Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the science of how chemical substances interact with biological systems to produce changes in function. It encompasses the mechanisms by which drugs act on tissues and organs, how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolises, and eliminates substances, and how therapeutic agents are developed, tested, and used in clinical practice. The discipline sits at the heart of modern medicine, underpinning the development of every drug brought to market and informing the decisions clinicians make when prescribing treatment for disease.
At Teesside University, this three-year, full-time programme gives you a thorough grounding in human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry before exploring the pharmacological mechanisms that govern drug action. You will study how organ systems are regulated and how homeostasis is maintained, developing a detailed understanding of the biological context in which drugs operate. The programme introduces the major drug classes and their mechanisms, moving across the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, and immune systems, and examines how pharmacological knowledge is applied in clinical and research settings.
Alongside core pharmacological science, you will develop skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific communication that are essential for working in research, regulatory, or clinical environments.
Graduates of Pharmacology move into a wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including drug discovery, clinical trials management, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance. Many work in research laboratories in universities, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. Healthcare-related roles in pharmacy support, clinical research, and medical science liaising are also common paths.
Others go on to postgraduate study in pharmacology, biochemistry, clinical pharmacology, toxicology, or medicine, building the specialist expertise needed for research or senior scientific positions. The combination of biological understanding and analytical skill the degree develops is genuinely versatile.