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Pharmacology

BSc Hons UCAS Code

Course overview

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs work in the body. This includes any type of chemical or biological agent that produces an effect on the body including medicines, poisons, and chemicals in the food we eat and drink. There are two aspects to pharmacology: the effect of the drug on the body, and the effect of the body on the drug.

Following your study, there’s a wealth of employability opportunities, from research roles in pharmaceutical companies and academia to positions in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and healthcare, offering diverse career paths in a rapidly evolving field.

Why choose this course?

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

5 modules

Anatomy and Physiology

In this module, you’ll dive into the fascinating interplay between physiology and metabolism in animals, including humans. You’ll explore major organ systems in the body including cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems, learning how energy metabolism and body temperature are carefully regulated. This provides a foundation for understanding how animals adapt to their environments and maintain metabolic balance for survival.

Through practical sessions, you’ll gain hands-on experience, examining how physiological and metabolic processes control organ systems. You’ll also uncover the biochemical basis of ordinary life activities and see how these mechanisms are affected under pathological conditions. This blend of theory and practice offers a well-rounded understanding of systems physiology and metabolic homeostasis.


Introduction to Pharmacology

This module provides an introductory overview of drug action and pharmacokinetics within the human body.ÌýYouÌýwill explore the main drug targets and learn how drug effects at these targets can be measured. The module also covers the key processes that influence how drug concentrations change in the body after administration, including howÌýoptimalÌýconcentrations are achieved at the site of action. Through a combination of lectures, workshops,Ìýand laboratoryÌýpracticals,ÌýyouÌýwill develop essential skills in pharmacological data analysis using computational tools. The module also encouragesÌýyouÌýto consider the ethical and sustainability issues associated with the practice of pharmacology.ÌýÌý


Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life Sciences

This module will introduce you to the essential skills required for your career and provide hands-on experience of the basic techniques required for life scientists. We’ll cover statistical methods for data analysis, provide an introduction to digital competencies for life scientists and investigate ethical standards in research.Ìý

You will also explore data acquisition techniques and enhance your ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature. The module emphasises effective communication of scientific material through various media and will encourage reflective practice in the development of these, and other skills.Ìý

The module will also explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, considering global challenges through scientific innovation and responsibility.Ìý


Chemistry of Life

This module provides a foundational understanding of organic chemistry with a focus on biomolecules essential to life, such as amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleotides.ÌýYou’ll explore how biological systems synthesise and utilise these molecules, examining key chemical reactions and pathways.

Additionally, the module introduces the chemical principles underlying therapeutically relevant drug molecules, including their design, structure, and interactions with biological targets. By bridging biochemistry and organic chemistry, this module equips you with the essential knowledge needed for advanced studies in the life sciences.


Principles of Neuroscience

This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to neuroscience, from the cells that make up the nervous system and the molecular basis of their communication, to neuroanatomy and the structure and function of key systems of the nervous system. The module will also cover diseases of the nervous system as well as explore evolutionary changes andÌýbehaviouralÌýoutcomes.


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Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£10,050 per year

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After discovering my interest in the field, I started to look at different universities and eventually settled on Nottingham, as I discovered that you do pharmacology research here. In addition to this, it is a beautiful campus university with lots of greenery. "

Pharmacology first-year student

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Discover life at Nottingham

From financial support to student life and accommodation, discover more about the Nottingham experience.

Welcome to your campus

You will study at both Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) and in teaching labs on our University Park Campus. QMC is one of the UK's largest and busiest hospitals, located directly next to University Park. With cutting-edge facilities, beautiful green spaces and vibrant communities, these locations, provide the perfect settings for an extraordinary university experience where you can learn, grow and thrive.

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