樸茨茅斯大學

Overview

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and how they affect the human body and other living systems. If you love performing experiments in a lab and want to work in an industry that improves the lives of millions of people, this BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree is for you.

You'll deepen your chemistry and biology knowledge as you study how drugs – such as painkillers, antibiotics and even caffeine – alter the body's systems.

You'll investigate why people's bodies respond differently to the same drugs and look at how new medicines are developed, tested and launched.

You'll have the opportunity to further enhance your career prospects and workplace skills by applying to do a sandwich year in industry. An optional module allows you to study the business side of the pharmacology industry.

When you graduate, you'll be set for a career or further study in areas such as new drug development, medical writing, regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical marketing.

Accredited by

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

You can also apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology when you complete the course. This gives you membership benefits including access to professional networks and conferences.

What you'll experience

On this course you'll:

• Use our pharmacology, chemistry and microbiology laboratories
• Explore the latest techniques and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases, such as using DNA drugs, and investigate how cells communicate with each other
• Use our high-tech specialist facilities, which include live cell imaging, spectroscopy equipment, chromatography instruments, molecular modelling facilities, chemical synthesis facilities, and confocal, electron and fluorescence microscopes
• Develop transferable skills you can use in all areas of your life and career, such as communication, team working, decision making and time management
• Have the opportunity to learn a language and earn credit towards your degree as part of the University's Institution-Wide Language Programme

Careers and opportunities

From the medicines in your bathroom cabinet to the drug combinations used to treat cancer, the work of pharmacologists plays a crucial role in society. So there's always demand for pharmacology graduates.

With your degree in pharmacology, you could start a career in any part of the pharmaceutical industry, including:

• Drug development and testing
• Medical writing
• Marketing and sales
• Regulatory affairs

Roles you could do include:

• Clinical trial assistant/administrator
• Pharmacovigilance officer
• Research and development scientist/technician
• Secondary school teacher (with additional training)
• Regulatory executive
• Operations scientist
• Research associate

You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level on a PhD, MRes or MSc programme.

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work. After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.

Work experience and career planning

To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, this course includes an optional sandwich year in industry (subject to a successful application).