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Subject Guides - Pharmacology
Studying pharmacology at the undergraduate level at one of the world’s top universities can lead to a challenging and rewarding career. Developing cures to devastating illnesses is one great task taken on by many graduates of pharmacology programs around the world.
What is Pharmacology?
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and how they affect the body. Pharmacology, which often refers to creating new chemical substances and analyzing the effects of established medicinal compounds, can also apply to the practice of looking at how harmful drugs affect the individual. Pharmacology involves elements of toxicology, biology, chemistry, and physiology, and is a broad scientific field applicable to many careers in the life sciences area.
It is important to note the difference between the studies of pharmacy and pharmacology. Courses in pharmacy are geared towards equipping graduates with licenses to dispense prescription medicines in pharmacies, or to become a pharmacist. Pharmacology courses focus on the research aspect of this science, teaching the student to investigate the effects of chemical compounds and to innovate ways of creating remedies to the many physical and mental ailments which affect people and animals.
Is Pharmacology for me?
If you want to study pharmacology at a top university you will be interested in science and have a natural talent towards all things technical and objective. You will be inquisitive, analytical, good at biology, chemistry and maths, and like to investigate new possibilities in the lab. You will love research and have a hands-on attitude. Pharmacology courses are demanding so you should be dedicated to your chosen field and ready to work hard.
It is helpful if you can also see the ‘big picture’. Learning how to make chemical formulas is one challenging task but pharmacology isn’t just about the numbers. Being able to conceptualize the end product and its potential influence on a given society is essential to being a successful pharmacologist, if indeed you choose research within the pharmaceutical industry. The ability to think critically along quantitative and qualitative lines is also a good trait for the aspiring pharmacologist to exhibit.
What programs are available?
Programs leading to a BSc in pharmacology address the fundamentals of the biological sciences within the first year of study. Depending on the country in which you study, the degree program may take three or four years to complete, meaning that the second year onwards will probably be focused on specializing in the field of pharmacology.
Top universities around the world offer pharmacology courses, and many are more intriguing than you may think. For instance, the University of Manchester offers a four-year course leading to a BSc in pharmacology with a modern language. The third year of this course allows students to study abroad in a country of their choice to engage in a work placement and to learn a new language whilst gaining hands-on experience in a pharmaceutical business abroad. The course may be studied in french, spanish, portuguese, italian, german or japanese. The University of Toronto offers specialist programs in toxicology as well as combined courses of pharmacology and toxicology, and environment and toxicology.
Those looking to become pharmacists have hundreds of choices but keep in mind that they usually require a postgraduate degree. The Pharm.D qualification in the United States, which is the necessary qualification to become a licensed pharmacist, can take eight years to complete, whereas the MPharm qualification in the UK takes four years. It goes without saying, however, that you should make sure your intended qualification is valid in the country in which you intend to work.
What are the career prospects for a graduate of Pharmacology?
A bachelors degree in pharmacology from a top university can lead to a multitude of careers and the opportunity to undertake further studies in pharmacology at a masters or PhD level.
A good number of students from undergraduate programs in pharmacology take on laboratory work, often in research or pharmaceutical companies. Developing new drugs for diseases like cancer is one popular career. Jobs in hospital labs or within the public and private health sectors are also sought after by pharmacology graduates.
Those who go on to become licensed pharmacists may work in a local pharmacy or open up one of their own. Some remain in the academic world and some decide on a different career altogether.
