Pharmacology, BSc (Hons)

This course explores the fascinating ways in which drugs act on the body. You will learn how medicines act to cure or relieve a number of diseases as well as how drugs of abuse produce their effects on the body.

You will study pharmacology in depth, including the current topics and innovations in the sector. You will also study aspects of normal physiology as well as changes that occur in the body as a result of disease processes. This will enable you to understand the interactions between the body and drugs.

Why choose this course?

Our staff have expertise in the fields of physiology, pharmacology and neuroscience. They are actively engaged in research into the mechanisms involved in the consequences of:

• ischaemic heart disease
• placental pharmacology
• behavioural pharmacology in memory and learning
• signaling pathways
• receptor pharmacology.

This is a highly applied course in which practical work plays a major role. You will develop the scientific skills that industry employers are looking for.

• You will have the option to undertake a 12-month paid work placement in your third year. This is facilitated by a dedicated placement office and the School's excellent links with industry.
• The course has been designed to comply with the British Pharmacological Society guidelines for BSc (Hons) Pharmacology.

What our students say

"The study of drugs has always appealed to me. When I heard about Pharmacology course here I just knew I had to do it. Being able to gain first-hand experience in labs is a huge strength, which allows us to put theory into practice. I am now able to design my own experiments, use the laboratory equipment with precision, write lab reports, work independently and with other colleagues and ultimately gain a fundamental science knowledge.

"It's pretty exciting studying Pharmacology at NTU. Every day is a surprise, you always learn new things and new skills. The staff are amazing and very helpful."

Dexter Mwashita, BSc (Hons) Pharmacology, Year two

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 8484200

What will I study?

Year One

• Introduction to Biochemistry
• Introduction to Cell Biology
• Practical Techniques for Biology
• Genetics and Immunology
• Human Systems
• Introduction to Pharmacology

Year Two

• Drugs of Addiction and Abuse
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Cells and Tissues
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Organ Systems
• Chemotherapy of Cancer and Infections
• Antibody and DNA Technology

One module from:

• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Year Three
This is your optional work placement year.

Final Year

• Research Project / Dissertation or Communicating Science and Short Dissertation
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Current Topics in Pharmacology
• Toxicology

One module from:

• Current Topics in Neuroscience
• Current Topics in Physiology.

For further information, download the module descriptions document

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on a variety of components including;

Written 45%

• Exams
• In class tests

Coursework 28%

• Assignments
• Group projects
• Presentations

Practical 27%

• Laboratory assessments
• Oral presentations

Placements

You will have the option to undertake a years' work placement in industry as well as a practical research project, in an area of Pharmacology which is of most interest to you. You will be assessed throughout the year and will be required to write a reflective report and diary which also gets assessed at the end of your placement.

On completion of a successful placement, you will be eligible to receive a Diploma in Professional Practice.

Research

We have dedicated laboratories and equipment which supports our excellent research. In the latest Research Assessment Exercise (Research Assessment Exercise 2008) research within the Biosciences team was awarded 90% internationally recognised, including 20% of which was classed as world leading.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

The School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment which equips students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd.

We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research.

Rosalind Franklin Building
The new Rosalind Franklin Building provides some of the best laboratory teaching facilities for Bioscience and Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory space is equipped with modern IT facilities and equipment to ensure that our students get excellent training in practical laboratory techniques and modern analytical methods.

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Facility
Built in 2002 at a cost of £2.3 million, this facility supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.

Natural Sciences Research Facility
This facility supports and enhances the School's research in:

• physics
• biosciences
• chemistry
• imaging
• materials
• sport.

Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research, including:

• an £8m computing and informatics building
• a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber
• a crime scene house forensic-training facility
• a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.