technical Services Officer
Rachel Knott
Visiting Reader
Paul Kong Thoo Lin
Emeritus Professor
Alenza Lancaster
Demonstrator
Suzanne Law
Online Learning Developer
Linda Lawton
Professor
Caroline Litts
Lecturer
Ashlaich Lockhead
Research Administrator
Dawn MacBrayne
E-Tutor in Pharmacy
Jenny Macaskill
Lecturer
Nuruddin Mahadik
Demonstrator
Moira Marson
Lecturer
Holly Marwick
Course Coordinator
Pamela Mason
E-Tutor in Pharmacy
Kerr Matthews
Lecturer
Silvia Mazzotta
Lecturer
Conor McAndrew
E-Tutor
Lynsay McAulay
E-Tutor
Laura McClelland
E-Tutor
Craig McDonald
Lecturer
Dorothy McDonald
Research Administrator
Emma McElhinney
Lecturer
Morag McFadyen
Lecturer
Andrew McGuire
Visiting Lecturer
Trudi McIntosh
Senior Lecturer
Babs McKenzie
Lecturer
Katie McKenzie
Demonstrator
Scott McMaster
E-Tutor
Sarah McNeill
E-Tutor
Dorothy Mearns
General Laboratory Assistant
Wolfram Meier-Augenstein
Professor
Derry Mercer
Visiting Professor
Christianne Micallef
E-Tutor
Colin Moffat
Visiting Professor
Len Montgomery
Technical Services Officer (Research)
Jane Moore
Research Fellow
Gael Morrow
Chancellor's Fellow
Evie Nikokavoura
Lecturer
Simon Officer
Principal Lecturer
Dilara Okut
Technical Services Officer
Joseph Palmer
Visiting Researcher
Carlos Pestana
Lecturer
Bruce Petrie
Associate Professor
Katy Pettigrew
Technical Services Officer
Sharon Pfleger
E-Tutor in Pharmacy
Jenni Pirrie
E-Tutor
Kirstin Proctor
Modern Apprentice: Business Admin
Dougie Rae
School Operations Manager
Renee Raper
E-Tutor
Gillian Robertson
East Regional Tutor
Iain Robertson
Technical Services Officer
Jo Robertson
Technical Services Officer
Gemma Ross
Course Administrator
Gordon Rushworth
Visiting Senior Lecturer
Slawek Rybczynski
Technical Services Officer
Geraldine Sale
E-Tutor in Pharmacy
Reem Santos
E-Tutor
Fraser Scott
Research Assistant
Valerie Sillito
E-Tutor in Pharmacy
Gosia Singh
Applications Supervisor
Colin Sloan
Research Assistant
Laurie Smith
Lecturer
Lola Soupene
Intern
Diana Souza Moura
Research Fellow
Nicky Spalding
MPharm Placement Administrator
Liam Spence
Technical Resource Manager
Bharath Srinivasan
Associate Senior Lecturer
Lyndsay Steel
Scottish Pharm Clin Academic Fellowship
Derek Stewart
Visiting Professor
Lynda Storey
Principal Lecturer
Michelle Strachan
North Regional Tutor
Ewan Sutherland
Course Administrator
Lindsey Taylor
Principal Lecturer
Ruth Theuma
E-Tutor in Pharmacy
Colin Thompson
Principal Lecturer
Rhona Thomson
Visiting Teacher Practitioner
Antonella Tonna
Senior Lecturer
Ali Vanbeck
Course Administrator
Valerie Vella
E-Tutor
Helen Vosper
E-Tutor
Stuart Waddell
Lecturer
Tony Wagstaff
Demonstrator
Andy Walker
Pharmacist Independent Prescribing Tutor
Sarah Walsh
Research Fellow
Susie Walsh
Dean
Allana Watson
School Administrator
Anita Weidmann
Visiting Lecturer
Pamela Weir
School Administration & Finance Co-ord
Aakash Welgamage Don
Lecturer
Jordan West
Demonstrator
Hector Williams
Fixed Term P/T Lecturer
Nicola Williams
Course Administrator
Tracey Willox
Lecturer
Maike Wilschnack
Demonstrator
Aiden Wood
Technical Services Officer
Rebecca Wright
Lecturer
Kyari Yates
Associate Professor
Elaine Youngson
Lecturer
Daniela Zanni
E-Tutor
Indira de Menezes Castro
Demonstrator
Event
Starts: Thursday 04 July 2024
Ceremony for School of Health Sciences courses.
News
Published: Thursday 19 October 2023
Black History month is a wonderful way to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Black people, come together as allies, and take steps to enable success and wellbeing.
News
Published: Wednesday 17 May 2023
A jam-packed programme of events will take place this month to mark Fascination of Plants Day 2023.