This Pharmacology degree explores the fascinating ways in which drugs act on the body. You will learn how medicines act to cure or relieve a number of diseases as well as how drugs of abuse produce their effects on the body.
You will study pharmacology in depth, including the current topics and innovations in the sector. You will also study aspects of normal physiology as well as changes that occur in the body as a result of disease processes. This will enable you to understand the interactions between the body and drugs.
Why choose this course?
Our staff have expertise in the fields of physiology, pharmacology and neuroscience. They are actively engaged in research into the mechanisms involved in the consequences of:
- ischaemic heart disease
- placental pharmacology
- behavioural pharmacology in memory and learning
- signaling pathways
- receptor pharmacology.
This is a highly applied course in which practical work plays a major role. You will develop the scientific skills that industry employers are looking for.
- This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
- You will have the option to undertake a 12-month paid work placement in your third year. This is facilitated by a dedicated placement office and the School's excellent links with industry.
- The course has been designed to comply with the British Pharmacological Society guidelines for BSc (Hons) Pharmacology.
- NTU is in the top 20 universities in the UK for biological science – The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019.
- Third in the UK for Bioscience students on year-long work placements (HESA 2017/18).
What our students say
The study of drugs has always appealed to me. When I heard about the Pharmacology course here I just knew I had to do it. Being able to gain first-hand experience in labs is a huge strength, which allows us to put theory into practice. I am now able to design my own experiments, use the laboratory equipment with precision, write lab reports, work independently and with other colleagues, and ultimately gain a fundamental science knowledge.
It's pretty exciting studying Pharmacology at NTU. Every day is a surprise, you always learn new things and new skills. The staff are amazing and very helpful.
Dexter Mwashita, BSc (Hons) Pharmacology, Year Two
Number four in the UK for student satisfaction in biology (NSS 2020)
Accredited by:
Student profiles
What you'll study
Who will teach me?
The biosciences team is, at once, widely interdisciplinary and strongly cohesive. This environment prepares our students well for careers in industry and academia and we continue to develop and welcome collaborations from universities and commercial organisations.
Visit our academic team pages to find out more about our approach to teaching, our partners and research interests.
Placements
You will have the option to undertake a years' work placement in industry as well as a practical research project, in an area of pharmacology which is of most interest to you. You will be assessed throughout the year and will be required to write a reflective report and diary which also gets assessed at the end of your placement.
On completion of a successful placement, you will be eligible to receive a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Research
Because of our ambitious research agenda and ongoing activities, students can expect to approach problems with the latest methods, including those used in industry.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects
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Year One
Introduction to Biochemistry
Study the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure and function, and interrelationships in both practical and theoretical contexts.
Living Systems
Introduces levels of biological organisation from molecules to cells and ecosystems, providing a platform of knowledge and skills upon which other modules are developed.
Practical Techniques for Biology
Considers the principles of experimental design, data collection and analysis, including techniques in centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, microscopy and radiobiology.
Genetics and Immunology
Develops genetic concepts and introduces basic aspects of the immune system, including the molecules, cells and interactions involved.
Human Physiology
Introduces the physiology of human organ systems (respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, endocrine and muscular) and examines the process of homeostasis.
Introduction to Pharmacology
Considers the principles of how drugs work, including factors that affect the magnitude of the response to drugs, specificity of drug action, drug interactions and side effects of drugs.
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Year Two
Drugs of Addiction and Abuse
Develop an understanding of the use of drugs for non-medical purposes, including effects other than those desired by the users. It also introduces the legislation controlling the use of substances.
Pathopharmacology
Considers disordered cellular and tissue physiology resulting from disease and drugs that can treat those diseases. You’ll develop an understanding of health and common illnesses.
Pathophysiology
You’ll look at the processes involved in maintaining normal physiology in renal, cardiovascular and nervous systems and how the same processes are affected by disease.
Chemotherapy of Cancer and Infections
Explore the concept of selective toxicity as applicable to the treatment of cancer and infections. You’ll also consider the action of anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal drugs.
Antibody and DNA Technology
Introduces extraction, purification, probing, manipulation, amplification and sequencing of DNA and RNA and the expression of genetic sequences.
Professional Skills for Pharmacology
One module from:
Neuroscience
Explore the functions of the different brain regions and neuronal cell types, and relate these to higher brain activities and neuronal function.
