Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs and how they act on biological systems. It investigates the mechanisms by which chemical compounds interact with cells, tissues and organs to produce therapeutic effects or, when things go wrong, toxic ones. Pharmacologists contribute to the discovery and development of new medicines, the understanding of drug safety, and the improvement of existing treatments, making this a discipline that sits at the heart of one of the world's most significant industries and one of the areas of science with the most direct impact on human health and wellbeing.
At the University of Northampton, studied on a part-time basis, you will explore how drugs are designed and synthesised, how they enter, move through and exit the body, and how they interact with molecular targets including receptors, enzymes and ion channels. You will study the pharmacology of specific systems including the cardiovascular, nervous, immune and endocrine systems, developing an understanding of how drugs are used to treat the diseases that affect each. Laboratory work is central to the programme, developing your practical skills in drug analysis, cell biology and experimental design.
A sandwich year and work placements provide opportunities to apply your knowledge in professional settings, building the kind of applied experience that employers in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors value highly.
Graduates of pharmacology work across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in roles including drug discovery, preclinical research, regulatory affairs, clinical trials and pharmacovigilance. Healthcare roles in hospitals and research settings, including clinical pharmacology and medicines management, draw others. Regulatory bodies, contract research organisations and medical communications companies are further employers.
Some graduates go on to postgraduate study in pharmacology, toxicology, clinical pharmacy or medicine, deepening their scientific expertise or moving into clinical practice.