About This Course
Pharmacology is the study of how medicines work and how they affect us. Pharmacologists contribute greatly to medicine through the discovery of new treatments. A Pharmacology BSc degree will provide you with the opportunity for an innovative and exciting career in discovering and testing new drugs or conducting research through clinical trials. This Pharmacology BSc degree will prepare you for a career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry or in academic research.
The Pharmacology BSc is designed to equip you with science-based skills and knowledge in medicines and how they work, as well as how they are used, and assessed for their effectiveness and value. The course combines different forms of teaching that cover the principles of pharmacology, cancer and cardiovascular pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacoeconomics, and many other topic areas. You will study how drugs are discovered, trialled in humans, and assessed by organisations such as regulatory authorities and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
This Pharmacology BSc will enable you to develop, integrate and apply your knowledge at the interface of scientific discovery and clinical practice. Your rich understanding of the whole pathway for medicines, from the basic sciences to policy, will provide skills for various career opportunities, including large and small pharmaceutical and biotech industries, healthcare organisations and academic research. With an upper second class Honours, you would be eligible to apply for Graduate Entry Medicine at almost all UK medical schools who offer this.
You will be taught within Bangor University’s School of Medical and Health Sciences by academics who are leading researchers in their fields. You will have access to a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, lecture theatres and IT infrastructure. The course will be delivered using a blended approach, using face-to-face and dispersed teaching methods. You will also gain practical experience through work-based placements in a range of local settings. These will include, for example, companies involved in the manufacture of medicines, genetic tests and wound care products, as well as clinical research facilities. Throughout these placements, you will receive mentorship from trained supervisors.
Why Choose Bangor University for this course?
- This Pharmacology BSc will enable you to develop, integrate and apply your knowledge at the interface of scientific discovery and clinical practice.
- You will gain an understanding of the whole pathway for medicines, from the basic sciences, through medical use and pharmaceutical policy
- The degree includes a wide range of biomedical modules that provides a comprehensive basis for the study of how drugs work
- Topic areas including pharmacoeconomics and health technology assessment are unique to Bangor
- There is an opportunity for laboratory, desktop or placement-based research project, or a choice from a selection of optional modules in the final year.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Careers and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch.
This course is available with an International Experience Year option where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year. You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons. With international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinations and partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on the Student Exchanges section of our website.
Course Content
The degree is delivered using teaching methods that include lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory sessions, individual project; and involve work-based placement opportunities in a range of local settings. These include, for example, companies involved in the manufacture of medicines, as well as an NHS clinical research facility. Throughout these placements, students will receive mentorship from trained supervisors.
Assessment methods ensure balance and variety in methods, including unseen examination, essays, practical report, practical test, poster presentation, paper review, multiple-choice questions, reflection & critical thinking, tutorial exercise and dissertation.
What will you study on this course?
This Pharmacology BSc covers the principles of pharmacology, cancer and cardiovascular pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacoeconomics, and many other topic areas. The degree ensures clinical relevance, by placing importance on medical applications, personalised medicine and drug safety. Students will study how drugs are discovered, trialled in humans, and assessed by organisations such as regulatory authorities and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Facilities
Students will have access to a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, lecture theatres and IT infrastructure.
Medical Sciences facilities
- We have a suite of recently refurbished laboratories in the Brambell Building. Most of our lab work takes place in labs A1, B1 and C4, which have state-of-the-art audio-visual systems so you can follow in detail what is being demonstrated. We also have a Cat 2 specialist laboratory, used for work with medium-risk biological agents and hazards, and genetically modified organisms.
- You’ll use a range of equipment while working in these labs, including: scales, centrifuges, spectrometers and specialist equipment.
- Final year research project students may have access to expertise and facilities in the well-equipped North West Cancer Research Institute. Apart from essential laboratory equipment (centrifuges, incubators, etc.), state-of-the-art equipment includes confocal microscopes, a flow cytometer, a high-throughput screening robot, access to mass spectrometry and high throughput DNA sequencing facilities etc.
- Our new human anatomy suite will be completed by 2022, and will incorporate cutting-edge technology such as an Anatomage table, the world’s first virtual dissection table. We anticipate it will be used by BMedSci Medical Sciences undergraduates as well as students on our Physician Associate MA and the C21 North Graduate Entry to Medicine degree that's delivered entirely in north Wales by Bangor University in partnership with Cardiff’s Medical School.
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Entry Requirements
GCSE: Grade C/4 in Maths and Science required, if not demonstrated by the Level 3 qualification.
Offers are tariff based, 120-136 tariff points from Level 3 qualification(s) e.g:
- A Levels: Including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, with a grade B in Biology or Chemistry. Key Skills and General Studies not accepted
- BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDM-DDD (Biology and Chemistry modules required)
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DDM-DDD (Biology and Chemistry modules required)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass required (Including Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level)
- Access: Pass required in Science or Bioscience diplomas, as they provide the necessary pre-requisite knowledge
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- EPQ: Points can include an Extended Project (EPQ) in a relevant subject, but must include a minimum 2 full A-levels, or equivalent
- T-levels: considered on a case-by case basis.
We are happy to accept combinations of the qualifications listed above, as well as alternative Level 3 qualifications. We also welcome applications from mature learners. Mature applicants and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit.
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications that are equivalent to A Levels/ Level 3 and/or college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements).
GCSE: Grade C/4 in Maths and Science required, if not demonstrated by the Level 3 qualification.
Offers are tariff based, 120-136 tariff points from Level 3 qualification(s) e.g:
- A Levels: Including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, with a grade B in Biology or Chemistry. Key Skills and General Studies not accepted
- BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDM-DDD (Biology and Chemistry modules required)
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DDM-DDD (Biology and Chemistry modules required)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass required (Including Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level)
- Access: Pass required in Science or Bioscience diplomas, as they provide the necessary pre-requisite knowledge
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- EPQ: Points can include an Extended Project (EPQ) in a relevant subject, but must include a minimum 2 full A-levels, or equivalent
- T-levels: considered on a case-by case basis.
We are happy to accept combinations of the qualifications listed above, as well as alternative Level 3 qualifications. We also welcome applications from mature learners. Mature applicants and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit.
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications that are equivalent to A Levels/ Level 3 and/or college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements).
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy, we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Bangor section of the website.
EU and International Students' Entry Requirements
For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
Careers
Pharmacologists typically have careers in academia, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, and contract research organisations, where they are employed as Scientists, Clinical Research Associates, and involved in drug discovery and development, the licensing of medicines, regulatory affairs, marketing, science communication, teaching, public engagement and science policy.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.
Internships
Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.
Student Volunteering
Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website.
Foundation Year
A 'with Foundation Year' option is available for this course. Apply for Pharmacology (with Foundation Year).
What is a Foundation Year course?
If you don’t have the required qualifications for the degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you.
The Foundation Year is an excellent introduction to studying this subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to go on to study this course at degree-level.
When you have successfully completed the Foundation Year, you can progress on to the first year of this degree-level course.
