Program Overview

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Pharmacology, BSc

Introduction

Pharmacology is about the discovery and characterisation of drugs that are used either as medicines or as experimental tools for advancing our understanding of the body in health and disease.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: B210
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

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.

This degree programme 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.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

A degree in Pharmacology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001)
  • Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health (SR1002)
  • Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020)
  • The Cell (SM1501)
  • Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)
  • Molecular Biology of the Gene (BI20M3)
  • Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001)
  • Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)
  • Energy for Life (BI25M7)
  • Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology (PA3004)
  • Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology (BM3501)
  • Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology (BM3502)
  • Mechanisms of Disease and Principles of Chemotherapy (PA3802)
  • Neuroscience Research Topics (BM3804)
  • Frontiers of Biomedical Sciences (SM3002)
• Optional Courses:
  • Working Out? Placement & Career Skills (BT3006)

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Advanced Molecules, Membranes and Cells (BM4004)
  • Molecular Pharmacology (PA4005)
  • Current Topics in Pharmacological Research (PA4303)
  • Medical Science Data Analysis Paper (SM4901)
  • Medical Science General Essay Paper (SM4902)
  • Medical Sciences Honours Research Project (SM4501)

How You'll Study

You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year.

Learning Methods

• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Pharmacology?

• You will receive cutting edge, applicable training and practical experience in classical pharmacology, toxicology and cell and molecular pharmacology.
• The people involved in your teaching are at the forefront of pharmacology research and some may also be involved with successful spin-out companies.
• Pharmacologists at the University of Aberdeen have been involved in fundamental scientific discoveries such as morphine-like and cannabis-like substances in the brain.
• The University has been recognised by the British Pharmacological Society as a site of special scientific interest based on its achievements in pharmacology.
• You will receive training in both specialist and employment-related skills.
• The University is one of the top 10 UK Universities for spin-out company formation.
• Award winning research on opioids and cannabinoids was carried out by world-renowned Professors Kosterlitz and Pertwee at the University.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £24,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
• Home Students: £1,820

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.

Industry Links

The many Pharmacology-linked spin-out companies from the University in the last 15 years mean that links with these remain that can help with experience, placement and project prospects for proactive students. The academics involved with these commercial ventures also continue to feed into the teaching and this provides a unique dimension to the teaching team experience.

Facilities

• The Institute of Medical Sciences: Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
• Library facilities: A dedicated Medical Library on the Foresterhill Health Campus and the fantastic facilities in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at King’s College, are complemented by online access to the key medical and health sciences journals and textbooks.
• Science Teaching Hub: Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.