What's the difference between Pharmacy & Pharmacology?
Although Pharmacists and Pharmacologists work in the same field their roles and responsibilities are different therefore so are our courses. Here you can compare the courses and the careers that they can lead to. Both fields offer rewarding careers, but the pathway students take will depend on whether they are more interested in clinical practice and patient interaction (Pharmacy) or scientific discovery and laboratory research (Pharmacology).
Pharmacy: A Patient-Centred Healthcare Profession
Pharmacy is a healthcare profession that trains students to become pharmacists, who are responsible for the safe and effective use of medicines. Pharmacists work directly with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure medications are used correctly, advising on prescriptions, dosages, and side effects.
Pharmacy graduates usually become licensed pharmacists, working directly with patients in hospitals, community pharmacies, or the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines.
In order to become a Pharmacist you will need to undertake an MPharm degree, then foundation year training and a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Registration exam.
Students focus on the comprehensive journey of medicines, studying drug action, delivery, discovery, and management. The curriculum emphasizes the relationship between chemicals and patients, ensuring that the patient's needs and safety are at the forefront of pharmaceutical practice.
Pharmacy students have a patient-focused education. Students participate in placements in real pharmacy settings and simulated environments, alongside workshops, tutorials, and lectures. The curriculum includes laboratory classes and a variety of assessments, such as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), exams, coursework, and a reflective portfolio to enhance practical skills and critical thinking.
Pharmacology: The Science of How Drugs Work
Pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs, focusing on how they interact with biological systems. Pharmacologists work to understand how drugs are developed, their mechanisms of action, side effects, and potential therapeutic applications.
Pharmacologists enjoy a highly varied career, often starting in laboratory settings, though opportunities exist outside the lab as well. Many pharmacologists begin their careers in academic research or within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Their roles may also extend to science communication and public engagement, science policy, and regulatory affairs. Additionally, pharmacologists can contribute to clinical research and participate in NHS health technology assessments, playing a crucial role in evaluating and implementing new treatments.
Pharmacology focuses on the study of drug action, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology. The program emphasises understanding how drugs interact with biological systems and the effects they have on health, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience.
The Pharmacology program is typically a three-year BSc that emphasizes a strong scientific foundation. Students engage in laboratory classes for practical experience, complemented by lectures, workshops, and tutorials. Assessments consist of exams, coursework, and practical evaluations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Here's a quick overview of our courses so that you can compare and find the right fit for you.
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If you have any questions about the course, our lecturers are on hand to help. Below are some examples of frequently asked questions. Can you think of any more?
- What are the qualities of a successful Pharmacology student at Bangor?
- How can I prepare myself to study Pharmacology at Bangor?
- How will I know that Pharmacology at Bangor is the right choice for me?