Physiology is the study of how organisms work from the subcellular level up to the whole animal. In disease, pathophysiological mechanisms interfere with the function of an organism’s systems. Pharmacology is the study of drug design, drug targets and drug therapies. On this course you will learn how drugs interact with cells and tissues to control disease. This is a rapidly developing field with wide-ranging applications, particularly for medical, plant and veterinary science, where the study of disease requires a good understanding of both the underlying physiology and the relevant pharmacology. On this course you will pay particular attention to cellular communication, neuroscience and cardiovascular science.

Physiologists and pharmacologists study these processes in all types of organisms and discover how errors in them can cause disease, and they help discover the impact of microbes across the biological sciences. You will also gain a broad understanding of fundamental biological processes, while developing analytical skills and gaining experience in handling complex information. By studying microbiology in the context of a broad programme of options in other biological sciences, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and gain a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project.