Program Overview

Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Study the process of new drug discovery and the development of therapies for treating human disease on our Pharmacology degree. Pharmacology is a science central to modern medicine. Understanding the causes and progression of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, asthma and HIV, can inform our approaches to designing effective drug molecules and relieving symptoms, or treating disease. This course takes a modern approach to studying drug design, with many different pathways.

Course Structure

Year 1

• Cell Biology: The biology of cells of higher organisms to include their structure and function and synthesis of cell membranes and cell organelles.
• Introduction to Genetics: Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, modern evolutionary theory, molecular genetics, transcription and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, regulation of gene expression.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology: The study of the systems of the body at the organ and cellular level to include nervous system, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, digestive system, respiratory system, renal system, reproductive system.
• Professional Skills for Life Sciences I: Literature and referencing skills, numerical skills, practical, analytical and data-interpretation skills, communication, presentation and IT skills, professional development skills.
• Introduction to Biochemistry: An overview of the chemical components of the cell, amino acids and proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, energy in biochemistry, properties of enzymes, principles of metabolism and regulation.
• Chemistry Fundamentals: Introduction to physical chemistry, introduction to organic chemistry, introduction to inorganic chemistry, introduction to analytical chemistry, practical chemistry.

Year 2

• Pathophysiology: The nature of disease and pathology, tissue damage and cell death processes, basics of cancer biology, cancer detection and treatment, haematology, ageing and age related disease, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
• Biochemistry & Metabolic Regulation: Overview of metabolic regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism and the Urea cycle, lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway and its role in red blood cells.
• Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Review of the major disease processes and their descriptive terminology, risk factors for, classification and aetiology of the major diseases, clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment interventions.
• Professional Skills for Life Sciences II: Health & Safety, professionalism, reflective practice, careers, continued professional development.
• Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology: General pharmacology and toxicology, pharmaco- and toxicodynamics, pharmaco- and toxicokinetics, overview of dosage forms.
• Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products: The module will introduce the students to the history of medicinal plants and their status globally, ethnopharmacological concepts, remedies and phytotherapy, and political challenges.

Year 3

• Forensic Toxicology: Toxins and Toxicity, toxicity testing procedures and terminology, responses to toxicant exposure and levels of organisation, metabolism of toxins, case studies of selected toxicants.
• Dissertation: The module offers students the opportunity to engage in extensive independent study with supervision from a tutor/s.
• Clinical Immunology: Principles and practice of clinical immunology, screening and diagnostics, immune diseases and their mechanisms, immunology of body systems, primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.
• Drug Discovery and design: The module introduces students to the basic principles of drug discovery and design and assesses their knowledge in the application of these principles in the design and optimisation of these compounds.
• Cell Signalling: General principles of cell signalling, intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, cross talk and transactivation of signalling pathways, signalling via nuclear receptors.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: UCAS points, GCE A Level, BTEC, International Baccalaureate, Irish / Scottish Highers, Access requirements, T Level, OCR Cambridge Technicals.
• International Students: Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26).
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26).
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Mohammed Amali: Senior Lecturer.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: The location, modern learning resources and library, fitness facilities, student services, chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces, accommodation, catering.

Your Future

• Job Prospects: This course has a strong practical focus, allowing you to develop the lab skills you need to become an employable pharmacology graduate.
• Progression options: Biomedical Science MSc, Biotechnology MSc, Cardiovascular Disease MSc, Diabetes MSc, Exercise Medicine MSc, PGDip, PGCert, Haematology MSc, Infection and Immunity MSc, Medical Genetics MSc, Medical Science MRes, Oncology MSc, Orthopaedics MSc, Physician Associate Studies MSc, Respiratory Medicine MSc, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc.
• Careers service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.