Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the science of how drugs interact with biological systems. It asks how chemical compounds enter the body, how they act on cells, tissues and organs, and how those actions can be harnessed to treat disease. Pharmacologists work at the boundary of chemistry, physiology and medicine, combining laboratory science with clinical thinking to understand both the therapeutic potential of drugs and the risks that arise from their use.

At the University of Southampton, this programme addresses some of the most pressing challenges in drug development, from bacterial resistance and viral disease to cancer, mental health conditions and cardiovascular medicine. You will study the mechanisms by which drugs produce their effects, including receptor pharmacology, enzyme inhibition, ion channel modulation and molecular targets for drug action. You will also explore how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and excreted, and how these processes vary between individuals and patient groups.

The programme includes a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you substantial experience in a research, clinical or industrial setting and the opportunity to apply your pharmacological knowledge in a professional environment.

Southampton's research strength in pharmacology and biomedical science means you will be taught by and work alongside researchers actively engaged in discovering and characterising new drugs. Laboratory and data analysis skills are developed throughout, and you will gain experience of the experimental approaches and computational tools that underpin modern drug research.

Graduates go on to careers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research organisations, regulatory affairs, hospitals and healthcare, academic research and science communication. The discipline also provides a strong foundation for further study in medicine, dentistry or postgraduate research, as well as for professional training in pharmacy.