Applied pharmacology is the study of how drugs and medications affect how our body works. Drugs can be used to both maintain a healthy lifestyle and treat or cure disease.
This course will provide you with the skills to work in a variety of areas related to the pharmaceutical industry and the broader area of research.
In the first two years, you will gain a grounding in the core areas of the biological sciences. During this time you will study a range of modules and there is a significant practical element where you will develop laboratory skills, such as pippetting, microscopy, blood pressure recording and respiratory performance.
In Year Three, you will begin to focus on a range of specific areas of pharmacology, such as effects of drugs on the brain, treatments for cancer and the use of drugs to treat arthritis. Within some of the modules, there is an opportunity to select areas which are of personal interest with the hope of allowing you to determine which area you want to focus your career in.
In Year Four, the majority of your time will be spent on your dissertation which will involve you carrying out a personal experimental research project. This will enhance the skills and knowledge that will be required in the workplace. In addition to this, further modules will enhance your understanding and critical evaluation of pharmacology. Most modules involve student-centered learning, as well as tutor-led lectures, tutorials, labs and workshops.
Structure:
You can opt to study for an Honours degree over four years or an Ordinary degree over three years. You will complete a range of modules each year as outlined.
The first two years of this course are shared with Human Biology and Nutrition, it means that you have the opportunity to change your degree anytime up to the end of Year Two.
Aside from just focussing on drugs, this course uniquely integrates a focus on nutritional factors which also impact on people's health.
Professional Registration:
This course does not offer any professional registration, but undergraduate students can apply for membership of the British Pharmacological Society which will keep you up-to-date with developments in the area.
Year One:
Cell Biology and Genetics/ Human Physiology/ Biochemistry/ Developmental Biology and Ageing/ Microbiology/ Introduction to Food and Nutrition/ Key Investigative Skills/ Health
Psychology/ Health and Welfare/ Integrating Module 1
Year Two:
Human Physiology and Pharmacology/ Systems Biology/ Molecular Biology/ Medical Microbiology/ Immunology/ Nutrition: Energy and Macronutrients/ Integrating Module 2/ Lab Investigative Procedures/ Professional Development/ Key Investigative Skills 2
Year Three:
Molecular Pharmacology/ Neuropharmacology/ Clinical Sciences/ Neuroscience/ Drug Abuse and Addiction
Year Four:
Honours project/ Molecular Pharmacology/ Current Issues in Health Sciences/ Clinical Microbiology/ Performance Enhancing Drugs
Scottish Higher:
BCC or 165 UCAS Tariff points
A Level:
CC or 160 UCAS Tariff points
Irish Leaving Certificate:
BCC or 165 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate:
26 points
Required Subjects:
Chem or Biol and preferably one other science (may include Maths or Home Economics) at Higher/A Level or equivalent AND Chem, Biol, Maths and Eng at S/Int2/GCSE level
Mature/Access:
SWAP Access to Science or Biological Sciences.
We welcome applications from mature students with relevant qualifications in biology and
chemistry and /or experience.
Advanced Entry:
Year One Entry: We welcome applications by mature students from science-based HNC/Access/ Foundation Courses that include adequate Biology and Chemistry. Each application is assessed on its individual merits. Please call the Admissions Tutor to discuss
Health Requirements:
Students may be required to be immunised against Hepatitis B for honours projects involving tissue materials
Other:
You may be requested to be immunised against Hepatitis B.
There is a wide variety of career options in areas such as: pharmaceutical companies - research and development; toxicology (the study of the safety aspects of medicines); university laboratories - research and teaching; hospital work as a clinical pharmacologist involved in trials; sales and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical information and publishing. Further information on careers can be found on the British Pharmacological Society's website at www.bps.ac.uk
Thomas Carson
BSc (Hons) Applied PharmacologyThis course has been brilliant so far, covering a range of very interesting topics: biochemistry, cell biology and genetics, neuroscience; to more in-depth pharmacology-based modules such as Performance Enhancing Drugs and Molecular Pharmacology, and I have developed practical laboratory, presentation and research skills. It's great that in each year you can also pick topics of research that interest you the most, so that you can develop your understanding of key areas of biological science. A placement is not part of this course, but I decided to seek some laboratory experience to further develop my skills. I took part in a six week research project funded by Medical Research Scotland, and based at QMU, titled, Interaction of resveratrol and oestradiol in isolated arterial rings.. We were investigating if compounds found in red wine, when combined with the main female sex hormone, could relax major blood vessels and possibly reduce blood pressure. I was fully tutored and supervised throughout the whole placement by QMU staff and I really enjoyed being part of a team of laboratory researchers. I even completed a small research write-up on my findings, which was presented to the trustees of Medical Research Scotland. The placement experience has definitely strengthened my desire to pursue a career as a laboratory-based medical researcher. On the whole, I'd say that student life has been challenging, exciting, and a fun experience. I have developed my knowledge to a high level, made life-long friendships, and I have learned skills which I am sure will assist me throughout my future where I hope to work as a research scientist, developing drugs and treatment techniques for illnesses, hopefully in my main area of interest, which is neurodegenerative disease.
