BSc Pharmacology (B210)

2025 entry

Course summary

Pharmacology is the study of the action of drugs in the widest possible sense; it encompasses many types of chemicals that affect the functioning of the body rather than just medicines.

For the first two years, you will study a number of core units run by the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience and choose others from a wide selection, such as biochemistry, molecular genetics, infection and immunity, cellular and molecular medicine and mammalian physiology. Final-year units emphasise the molecular mechanisms of drug action and take you to the forefront of current research.

In your final year, formal lectures are replaced by seminars and tutorials and a fully integrated programme of activities develops your transferable personal and professional skills.

We use a wide variety of teaching approaches, which are both traditional (including lectures, practical work and tutorials) and innovative; for example, our practical teaching is currently enhanced by self-directed learning using computer-assisted packages, such as eBiolabs.

This course is available for intercalation.

This course is available as an intercalated degree for current medicine, dentistry or veterinary students from the University of Bristol or other universities. Find out more about our intercalated degrees and eligibility criteria.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAB including Chemistry and one of the following subjects: Biology (or Human Biology), Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics)
BBB including Chemistry and one of Biology (or Human Biology), Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics)

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units

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34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)
31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)

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80% overall, with 8.5, 8.0 (in any order) in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AB (in any order) in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Mathematics of Mechanics, and Standard Higher: AAABB
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from Chemistry units; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from units in one of the following subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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