Pharmacology University of Aberdeen

Overview

At a Glance

Pharmacology is concerned primarily with the characterisation of the properties and modes of action of drugs and with the discovery of new drugs. The study and practice of pharmacology also includes drug toxicity, the way drugs are used and the processes by which drugs are absorbed, distributed in the body, metabolised and excreted.

The Pharmacology programme of the University of Aberdeen aims to instil a broad base of knowledge about drugs at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level. Additionally, you will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of Pharmacology, which reflect the research expertise and strengths of the School e.g. neuropharmacology, cancer and toxicology. This research-led approach delivers a modern, relevant and cutting edge programme equipping graduates with the experience and skills required for success in Pharmacology (and other) careers.

5 year MSci degree

This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year's placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.

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 Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology, Endocrinology, Nutrition or IT. Alternatively, it may lead on to careers such as marketing, publishing or teaching.

The degree focusses on developing detailed understanding of all aspects drugs and bioactive substances from discovery through to clinical use, and therefore provides a strong underpinning for many careers including Pharmacy. However, as Pharmacy is a patient-centred regulated health profession, substantial further study is required to account for these aspects which are outside the scope of the Pharmacology degree programme.

Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others.