Program Overview
Pharmacology at the University of Nottingham delves into the effects of drugs on the body and vice versa. Through a comprehensive curriculum covering core subjects like physiology and neuroscience, students explore the pharmacology of current drugs and develop skills in drug discovery and future medicines. The program provides a solid foundation for careers in medicines research and industry, with graduates pursuing paths in drug discovery, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical marketing. Additionally, the university's recognition as a top target for graduate employers ensures access to diverse job opportunities upon graduation.
Program Outline
Degree 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, drugs of abuse, 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. In this course, we aim to answer some of the biggest questions we have surrounding drugs and medicine today and for the future. In year one, you will study a number of core modules covering physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and medicinal chemistry. In the second year, you will start to focus on the pharmacology of current drugs and drug targets, and in the third year, you will learn about the recent advances in pharmacology, and the application of pharmacology in the drug discovery process. Pharmacologists are at the centre of developing medicines to revolutionise the treatment of diseases. These include:
- life-saving antibiotics
- hypertension
- asthma
- depression
- statins to reduce cardiovascular disease
- revolutionary retroviral drugs to manage HIV Pharmacology can lead to a fulfilling career in medicines research or an industry that improves the lives of people around the world in areas such as drug discovery, medicines development, medical writing, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical marketing.
Outline:
Year 1
- Genes, Molecules and Cells
- Human Physiology
- Core Skills in Pharmacology
- Drug Structure
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience
Year 2
- Drugs and Diseases
- Mechanisms of Therapeutic Drugs
- Experimental Pharmacology
- Drug Design
- Communicating Science
Optional Modules
- Neurobiology of Disease
- Complementary and Alternative Medicines
- Life on Earth
- Structure, function and analysis of genes
- Infection and Immunity
- Synthesis of Simple Drugs
- Structure, Function and Analysis of Proteins
Year 3
- Molecular Pharmacology and Advanced Quantitative Pharmacology
- Pharmacology Research Project
- Drug Discovery and Future Medicines
- Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology
Optional Modules
- Complementary and Alternative Medicines
- Reproductive Pharmacology
- Psychopharmacology and Non-Medicinal Use of Drugs
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- Coursework
- Practical write-ups
- Lab reports
- Dissertation
- Examinations
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- eLearning
- Lectures
- Lab sessions
- Practical classes
- Self-study
- Seminars
- Small group learning
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Careers:
A Pharmacology degree will enable students to develop transferable skills such as data handling and communication skills. According to British Pharmacological Society data, many Pharmacology graduates (around 25%) go on to further their education in PhD, PGCE or MSc studies. This is higher than other STEM graduates. Pharmacologists play an important role throughout the Drug Discovery process. In a standard Pharmacology degree, around 20% of graduates enter employment in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue research or related careers. Pharmacologists are employed in both SME Biotech companies as well as large pharmaceutical companies. As well as drug discovery, pharmacology expertise is used in clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and patenting. Other popular industries include:
- the financial services
- the Civil Service and the NHS
- marketing and medical information, providing a link between pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and patients
Other:
- The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
