Pharmacology is an exciting branch of experimental science in which you'll study how chemical substances interact with our bodies.
Introduction
You’ll study a broad range of modules including drug discovery and development, the cellular basis of health and disease, translational pharmacology, and advanced pharmacology and therapeutics with the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project.
We also offer support for making career choices right from the beginning and you will have the opportunity to consider potential career pathways within and outside the field of pharmacology.
You’ll learn and develop those important transferable skills in communication, team working, project management and computing with practical sessions and group work.
What you'll learn
Understand the principles of pharmacology which underpin how medicines are identified and optimised for use in man.
Develop an appreciation the mechanisms of how different drugs work in treating different clinical conditions.
Gain an understanding of novel drugs types and advanced drug delivery methods at the cutting edge of pharmacology.
Work within an authentic scientific research environment with leading researchers in their field.
Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information.
Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
Work independently and collaboratively
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Use lab equipment correctly and safely
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills and participate in field studies, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Biology core concepts, principles, and fundamentals BIOS101
Development, function, immunity, infection, and therapeutics BIOS102
Introductory Practical Skills for Life Sciences BIOS103
From Individuals to Ecosystem BIOS104
Study and Communication Skills Tutorials BIOS105
Applied Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS106
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of pharmacology. You will study drug discovery and development, and explore how pharmacological principles underpin the creation of medicines used to treat a wide range of diseases.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Genetics, Microbiology & Infection BIOS201
Intermediary Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS203
Practical Skills in Biomolecular and Drug Interactions BIOS204
Academic & professional skills tutorials BIOS205
The Cellular Basis of Health & Disease BIOS209
Chemistry for Life Sciences BIOS215
Drug Discovery & Development BIOS216
Further Chemistry for Life Sciences CHEM038
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of pharmacological research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of drug safety, personalised medicine and advanced therapeutics. You will have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Research Project BIOS301
Introduction to the World of Work BIOS302
Research Methods BIOS303
Translational Pharmacology BIOS313
Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics BIOS315
Applied Pharmacology BIOS316
How do cells make decisions? BIOS331
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, field work, seminars and tutorials as well as hands-on, practical laboratory sessions, working individually and in small groups.
How you're assessed
Assessed work includes essays, presentations, group work, digital communications, qualitative and experimental reports and formal examinations with results from years two and three contributing to your final degree classification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Employability is embedded into the Pharmacology BSc (Hons) programme and can be the necessary stepping stone into a successful career in many life science sectors in clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, intellectual property and scientific writing.
We also offer support for making career choices right from the beginning. In your first year, you will have the opportunity to consider potential career pathways within and outside the field of pharmacology.
Common employers of pharmacology graduates include:
Pharmaceutical, environmental and biotech industries
Civil Service
Department of Health and Social Care
Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
National Health Service (NHS)
Universities
4 in 5 life sciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.
AAB including Chemistry A level plus a second science, preferably Biology, at A level.
Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements.
For this course, the offer is ABB with
A
in the EPQ.
You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.
Chemistry and a second science, preferably Biology and A level.
For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, to include Distinction in Units 1 and 5 (Principles and Applications of Science I and II).
For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification:
D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, with at least 120 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Please note alternative BTEC subjects are not acceptable for this programme.
34 points, including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry, and 5 in another Higher Level science.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher
Not accepted without Advanced Highers at grades AAB
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Accepted at grade B as equivalent to a third non-science A level at grade B.
Access
45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit.
15 Distinctions are required in each of Chemistry and Biology.
GCSE Mathematics and English grade C/4 also required.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
