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Pharmacology - Postgraduate options
| Pharmacology - quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Taught by | Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology / Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences |
| Available as a specialisation for |
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc(Hons)) |
| Undergraduate study options in Pharmacology | |
| Further information | |
| Other specialisations you might be interested in | Medicinal Chemistry | Chemistry | Biological Sciences |
Modern pharmacology developed from the concept that particular chemicals are biologically active and can be used to modify, cure or prevent illness. In practice, this requires a detailed understanding of both how the body functions (physiologically and biochemically) and the problems which can occur (functional disturbances and pathology). By determining cellular and chemical abnormalities of the disease state, it is at least theoretically possible to design molecules to correct problems that arise. Toxicology is closely related to Pharmacology but specialises in the study of harmful effects of drugs and other chemicals on biological systems.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc(Hons)) - Pharmacology specialisation
Prerequisite: A BSc degree with at least 60 points from MEDSCI 303–307 and at least 90 points at Stage III
Requirement:
- 45 points: PHARMCOL 788 Dissertation
and
- 75 points from MEDSCI 701 or 702, MEDSCI 715–723
or - 60 points from MEDSCI 701 or 702, MEDSCI 715–723 and a further 15 points, subject to approval by the Head of Department, from 700 level courses in a related subject
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) - Pharmacology specialisation
Prerequisite: A BSc including at least 45 points from MEDSCI 303-307
Requirement:
- at least 60 points from MEDSCI 701 or 702, 715-723
- up to 60 points from other 600 or 700 level courses as approved by the Head of Department
Master of Science (MSc) - Pharmacology specialisation
Prerequisite: A BSc(Hons) or PGDipSci in Pharmacology
Requirement: Research Masters
- 120 points: PHARMCOL 796 MSc Thesis in Pharmacology
The subjects of Pharmacology and Toxicology are of great practical and commercial relevance in view of the widespread use and abuse of medicines, drugs and chemicals in modern society. Their future expansion appears assured as there remain many illnesses (AIDS, cancer, even the common cold) for which satisfactory cures have not yet been devised. In addition, industrial, chemical and pharmaceutical developments, environmental contamination, and illicit drug use will contine to present significant health hazards to the general population.
With an MSc in Pharmacology you could teach or conduct research in higher education institutions, work in the pharmaceutical industry, research and develop new medicines, conduct clinical research, work in regulatory and marketing divisions of industry, or develop chemicals. Other fields may include safety aspects of chemicals (used in food processing and agricultural industies) and the assessment of the safety of medicines, employment in hospitals, careers in medical editing, abstracting and publishing, and environmental toxicology.
For further information, refer to the Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology Handbook.
To obtain a copy of the handbook, or for specific advice contact the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, located on Level 2 of Building 503 (Grafton Campus).
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86733 or 86413
Web: www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/sms/pharmacology
