Prospective Students
Medical Pharmacology (BSc)
UCAS Code:
- B210 BSc/MPh (3 yrs) Science Route
- B213 Bsc/MPh (3 yrs) Medical route
3 years (Full-time) / n/a (Part-time) / n/a (Distance / E-Learning)
Medical Pharmacology is the study of how drugs and medicines work at the cellular and molecular level to produce their useful (and sometimes harmful) effects in man. To be able to safely use a drug we need to understand not only the chemistry of the drug itself, but also the physiology, biochemistry and genetics of the individual receiving that drug. As such, Medical Pharmacology is at the heart of modern medicine.
The course is a modular 3-year Honours B.Sc. degree programme run by the Department of Pharmacology, Radiology and Oncology of Cardiff University School of Medicine. In your first year, you will follow a common programme with the first year Biomedical Science students of Cardiff University School of Biosciences. This provides you with a broad scientific base centred on biochemistry, biomolecular science, human biology and pharmacology that will give you a firm foundation for your subsequent years of study.
The second year will provide you with a thorough grounding in pharmacology with modules that provide a systematic review of the major drug groups. Emphasis will be placed on the experimental basis of the subject. You will undertake practical modules in research techniques and in techniques specific to pharmacology and to biochemistry.
In your final year you will take a selection of modules that reflect the School of Medicine’s strengths in research. Further training in research skills and critical evaluation of scientific literature is provided, and you will carry out, write up and present an original piece of research.
B213 Bsc/Mph (3 yrs medical route)
At the end of the first year, if you choose to take the "medical route", you will be eligible for possible entry to year 2 of the Cardiff University MBBCh course. Importantly to study Medicine via this route you must first complete your Medical Pharmacology degree. Students aiming to enter directly in to Medicine must select to study alternative modules in Human Anatomy and Health in Society as their optional modules in year 2. B213 students must maintain a high level of attainment throughout their B.Sc. course and meet the separate criteria for admission to the MBBCh course.
Following completion of their 3-year Honours degree, some graduates undertake further postgraduate training for biomedical research in academia or the private sector, whilst others pursue careers within the Pharmaceutical Industry or other biomedically orientated fields. Up to 10 students who have successfully completed the medical route of the course and satisfied the appropriate additional entry requirements may enter the second year of the Cardiff University MBBCh course and go on to train as medical doctors.
Typical Offer
ABB/AAB
Entry Requirements
GCSE Maths and English or Welsh language both at grade B or higher. Three subjects at A-Level including Chemistry at grade B or higher and at least one other science (from Biology, Human Biology, Physics or Mathematics) subject.
Alternative Entry Requirements
Applications from those offering alternative/vocational/overseas qualifications (eg Access, Vocational A-level) are welcome as are those who may have combinations of qualifications or other relevant work/life experience.
Detailed Admissions Criteria
Please click here for a full list of entry requirements and admissions criteria for this degree programme.
Next intake: September each year
School Contact
Name: Dr Derek Lang Admissions Tutor
Telephone: 029 2074 2058
Fax: 029 2074 8316
Email: LangD@cardiff.ac.uk
School Website:
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/medic/