Pharmacology Stage 2 (PHC2)

Pharmacology is one of the degree subjects available through the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in the common entry Science course. Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Pharmacology student could study each year in UCD.

First Year
Scientific Enquiry • Cell Biology & Genetics • Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry • Biomedical Sciences • Biology in Action • Life on Earth • Linear Algebra for Science • Calculus for Science • Optional Science Modules • Elective Module

Second Year
Biomolecular Lab Skills • Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology • Biomolecular Sciences • Pharmacology: Biomedical Science of Drugs • Chemistry for Biologists • + modules for 2 other Science Subjects • Elective Modules

Third Year
Cell Signalling • Chemotherapeutic Agents • Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative & Psychiatric Illness • Data Modelling for Science • Drug Action in Body Systems • Toxicology • Advanced Nervous System Pharmacology • Molecular Pharmacology • Optional Science Modules • Elective Modules

Fourth Year
Research Project • Advanced Cardiovascular Pharmacology • Advanced Neuropharmacology • Advanced Pharmacology of Cancer • Gene Regulation • Emerging therapies • Drug Discovery & Development • Advanced Renal Pharmacology

Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Professional Work Experience
A limited number of opportunities exist in second and third year to gain additional laboratory experience during the summer. Funded schemes are organised by public and private bodies, e.g. the Irish Health Research Board and The Wellcome Trust (UK). In addition, occasional opportunities arise within individual research groups.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

International study opportunities in third and fourth year to date have included univerisities in Australia, USA and Denmark including University of Melbourne, University of Washington, Seattle, and University of Copenhagen.

Students have an opportunity to undertake an industry research placement for 6 months commencing in the Summer following Third Year (i.e. June-December). Assessment is based on a thesis, oral presentations and a laboratory report.

Students in recent years have completed internships in the Teva Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer and Alexion.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

Career opportunities for Pharmacology graduates include working in pharmaceutical companies, drug regulatory bodies such as the Irish Medicines Board, the biotechnology sector, chemical safety and toxicology. Pharmacology graduates can also pursue graduate studies at MSc or PhD level. PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad cover areas such as drug development and biomedical science.

By studying an undergraduate degree in the Science programme, you will be joining a global community of scientists and will be taught by world-class researchers at the forefront of research in one of the most innovative and diverse programmes in Ireland, encompassing biology, sustainability, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics and computer science. Faculty who teach on the Science programme draw on their research to provide an inclusive and equitable education for scientists who will be leaders and innovators in a range of industries and research institutes working towards a sustainable and equitable future. 

The curriculum is informed by the following research:

• Exploring and understanding the processes that drive and can mitigate and enable adaptation to global change from evolutionary, environmental and social perspectives at levels ranging from molecular and genetic to individual, ecosystem and landscape

• Translating fundamental discoveries to a greater understanding of health and disease, with the ultimate aim of informing novel drug discovery

• Performing fundamental and applied research with a focus on current societal challenges including the energy transition, environmental change, geohazards and access to natural resources

The College of Science offers a range of degree subjects within the Science and Sustainability common entry courses that embed sustainability principles and are working towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Good Health and Well-being (SGD 3)
• Quality Education (SDG 4)
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SGD 7)
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SGD 11)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SGD 12)
• Life Below Water (SDG 14)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) in their education where most relevant.

Pharmacology is a prominent and distinguished discipline in the realm of biomedical research, offering an interactive and practical field of study. Neuropharmacology and the drug development pipeline are two key disciplines that have always fascinated me, and as part of my final year research project, I had the opportunity to conduct my own research in epilepsy, as well as pursue an internship at the Conway Institute in third year within the same area. After I graduated, I pursued an MSc Biotechnology & Business, furthering my interest in the business side of pharmaceuticals. I hope to work in clinical trials involving neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders in the near future.
Fatima Butt, Graduate