Pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs and their action on biological systems, ranging from genes and cells up to tissues and even human populations. A drug is any substance given to a human or animal with the intention of changing the state of body function: to relieve pain, treat cancer, eliminate infection or improve health. Pharmacology is also concerned with the use of drugs as investigative tools to obtain a better understanding of cellular and physiological processes in both health and disease. At UCD, Pharmacology students will have the opportunity to take part in drug development research.

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. 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
• 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

For detailed information on subject content click here

You may be interested in the following blog post: Why did I pick Pharmacology in UCD?

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

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

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.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
  
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  
• University Access
  

Associate Professor Carmel Hensey
UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Email: askscience@ucd.ie