This course is the study of how drugs, as chemical agents, affect body functions in health and disease. It is therefore a very important biomedical discipline, with roots both in basic biology and chemistry, and plays a vital role in helping to safeguard our health and welfare. Pharmacology graduates are employed in many areas of medical and veterinary research in universities, industry and government-financed institutions. In addition, pharmacologists have not only played a pivotal role in the UK pharmaceutical industry with an excellent record of drug discovery and development, but their skills are also welcome in other fields such as clinical trials, drug regulation and pharmaceutical marketing. Furthermore, a degree in Pharmacology can be used to apply for graduate entry to study medicine or dentistry. However, it does not provide the qualification to be a pharmacist in the UK, for which a degree in Pharmacy would be required.