Physiology
Develops concepts of physiological control systems and demonstrates the link between changes in cellular and systemic function.
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Year Three
This is your optional work placement year.
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Final year
Clinical Pharmacology
Learn about drug development and the mode of action of selected drug types. You’ll also look at diseases of the human endocrine system and the advances in cellular and molecular techniques.
Current Topics in Pharmacology
Study recent advances and developments in pharmacology and the research techniques used to study molecular pharmacology.
Toxicology
Considers sources, types and mechanisms of action of selected natural and synthetic toxic chemicals. It also covers how toxicity can be assessed.
Project / Dissertation
You have the option of either completing a 40 credit point project / dissertation,
OR
If your interests lie in a career in teaching or scientific journalism,you can take Communicating Science and Technology (which includes school placements) and a short dissertation.
One module from:
Current Topics in Neuroscience
Discusses current hot topics in molecular and cellular neuroscience, including learning and memory, stem cells, and the molecular basis of certain human neurological and psychiatric illnesses.
Current Topics in Physiology
Discuss advances in molecular, cellular and organ physiology and gain an appreciation of the research techniques used to study Physiology.
Course specification
View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change
How you’re taught
You will be assessed on a variety of components including:
Written assessments
- exams
- in-class tests
Coursework
- assignments
- group projects
- presentations
Practical
- laboratory assessments
- oral presentations
Assessment methods
Year 1 - coursework (41%), written (49%), and practical (10%)
Year 2 - coursework (44%), written (33%), and practical (23%)
Year 3 - coursework (58%), written (40%), and practical (2%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (28%) and independent study (72%)
Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (26%) and independent study (74%)
Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (33%) and independent study (67%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Top four in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Biology (NSS 2020)
Staff profiles
Careers and employability
Your career development
Our graduates usually seek research and development positions in the pharmaceutical and related industries including universities and hospitals.
They also work in non-laboratory based activities such as:
- clinical trials
- regulatory affairs
- marketing.
Many of our graduates also choose to study further on our Masters-level courses, MPhil and PhD research degrees.
Recent graduates are now working in the following roles:
- Boots – formulation scientist
- Convance – experimental officer
- GlaxoSmithKline – assay development scientist
- ITH Pharma – technical assistant.
Graduate salaries range from £16,000 - £30,000 per year.
Excellent placement opportunities
After the second year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a placement in industry, including overseas options. This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. Many students impress their employers on placement and are offered jobs at the end of their course.
Recent Pharmacology and Bioscience students have secured placements in the following companies:
- Agrisearch
- Scott Bader
- GlaxoSmithKline
- British American Tobacco
- National Institute Medical Research
- Intertek
- RSPB
- Glenfield Hospital.
My studies greatly helped with my placement and vice versa. The experience I gained throughout the year has helped a great deal with my final year project.
Joanna Shaw, BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
Placement company – Pfizer
Facilities
The School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment which equips students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd.
We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research.
Rosalind Franklin Building
The Rosalind Franklin building provides some of the best laboratory teaching facilities for Bioscience and Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory space is equipped with modern IT facilities and equipment to ensure that our students get excellent training in practical laboratory techniques and modern analytical methods.
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Facility
Built in 2002 at a cost of £2.3 million, this facility supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.
Natural Sciences Research Facility This facility supports and enhances the School's research in:
- physics
- biosciences
- chemistry
- imaging
- materials
- sport
Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research, including:
- an £8m computing and informatics building
- a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber
- a crime scene house forensic-training facility
- a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBB, including Biology; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, including relevant Biology modules; or
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade B equivalent in Biology; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
Graduates achieving 60% or over from FdSc Healthcare Sciences at Central College Nottingham can progress directly onto Year Two of this course. Those achieving a pass can progress onto BSc (Hons) Biological Science.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBB, including Biology; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, including relevant Biology modules; or
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade B equivalent in Biology; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our UG and PG degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Foundation courses
If you are an international student who does not meet the direct entry requirements for this course, you can prepare for it at Nottingham Trent International College. Their Foundation Certificate in Science and Engineering (life sciences) offers students a guaranteed progression route to this degree on successful completion to the required level.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our International Team for advice.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
You can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK university you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).