Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of the action of drugs in the widest possible sense, encompassing many types of chemicals that affect the functioning of the body rather than just medicines. Pharmacology at Bristol is focused on the action of drugs in the nervous system that are used to treat disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. Our teaching and research is internationally recognised and you will benefit from our excellent facilities. There is also the opportunity to spend part of your degree working in a major pharmaceutical company.

Pharmacology courses

Why study Pharmacology at Bristol?

Pharmacology brings together physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and neuroscience. You will learn what drugs are, how they work and what they do. You will experience the approaches used to design and develop new drugs by investigating the effects of substances on single cells, organs and the whole body.

A newly developed online computer environment, eBiolabs, is used to enhance your practical experience. Bristol’s Pharmacology degree differs from those offered by other UK universities in that the final year of our degree is research-driven and uses the research expertise of our academic staff.

Pharmacology at Bristol is focused on the action of drugs in the nervous system that are used to treat disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as cardiovascular disorders. This means that our degree offers a unique opportunity to study the action of drugs in these important areas.

You will be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. The Msci degree includes a year of study in a major pharmaceutical company either in the UK or abroad and this placement is assessed.

Undergraduate International Scholarship

International candidates who receive an offer for a place on a course in the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) route will be offered the opportunity to apply for an Undergraduate International Scholarship.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Pharmacology would suit a student who has a keen interest in how drugs work through interactions with receptors and the subsequent effects on cells and the body. You would have, or want to develop, the ability to investigate aspects of pharmacology from the literature and have an interest in developing skills in experimentation and the analysis of data.

How is this course taught and assessed?

For each of the first two years you will normally have nine lectures a week, supplemented by up to nine hours of practical work, depending on the units chosen. Regular tutorials are arranged in order to provide guidance in communication skills and problem solving. In the final year, formal lectures are replaced by seminars and a total of 30 days are spent on a research project. You will be assessed via coursework, including regular on-line assessments and written assignments, as well as end of unit exams.

What are my career prospects?

A degree in Pharmacology offers you a variety of rewarding career opportunities. The majority of Pharmacology graduates from Bristol go on to further their education in PhD, PGCE or MSc studies. Approximately 20 per cent of graduates enter employment in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue research or related careers. Other popular employers include the financial services, the Civil Service and the NHS. Pharmacology will help you become proficient in skills valued by employers such as data handling and communication skills.