BSc in
Pharmacology and Physiology BSc Honours University of Westminster
Post graduate open evening
Wednesday 1st March 2023 - On campus or online - 5:30-7PM (GMT)
Introduction
Pharmacology and physiology are two closely related disciplines. Pharmacology is the study of drug action and how medicines may modify disease states. Physiology is concerned with how the body and its systems are controlled and in the changes that lead to disease states (pathophysiology).
This course will provide you with a sound understanding of the biological action of drugs and other biomolecules at the whole-body, tissue, cellular and sub-cellular levels and their uses as medicines for the treatment of disease. It provides an ideal grounding for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or other areas of biomedical research, academia, the Scientific Civil Service and healthcare provision.
Opportunities exist for you to enhance your practical and related transferable skills within our research laboratories. Teaching is informed by high-quality research in relevant cognate areas within the department.
In addition, new students will benefit from our use of the APOLLO Patient Care Simulator platform as an exciting novel teaching tool.
The Pharmacology and Physiology BSc will enable you to acquire a broad understanding of the normal and abnormal physiological functions, including the biology of representative disease states.
You'll become proficient in explaining and applying information about the mode of therapeutic action, undesirable and toxic effects, absorption, distribution and elimination of exemplar drugs. You'll also develop the problem-solving skills and research strategies necessary to evaluate, critically appraise and systematically review pharmacology and physiology.
The learning and teaching strategies include a mixture of formal contacts – such as large and small group lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practical sessions and demonstrations – as well as independent work and online support activities.
Top reasons to study with us
- Build a successful career – this course will give you the knowledge and skills for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or other areas of biomedical research.
- Make the most of our facilities – develop your skills in our fully equipped laboratories, and benefit from our APOLLO Patient Care Simulator platform.
- Learn from our expert teaching staff – teaching is informed by high-quality research, delivering the forefront of current and cutting-edge science to students.
Why study this course?
- Student satisfaction
96% of our students agreed with the statement, "Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of the course".
Source: Discover Uni (Accessed November 2020) - Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). - Forward-thinking learning
You'll study key bioscience and applied biomedical disciplines, with a particular focus on new and emerging technologies.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Career Opportunities
- Develop a successful career
This course provides an ideal grounding for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical research, the Scientific Civil Service and healthcare provision. - Outstanding facilities
Students can make the most of our facilities, including fully-equipped research laboratories and our APOLLO Patient Care Simulator platform. - Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Career development
Graduates of our Pharmacology and Physiology BSc can expect to acquire the core skills required for employment in a variety of settings. Typically, these might include careers in the pharmaceutical industry or other areas of biomedical research, scientific writing, academia, the Scientific Civil Service, Clinical Research bodies and hospital departments.
The course also prepares students for further study (MSc, MRes, DPhil, PhD) and careers in academia.
Graduate employers
Graduate pharmacologists and physiologists have an excellent understanding of key bioscience and applied biomedical subjects and are able to seek careers in:
- NHS and other healthcare bodies
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Scientific journalism and copywriting
- Drug policy, regulation and pharmacovigilance
Job roles
The course prepares graduates for job roles, including:
- Clinical trials associates
- Graduate research or management trainees in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Teachers, with expertise in the teaching of the Biological Sciences (after successful completion of a suitable PG teaching qualification)
- Research scientists (following completion of the study to MSc, MRes or PhD level)
- Many of our graduates also progress to postgraduate education, research degrees and graduate entry into medicine (including MSc, MPhil/PhD, MBBS)
Admissions
Curriculum
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Year 1
Subjects of study include:
- Applications of Biological Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biological Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Pharmacology
- Human Physiology
- Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)
- Science: History Philosophy and Practice
Credit Level 4
Year 2
Subjects of study include:
- Bioinformatics
- Contemporary Global Challenges in Biology
- Experimental and Therapeutic Pharmacology
- Medical Physiology
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Research Methods
Credit Level 5
Placement Year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in the industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award of Bachelor of Science with Honours – Pharmacology and Physiology with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award of Bachelor of Science with Honours – Pharmacology and Physiology with International Experience.
Year 3
Subjects of study include:
- Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
- Drug Discovery: Bench to Bedside
- Final Year Project in Life Sciences
- Global Ethics
- Neuropharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Drug Design and Development
Credit Level 5
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in a semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
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Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Program Leaders
English Language Requirements
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