Pharmacology, BSc at University of Aberdeen

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.

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. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of University of Aberdeen Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.

As a student, your learning is supported by MyAberdeen, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.

We make innovative use of 'educational voting' handsets in class, remote control 'clickers' that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.

Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.

Learning Methods

• LAB WORK
• LECTURES
• SEMINARS
• TUTORIALS
• WORKSHOPS

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.
• Pharmacology teaching at the University was graded 'Excellent' in the last Teaching Quality Assessment.
• 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.
• Equal 1st for overall student satisfaction in pharmacology, National Student Survey 2018
• The University of Aberdeen was named Scottish University of the Year, (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)
• The University of Aberdeen is a World Top 170 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)

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.

The degree focusses on developing detailed understanding of all aspects drugs and bioactive substances from discovery through to clinical use, and therefore provides a strong underpinning for many careers including Pharmacy. However, as Pharmacy is a patient-centred regulated health profession, substantial further study is required to account for these aspects which are outside the scope of the Pharmacology degree programme.

Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:

• A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
• The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
• Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries