Course Overview
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Pharmacology and physiology are two closely related disciplines. Pharmacology is the study of drug action and how medicines may modify disease states. Physiology is concerned with how the body and its systems are controlled, and in the changes that lead to disease states (pathophysiology).
The course will provide you with a sound understanding of the biological action of drugs and other biomolecules at the whole-body, tissue, cellular and sub-cellular levels, and their uses as medicines for the treatment of disease. It provides an ideal grounding for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or other areas of biomedical research, academia, the Scientific Civil Service and healthcare provision.
Opportunities exist for you to enhance your practical and related transferable skills within our research laboratories. Teaching is informed by high-quality research, in relevant cognate areas, within the Faculty.
In addition, new students will benefit from our use of the APOLLO Patient Care Simulator platform, as an exciting novel teaching tool.
The Pharmacology and Physiology BSc Honours will enable you to acquire a broad understanding of the normal and abnormal physiological function, including the biology of representative disease states.
You will become proficient in explaining and applying information about the mode of therapeutic action, undesirable and toxic effects, absorption, distribution and elimination of exemplar drugs. You will also develop the problem-solving skills and research strategies necessary to evaluate, critically appraise and systematically review pharmacology and physiology.
The learning and teaching strategies include a mixture of formal contact – such as large and small group lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practical sessions and demonstrations – as well as independent work and online support activities.
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
To help you make an informed decision, you can have a look at how marks have been calculated and study time has been distributed on this course in the past.
Subjects of study include:
- Application of Biological Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biological Chemistry
- Botany
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Pharmacology
- Human Physiology
- Science: History, Philosophy and Practice
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Bioinformatics
- Contemporary Global Issues
- Medical Physiology
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Physiological Networks
- Research Methods
- Systems Pharmacology
Credit Level 5
Subjects of study include:
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Advanced Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Cancer Biology
- Clinical Neuropharmacology
- Drug Discovery with Immunopharmacology
- Global Ethics
- Research Project
- Topics in Neuroscience
- Work Experience and Career Management Skills
Credit Level 5
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Westminster Plus Electives
As part of your course you may be able to take elective modules. Electives are an exciting opportunity to widen your experience at university and to gain skills and knowledge that will help make you more employable.
Find out about Westminster Plus Electives.
Course Leader
Dr Christopher Biggs
Senior Lecturer
Chris graduated from King’s College London with BSc Pharmacology in 1990, and spent a further nine years at UCL School of Pharmacy, both as doctoral student and postgraduate researcher. Chris joined the University of Westminster in 1999, and from that time on, has worked alongside his colleagues to build the course we offer you now. Aside from his course leadership role, Chris is a key member of the teaching team and delivers a diverse range of high quality, innovative learning material in Pharmacology and Physiology.
I am interested in the novel mechanisms of action for existing antiepileptic drugs.
Course Team
Entry Requirements
Typical offer
One of the following (or an equivalent qualification):
- A levels – BBC to include two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths
- International Baccalaureate – 26 points to include a minimum of 4 in two Higher Level science subjects
- Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma – DMM/D*D* in Applied Science
- Access to HE Diploma in Science – Pass with 45 credits at Level 3 with a minimum of 27 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction with at least a Merit in all Biology or Chemistry modules
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSEs – minimum grade 4 in Maths and English (grade C in grading system prior to 2017)
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each element.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
Typical offer
-
International Baccalaureate – 26 points to include a minimum of 4 in two Higher Level science subjects
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each element.
More information
International Foundation course
We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London to provide Foundation Certificate courses for international students who don’t meet our Bachelor’s degree entry requirements. Find out how to apply for the Foundation Certificate course.
Careers
Graduate Pharmacologists and Physiologists have an excellent understanding of key bioscience and applied biomedical subjects, and are able to seek careers in:
- NHS and other healthcare bodies
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Scientific journalism and copywriting
- Teaching (after gaining an appropriate postgraduate qualification)
- Drug policy, regulation and pharmacovigilance
- Postgraduate education, research and graduate entry medicine (including MSc, MPhil/PhD, MBBS)
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
With a growing network of over 3,000 employers around the world and a team of experienced careers consultants, we provide you with a variety of opportunities to work and develop new skills. As a University of Westminster student, you’ll have access to our services throughout your studies and after you graduate.
We can help you:
• find work placements, graduate jobs or voluntary experience related to your course
• discover international opportunities to enhance your employability
• write effective CVs and application forms
• develop your interview and enterprise skills
• plan your career with our career consultants
• gain insights into your chosen industry through mentoring
• meet employers and explore your career options at our employer fairs, careers presentations and networking events
Find out more about the Careers and Employability Service.
Find out more about other employability initiatives at the University of Westminster.
Fees and Funding
UK and EU tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £13,400 (Price per academic year)
The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Find out more
Studying Biosciences
Course Location
Our Cavendish Campus in the heart of London is home to the Faculty of Science and Technology. With first-class facilities, the campus houses subject areas ranging from biosciences to electronic engineering. For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Contact the Course Enquiries Team:
+44 (0)20 7915 5511
Opening hours (GMT): 9am–4.30pm Monday to Friday
More information
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