Pharmacology - Undergraduate options

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 (BSc) - Pharmacology major

Students commence their study of Pharmacology with one Stage II course and no prerequisites are required.

Students wishing to proceed to Stage III Pharmacology courses must have MEDSCI 204, and al least one of MEDSCI 205, MEDSCI 206 or BIOSCI 203. The latter have Stage I prerequisites; BIOSCI 101 and MEDSCI 142 for Stage II Physiology (MEDSCI 205 and 206); and BIOSCI 101, BIOSCI 106 and 15 points from either CHEM 110 or CHEM 120 for BIOSCI 203.

Single or first major must include:

• At least 60 points from MEDSCI 303-307

Second major must include:

• At least 45 points from MEDSCI 303-307

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 a BSc 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.

For specific advice contact the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, located on Level 2 of Building 503 (85 Park Road, Grafton Campus).

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86733 or 86413
Email: pharmacology-academic@fmhs.auckland.ac.nz
Web: www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/sms/pharmacology

• How to apply
• General Education requirements for undergraduates
• Postgraduate Pharmacology