MSci Pharmacology at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• ranked number 1 in the UK for Pharmacology and Pharmacy (Complete University Guide 2020)
• our courses are underpinned by our strong research base, links with industry, the NHS and international partners
• study how drugs and other chemicals affect the functions of the body
• our MSci programmes are appropriate if you are interested in an academic or research-related career

Why this course?

This MSci is a five-year Masters degree with entry into either Year 1 with Highers or Year 2 with Advanced Highers or A Levels.

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs and other chemicals affect the body in health and disease. This area explores the development of new and improved medicines and the treatment of disease.

This degree is for those who want to specialise in a single biomedical sciences option at Masters level. The course is particularly relevant if you want to pursue an academic or research-related career.

Course content

In Year 1, you’ll study classes in cells and their molecules, organisms and diseases and Bio-organic chemistry.  These are all underpinned by the ‘Being a Biomolecular Scientist’ class which begins with basic laboratory skills, statistical and data analysis and presentation, report writing, health and safety and ethics.

In Year 2, you’ll gain an introduction to each of the four discipline biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology again supported by the "Being a Biomolecular Scientist” class which develops various skills gained in Year 1.  There’s a strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills and the development of generic skills such as scientific writing and problem-solving.

In Years 3 and 4 you'll take specialist classes in Pharmacology and one other subject, chosen from Immunology or Biochemistry. You'll also undertake a substantial research project in Year 4 and present a dissertation of your work.

In Year 5, you'll complete a substantial laboratory-based research project and write a thesis based on your experimental data. You'll also study advanced research methods and critical analysis of scientific papers in Pharmacology.

Learning & teaching

You’ll gain knowledge and understanding through lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials and computer-aided learning.

To allow you to prepare, class hand-outs are available in advance from Myplace. Hand-outs will also be supported by tasks such as essays, oral and tutorial/workshop presentations.

Quantitative skills are taught by the Department of Maths & Statistics, the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry as well as the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences.

Most laboratory classes, including the chemistry classes in Year 1, include number and numeracy and statistical skills that are used in the institute. Communication skills are taught throughout the course. Information retrieval, interpretation and research skills are gained through project work which also develops team-working skills.

Careers

You could be involved in the development of drugs, food processing, protecting the environment, fighting disease or even slowing down the ageing process.

Our graduates find jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech and agrochemical industries, hospitals and public service laboratories, environmental centres, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service and teaching at all levels.

A pharmacology degree offers prospects for research careers in academia, industry, the scientific civil service and hospitals. You can work in the product management side of the industry or in areas such as marketing and medical information, acting as the link between pharmaceutical companies and doctors and patients.

The transferable skills you gain from this course will not only prepare you for a career in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business and media.