Overview

Understanding how drugs work at a molecular level, and how they can be used to improve global health, sits at the heart of pharmacology, a discipline distinct from the patient-facing focus of pharmacy. The BSc (Hons) Pharmacology at the University of Bath teaches the subject from day one, rather than starting with a general core science year, giving students two full years of specialist knowledge and practical experience before their placement or research project. Students train in dedicated pharmacology teaching labs designed to reflect real industry settings, developing skills across organic and analytical chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and pharmaceutics. Teaching is delivered by active researchers and industry experts working on drug and target discovery, medicines design and their route to market, ensuring the curriculum reflects the latest techniques in the field. Students are encouraged to become undergraduate members of the British Pharmacological Society and to present at its annual conference, while small group tutorials and one-to-one academic advisor meetings provide close support throughout. The course suits students who love laboratory work and want a strong grounding in health and disease, without necessarily working in a clinical or patient-facing role. It particularly suits those aiming for a research career in pharmaceutical discovery or drug development, with the option to add a professional placement year.

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What You'll Learn

• Fundamentals of pharmacology, covering health and disease, the chemistry of drugs, and the science of medicines

• Research and scientific skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis

• Cardiovascular, renal and peripheral nervous system pharmacology

• Central nervous system pharmacology and its clinical relevance

• Drug discovery processes and pharmacokinetics

• Immunity and immunotherapy

• Molecular pharmacology, exploring drug action at a cellular level

• Advanced topics and trends in pharmacology, alongside a substantial final-year data project

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply strong foundations in chemistry, biology and the physical sciences to specific problems in drug discovery and pharmacology. They will be equipped to design experiments, collect and analyse data, and communicate scientific findings clearly, having built these skills progressively from the very first year. Through a substantial final-year data project and specialist study across cardiovascular, nervous and immune system pharmacology, students will develop the practical laboratory and research skills used throughout the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates will leave with a strong, industry-informed understanding of pharmacology, well prepared for careers in pharmaceutical research or drug development, or for further postgraduate study through a PhD or other research pathway.