Pharmacology

Programme Structure & Content

First Year
Students take first year BSc courses in Chemistry and Biology plus additional courses selected from the science programme.

Second Year
Human Physiology courses commence. Two courses cover the physiology of human cells and human organ systems. Parallel recommended courses include Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Chemistry combined with courses delivering key skills applicable to Pharmacology.

Third Year
Third year is designed to give students a broad introduction to Pharmacology. Laboratory work is carried out largely in groups and also provides extensive experience of computer-based techniques for acquisition, manipulation and presentation of scientific material. A series of core courses - Molecules, Membranes and Cells, Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology and Integrative Neuroscience - are accompanied by specialised courses in Biochemical Pharmacology and Mechanisms of Disease and Principles of Chemotherapy.

Fourth Year (Honours)
Third year options are continued with advanced studies in Pharmacology. The taught courses are Molecular Toxicology, Molecular Pharmacology and Advanced Molecules, Membranes and Cells. A large part of the Honours year is taken up with a full-time research project.

Teaching & Assessment

In the early years, teaching involves attendance at lectures, practicals and tutorials. In the later years a rather greater proportion of time is taken up in private study involving writing essays and reports and also in laboratory or library work relating to specific projects. The final year incorporates the preparation and presentation of a research-based thesis.