COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree, you'll start with foundational modules such as Cells to Systems, where you’ll explore the structure and function of mammalian cells, tissues, and organs, with a focus on biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, and basic anatomy and physiology of key body systems. In Molecules to Medicines, you'll study the chemical and physical properties of drug molecules and how they’re formulated into medicines, including the skills needed to prepare pharmaceuticals and perform pharmaceutical calculations. Pharmaceutical Chemistry will enhance your laboratory skills, teaching you how the structure of organic molecules influences their properties and effects inside the body. In the Principles of Neuroscience and Pharmacology module, you’ll learn about the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, drug-receptor interactions, and drug discovery, alongside the role of animals in biomedical research. The Professional Skills for Drug Discovery module will help you develop career-focused skills like communication, while the Scientific Skills for Pharmacologists module will improve your laboratory, analytical, and data interpretation skills.In the second year, you’ll focus on more advanced topics. The Applied Pharmacology of the Nervous and Endocrine Systems module covers the physiology and pharmacology of these systems, exploring common medical conditions and therapeutic drug classes. In Immunology, Infection, and Inflammation, you’ll study immunology, inflammatory diseases, and how drugs are used to treat them, alongside the study of micro-organisms. Laboratory Skills for Drug Discovery will deepen your knowledge of the drug discovery process, teaching you how to identify new targets and ligands. Research Methods will provide you with a toolkit for conducting research, developing a research proposal, and understanding the importance of ethical considerations and statistical analysis. The Respiratory, Renal and Cardiovascular Pharmacology module will explore the physiology and pharmacology of these vital systems and their associated drug treatments.In the final year, you’ll study Current Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, focusing on recent advances in molecular pharmacology and drug delivery. In Drug Development and Clinical Pharmacology, you’ll gain an understanding of the drug development process, including toxicology, xenobiotics, and the regulatory framework surrounding drugs. Neuropharmacology will delve into neurological disorders, their treatments, and the misuse of neuropharmaceuticals, while Personalised Medicine and Cancer will cover the principles of precision oncology, teaching you how genetic profiling is used to match treatments with patients’ unique tumour profiles, including the use of monoclonal antibodies and biomarkers. This module blends scientific principles with clinical applications, giving you an understanding of both the genetic foundations of drug therapy and the human impact of cancer treatment.