Pharmacology and Molecular Genetics

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the human body, while genetics is the study of the structure and function of genes and genomes – the genome is the entire genetic material of an organism – in order to understand how they determine inherited characteristics.

Genomics is a powerful tool in the study of human genetic variation: the small differences in alleles between individuals can affect their characteristics and health. It is closely related to the term 'pharmacogenetics' which is the study of variation of a drug's effectiveness and toxicity between individuals in relation to variation in their genome. Genomics also comes into play in the term 'toxicogenomics' in which changes in gene expression are investigated as a means of classifying and understanding the harm produced by toxic substances.

This joint honours course combines two important disciplines and will enable you to contribute to these rapidly growing fields, or to pursue career opportunities in biomedicine and medicine.

This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year one’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology; Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics. Once you have successfully completed year one, you can choose to switch to any other course within this suite.

Alternatively, in year one you can apply to transfer to one of our four-year MSci courses: Biochemistry MSci; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience MSci. In year three you can apply to transfer to the four-year Integrated Pharmacology and Physiology for Research MSci.

In year two you may also choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, or to undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer.

Teaching

Teaching on this course takes place in lectures, seminars and tutorials and through practical laboratory work. The rest of your time will be spent on self-study, including reading, research and writing assignments.

If you choose an extra-mural placement this will be assessed through a written dissertation and a poster presentation and which will be deemed equivalent to 60 credits at level 6 (the normal level of year 3 study).

Study abroad

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities, which currently include:

The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden
The University of Melbourne, Australia
National University of Singapore
The University of California
The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
This is a competitive process and you may be required to fulfil additional entry requirements for this option.

Extra-mural year

Alternatively, you may apply for an extra-mural year, to be taken between the second and third years if selected. Students apply directly to placement providers through a process facilitated by the university. Placements, either in the UK or overseas, may be in a pharmaceutical company, a government research establishment or academic research institute. courses incorporating the extra-mural year are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Integrated Pharmacology & Physiology for Research MSci

During year three you can apply to transfer to the four-year MSci Integrated Pharmacology and Physiology for Research, on which you will be required to take a 90-credit research project usually at an external industrial provider within the UK during your fourth year.

A contribution by the university is given to cover additional living costs during the project up to a maximum of £2,000.

Course accreditation
In recognition of its focus on research and academic excellence, our Pharmacology and Molecular Genetics with extra-mural year BSc has been given Degree Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology.