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Gilmorehill Campus

Content

Year 1: In your first year you will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.

You will also study two other subjects in year 1 according to your interests: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2: In second year, you will be introduced to the study of human physiology, human anatomy, pharmacology and neuroscience. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of other courses.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2 according to your interests: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4: If you progress to Honours (third and fourth years) you will study the principles on which pharmacology is based, the effects and mechanisms of action of the major drugs, and undertake specialised study of molecular, cardiovascular and neuropharmacology.

The strength of this programme is its integrated nature, as it incorporates the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry into pharmacology.

As part of the programme you may participate in a full research project; have the opportunity to take part in a work placement within the pharmaceutical industry either during the course or in a summer research placement.

Our third-year course will introduce you to the basic principles of quantitative pharmacology and provide you with basic practical skills and an introduction to laboratory techniques.

The fourth-year course consists of a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff; four advanced level Honours option courses lasting five weeks each; review lectures and seminars.

The project gives you a real opportunity to contribute to the development of the subject and the results sometimes contribute to scientific publications.

By the end of your final year you should be thoroughly familiar with all aspects of drug action as well as being able to originate ideas and hypotheses for new experiments, and to design and execute a series of experiments to test them.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

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

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

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