Venues

Gilmorehill Campus

Content

Year 1
You will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and taught general scientific skills.

Year 2
.In semester 1, you will develop your knowledge of fundamental aspects of biology. In semester 2, you will be introduced to specialist subject areas according to your interests (for example animal biology; biomolecular sciences; human biology; infection biology).

Years 3, 4 and 5
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will study the principles of pharmacology and the effects and mechanisms of the major drugs, and undertake specialised study of molecular, cardiovascular and neuro-pharmacology. In year 3, you will learn the basic principles of quantitative pharmacology, practical skills and laboratory techniques.

The final year course includes a core course, three ten-week Honours option courses and a research project with the results sometimes contributing to scientific publications. By the end of the final year you should be familiar with all aspects of drug action and be able to originate hypotheses for new experiments, and to design and execute experiments to test them.

You can take Pharmacology as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year, between year 3 and the final year of the degree, normally doing research in industry or a research institute in the UK or overseas.

The available final-year optional courses may change each year and you are not guaranteed a place on a particular option.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

Standard entry: 5 Highers at AAAAA (by end S6 with min ABBB after S5) including Biology or Chemistry (1 at A).

Entry to year 2 may be possible with 3 Advanced Highers at AAA including Biology and Chemistry plus Highers at ABBB.

Widening access entry: 4 Highers at AABB or BBBB (by end S6) including Biology or Chemistry. Completion of pre-entry programme is necessary.