Pharmacology

Programme Short Name:	BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Load (FT vs PT):	Full Time
Levels (UG, G, etc):	Undergraduate studies
Course Information:	CAO Code: DN200 BBB CAO Points Range 2015: 510 - 625 Length of Course: 4 Years DN200 Places: 402 Leaving Certificate: Passes in six subjects including English, Irish, Mathematics (Min OB3/HD3), one laboratory science subject or Applied Mathematics or Geography (Min OB3/HD3). Two of the six subjects must be minimum HC3. Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for: A-Level/GCSE Other EU Applicants Non-EU Applicants Level 5/6 FETAC Entry Routes Level 6/7 Progression Routes Mature Entry Route
Why is this course for me?	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. In the UCD Pharmacology course, students will have the opportunity to take part in drug development research.
What will I study?	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 modules 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) All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials. Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities. For detailed information on subject content click the relevant link below: First Year Second Year Third - Fourth Year
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.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities	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 Opportunity:	International study opportunities in third and fourth years to date have included: University of Melbourne, Australia San Jose State University, USA University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Student Profile	“I chose Pharmacology as I’m interested in the treatment of diseases and the many windows of discovery in this division. In school, I studied Biology and Chemistry and have always been a keen scientist so choosing Science was a ‘no-brainer’. The beauty of studying Science is the abundance of opportunities it presents and to that effect, if I don’t pursue Neuropharmacology research I may endeavour to do Graduate Medicine here at UCD. I’m currently the Third Year Pharmacology class rep which has allowed me to be involved in moulding the education of both myself and my classmates. I’m a member of UCDAC and have been involved in charity events run by UCD Science for Crumlin’s Children Hospital.” Kevin Lynch, Student
Related Programs:	Neuroscience Physiology
Pathway
Contact Information:	Dr John Crean UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research Belfield, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 716 6747 Email: john.crean@ucd.ie