Pharmacology
UCAS code B210
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
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.
Modules
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.
Modules
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.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBB (including Biology: B and Chemistry: B) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDD Applied Science pathway only. Distinctions in each of Principles and Applications of Science I & II required. Pharmacology is the science of drugs and how they work, this should not be confused with Pharmacy which is the preparation and dispensing of medicine. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus BB in Chemistry and a science at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
Grade B, plus BB in Chemistry and a science. |
| Access |
30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3 credits at Merit in a relevant Access Diploma. 15 credits in Biology and Chemistry at Distinction required. |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Study as an intercalated degree
Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.
Study as a master's degree
This course is also available as a four year MBiol programme.
Your experience
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.
Explore where you'll study
Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place for postgraduate study
- Programmes taught by internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians
- Research-connected education covering the full life science spectrum from biochemistry to zoology
- Access to world-class facilities
- Provide specialist training with taught and research components
- Options for intercalating students
- Vibrant postgraduate community.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A day in the life of Chemistry student Amy
Careers and employability
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