Pharmacology (BSc)

Program Overview

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How do we develop the next generation of drugs for treating bacterial infection, AIDS, cancer, depression and heart failure? These are among the challenges being addressed by pharmacologists at Southampton. Our BSc Pharmacology degree will prepare you to make your own contribution to this important work.

This 3-year programme will give you an in-depth understanding of the major pharmacological concepts and principles.

These include:

the discovery and production of new drugs

the interaction of drugs with humans and animals

how existing drugs can be improved or repurposed

ways to solve the problems of toxicity

new-generation antibiotics

You'll refine your practical skills in our state-of-the-art teaching labs. This will prepare you to work with our experts in pharmacology and undertake your individual research project in year 3.

As part of your degree you can also:

spend a year working in the pharmaceutical industry between years 2 and 3

spend a semester at a

partner university abroad

during year 2

Program Outline

This course focuses on the molecular aspects of pharmacological agents, in particular, on neuroscience and neuropharmacology.

You'll take a range of compulsory modules each year. In years 2 and 3, you can also choose from optional modules that support your interests and career goals.

You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

Modules in your first year will give you a solid grounding in the key principles of pharmacology.

You'll explore the fundamentals of biochemistry, and take modules in:

chemistry of life

human genome

cell biology

physiology

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Year 2 overview

This year will build your knowledge in pharmacology topics, including genetics and proteins.

A wide range of optional modules will allow you to expand your interests in specific areas. These include:

bioinformatics

immunology

medical microbiology

neuroscience

vertebrate development

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Year 3 overview

You'll complete an independent research project, choosing from a range of options. These include laboratory research, bioscience business, bioscience education or science communication.

Specialist pharmacology modules will look at toxicity and the central nervous system.

You can choose to develop your expertise in areas of particular interest, including:

neurodegenerative disease

biomedical technology

biofilms

cell signalling

molecular cell biology

Want more detail?

See all the modules in the course.