Pharmacology

Highlights

This Pharmacology degree aligns with the undergraduate curriculum guidelines for core skills and knowledge outlined by the British Pharmacological Society (BPS). Covers full lifecycle of medicines, from the scientific, experimental design and practical skills required for drug discovery and development, to clinical testing, licensing, pharmaceutical policy and medical use. Excellent facilities include well-equipped cell and molecular research laboratories, a Category 2 pathogen lab and state-of-the-art virtual reality technology for simulating drug action, and effects.

Taught by internationally renowned researchers who are developing cancer drugs and improving prescribing in the North West Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation. Research-led teaching draws on cutting-edge knowledge in exciting disciplines, such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, immunopharmacology, pharmacoeconomics and health technology assessment. Common first year allows you to move onto Biomedical Science, Medical Sciences and Medical Biology degrees if your interests change.

Course overview

Nowhere are the advances of science and medicine more obvious than within the field pharmacology. From centuries-old use of plant extracts as drugs, we’ve witnessed the development of vaccines to prevent diseases and antibiotics that cure infections. Increasingly, we are seeing the discovery of treatments using synthetic and genetic engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

This BSc (Hons) Pharmacology prepares you for a dynamic career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, discovering and testing new drugs or conducting clinical research. State-of-the-art labs allow you to develop and apply your knowledge at the interface of scientific discovery and clinical practice. A solid foundation in medical sciences, including biomedical science, human physiology and microbiology, helps you understand how and why treatments work.

You will study how drugs are discovered and developed, how they are trialled in humans, and licensed for clinical use by regulatory agencies. Unique to this BSc (Hons) Pharmacology is the study of how medicines are approved by healthcare providers, such as the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Learning is very much hands-on, grounded in the real-world experiences of lecturers and driven by the latest scientific research.

Our own expertise includes, among other things, the use of computer modelling and simulation of drug dosing, exposure and action, investigation into the actions and toxicities of anticancer drugs, use of pharmacogenomics, and determination of the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of medicines. We work closely with national and international organisations involved in pharmaceutical policy relating to pharmacogenomics, treatment of rare diseases and health service reimbursement. We offer a rich experience to develop skills that are relevant across the spectrum of pharmacology - from the basic sciences through to clinical use and policy, and which are transferable to maximise students’ employment potential.

If you study pharmacology at Bangor, you will be provided with opportunities to undertake projects exploring various cancer treatments, including cancer immunotherapy, clinical evaluation, toxicology, pharmacometrics and pharmacoeconomic evaluation. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by…