Overview

Understanding how drugs interact with the human body sits at the heart of treating conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's and asthma, making pharmacology a field with genuine potential to improve millions of lives. The BSc (Hons) Pharmacology at the University of Portsmouth deepens students' chemistry and biology knowledge as they explore how substances from painkillers to caffeine alter the body, taught alongside researchers actively working to understand disease. Students gain hands-on laboratory experience using specialist facilities such as the Pharmaceutics Laboratories and Electron Microscopy Unit, with opportunities for lab-based work experience, a sandwich placement year, or a summer research placement abroad. The course suits students with a genuine interest in drug discovery and disease treatment, backed by accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.

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What You'll Learn

• The biological and chemical principles underpinning how drugs interact with the body

• Cell and organ structure, biochemical and genetic mechanisms relevant to pharmacology

• The drug development process, from initial discovery through clinical trials and regulation

• A systems-based approach to pharmacology, covering the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine and nervous systems

• Clinical pharmacology and personalised medicine, including emerging targeted therapies

• Advanced topics in molecular pharmacology, drug discovery and gene delivery

• Laboratory and research methods for drug discovery, including data analysis and computational tools

• An independent research project, with the option to complete it abroad through a partner university

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to explain how drugs act at the molecular, cellular and whole-body level, and apply this understanding to major physiological systems and disease states. They will be equipped to critically evaluate current and emerging therapeutic strategies, from clinical pharmacology to personalised medicine. Through extensive laboratory work and an independent research project, students will develop strong practical, analytical and scientific communication skills. Graduates will leave with a Royal Society of Biology-accredited, research-informed understanding of pharmacology, well prepared for careers spanning drug development, regulatory affairs, medical writing and further postgraduate study.