Pharmacology

Pharmacology is concerned with the discovery and characterisation of drugs that are used either as medicines or as experimental tools for advancing our understanding of the body in health and disease. It is also concerned with drug toxicity and with the processes by which drugs are absorbed, distributed in the body, metabolised and excreted.

Why Aberdeen?

• Pharmacologists at the University of Aberdeen have been involved in outstanding scientific discoveries such as morphine-like and cannabis-like substances in the brain
• The pharmacology teaching was graded 'Excellent' in the last Teaching Quality Assessment
• Provides training and practical experience in classical pharmacology, toxicology and cell and molecular pharmacology
• Gain core skills critical for employment

Programmes

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

First Year

Students take first year 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 and 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.

Careers

The degree offers good prospects for research careers in academia, industry, the scientific civil service and hospitals. It can be used as an entry qualification for certain postgraduate courses, including MSc Courses in Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology, Endocrinology, Nutrition or IT. Alternatively, it may lead onto careers such as marketing, publishing or teaching. The degree does NOT directly lead to a career in Pharmacy.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Pharmacology.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL*
ILC - BBBB*
*Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB, A Levels ABB or IB 34 points (6 at HL) including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be at A-grade.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide