This is a sample pathway for a degree in Pharmacology. Topics include drug kinetics in the body, drug action on body systems, treatment of disease, biomedical sciences, biopharmaceuticals and new drug development.

First Year

Biology • Chemistry • Mathematics • Optional Science modules • Elective module

Second Year

Pharmacology • + 2 other Science subjects • Elective modules

Third Year

Pharmacology • Elective modules

Fourth Year

Pharmacology (includes a research project in topics such as cancer treatment, cardiovascular disease, neuropharmacology and drug discovery).

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.

Career opportunities for Pharmacology graduates include working in:

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Drug regulatory bodies, such as the Irish Medicines Board
• 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.

International Study Opportunities

International study opportunities in third and fourth years to date have included:

• University of Melbourne, Australia
• University of Washington, Seattle
• University of Copenhagen, Denmark 

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.

"Pharmacology is at the forefront of both biological and medical research. The course is very interactive and hands on. In Third Year, we broke into smaller class sizes, allowing us to really engage with academic staff. We had three to four labs a week that really enforced different aspects of lab skills necessary for the real-world research setting of Pharmacology. After working in the clinical research area of drug regulation and safety in clinical trials for a couple of years, I then moved onto directly working in paediatric clinical trials on site hospitals. I work directly with a Cystic Fibrosis multidisciplinary team carrying out phase III clinical trials."

Courtney Greene, Graduate