Overview

Understanding how medicines act on the body, and why they sometimes fail, sits at the heart of modern healthcare and scientific discovery. The BSc (Hons) Pharmacology course at the University of Lancashire explores how drugs are developed and how they interact with the human body in both health and disease. Students build a solid scientific foundation before moving into more specialised areas in the final year. Practical learning takes place in laboratory facilities, giving students direct experience of the techniques used in the field. Complimentary student membership of the British Pharmacological Society connects learners with the wider professional community, and students are encouraged to attend the society's annual conference. In the final year, a module includes attendance at a fully funded, internationally recognised pharmacology conference. The course suits those curious about drug design and the biology of disease, and it prepares graduates for roles in industry or for further postgraduate study and research.

What You'll Learn

How drugs are designed, tested and developed

The functioning of the human body and the biological changes that occur in disease

Neuropharmacology and the effects of drugs on the nervous system

Behavioural pharmacology and how drugs influence behaviour

Current and future approaches to cancer treatment

Drugs of abuse and their effects

Laboratory techniques used in drug testing and research

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will understand how drugs work at several levels, from their action on the body's biological systems through to their effects on behaviour and their role in treating disease. They will be able to critically evaluate current research and apply pharmacological principles to real issues such as cancer treatment and substance misuse. Laboratory work will develop practical skills in drug testing and research, while attendance at a professional conference will strengthen their awareness of developments in the field and their ability to engage with the wider scientific community. Final-year study in neuropharmacology, behavioural pharmacology, cancer therapies and drugs of abuse allows students to focus on the areas that interest them most. Graduates will be equipped to pursue work in drug testing, research and design within the pharmaceutical industry, or to progress to postgraduate study and research in academic settings.