Pharmacology
UCAS code B213
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 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
The Master of Pharmacology (MBiol) is a four-year programme, in which students first follow the three-year BSc in Pharmacology and then continue into a fourth year, subject to performance.
In the first three years, 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.
The fourth (Master’s) year aims at developing enhanced research and personal skills for students seeking a high-level career in research (e. g. studying for a PhD or working in industry) or those seeking to enhance their qualification. Students will join a research team to undertake a significant research project. Students can also apply for a six-week summer research internship in the UK or overseas or apply to spend time working in industry or in other enterprises in the final year.
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
- Plan, initiate, and carry out projects
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.
Year four
The fourth year of study offers great flexibility – students may spend it entirely on campus at Liverpool, but more commonly they take up opportunities to broaden their experiences, for example a six-week research internship in the UK (in hospitals, industry or research institutes) or abroad (in our partner universities in Thailand or China). Others may elect to spend the entire fourth year on placement, in similar host institutions. Students will take core modules in research methods and statistics or informatics, together with a 60-credit research project. Students may replace the internship with other modules that cover advanced topics of global importance.
- Research Internship LIFE701
- Coding for Life Sciences LIFE733
- Cellular Biotechnology and Biological Imaging LIFE749
- Emerging Infections and Pandemic LIFE751
- Frontiers in Cancer Research LIFE724
- Cancer Clinical Trials LIFE726
- Immunology LIFE728
- Diagnostics Therapeutics and Vaccines LIFE732
- Computational Biology LIFE752
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Data Analysis LIFE754
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology LIFE756
OPTIONAL MODULES (Students choose either the research internship, or two of the remaining modules)
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH PROJECT (LIFE700) | 60 |
| BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707) | 15 |
| RESEARCH METHODS AND APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (LIFE731) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You will be taught using a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials and practical laboratory sessions, working cooperatively in small groups right from the beginning. Academic staff are available for 1-2-1 feedback and support. Course material is available 24/7 on our online learning platform, Canvas. Your third year will comprise of formative activities such as presenting seminars, creative writing and peer teaching along with your research project which will be done either individually or in a small groups.
How you're assessed
Students on this course are assessed with a combination of exams and coursework. Coursework includes essays, group projects, presentations and research projects. You’ll submit coursework which contributes to your final grade and during your final year, you’ll also submit your dissertation and sit your final exams.
As well as factual knowledge and understanding, life scientists need practical and organisational skills, and an ability to work both alone and with other people. You’ll be assessed with a combination of exams and continuous assessment of course work during each semester.
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. |
| 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 a bachelor's degree
This course is also available as a three year BSc (Hons) programme.
Your experience
Day-to-day teaching takes place in state of the art facilities in one of the largest Biosciences schools in the UK meaning you can choose modules from across the entire spectrum of health and life sciences complemented also by links with the schools of dentistry, veterinary and tropical medicine. You’ll also have access to a wealth of renowned museums, libraries and galleries.
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