Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. You’ll examine the way drugs work to combat disease and, combined with drug discovery, you will learn how new drugs are designed, synthesised and manufactured. The Pharmacology Drug Discovery programme is the only BSc of its type in the UK and is innovative in it’s multidisciplinary approach. The course brings together scientific disciplines - biology, chemistry and physical sciences – around the context of disease and medicines. Within integrated modules, you’ll learn about the major diseases and science behind the drugs used to treat them. We also include business studies to provide you with an understanding of management practice focussed around the pharmaceutical industry; vital tools to working in today’s corporate world. You’ll be taught by academic researchers including pharmacologists, cell biologists, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists, whose own research is in pharmacology and drug discovery. The course is designed to inform and inspire your journey to becoming a researcher in the pharmaceutical sciences. For example, in practical classes you’ll gain experience of synthetic medicinal chemistry as well as techniques in current molecular pharmacology – the techniques used in the discovery of new medicines. You’ll learn about designing experiments and how to write reports in the form of a scientific papers. A highlight of the course will be performing your own original research in an individual project carried out within an active research laboratory. **Course Structure** **Year 1** In your first year you’ll gain a solid base for understanding how drugs work, what they target, and how they’re developed. You’ll be introduced to medicinal chemistry, principles of pharmacology and neuropharmacology, drug delivery and pharmacokinetics. You’ll then apply your knowledge in laboratory practicals. You’ll also take a course in business studies at the Norwich Business School, which will provide you with an understanding of the world of management and the key concepts of management practice. On top of this, you’ll develop your professional skills – including how to write an eye-catching cover letter and C.V. **Year 2** In your second year you’ll apply your knowledge to individual systems of the body. You’ll explore topics such as cancer, infectious disease and immunology, plus the diseases and medicines of the cardiovascular, renal and gastro-intestinal systems. In studying the central nervous system you’ll learn about neurodegenerative disease and mental health. You’ll also develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles of medicinal chemistry - how drugs are designed and synthesised. The practical component supports your learning including a series of molecular pharmacology practicals to give you hand-on experience of techniques used in current pharmacological research. **Year 3** In your third year you’ll apply knowledge gained in years one and two to a final year project, working with a research-active faculty member. Your project will focus on the pharmacology, drug design or delivery in one of many areas, including the major contemporary challenges of cancer, inflammation, age-related disorders and epigenetics. In addition to your final research project, you’ll have the opportunity to select further modules covering a broad range of topics as well as studying more advanced medicinal chemistry and aspects of pharmacology including toxicology. And you’ll complete a module in project management, taught in collaboration with the Norwich Business School. The module will arm you with the key management skills required for your future career, giving you the opportunity to work with a team that manages real projects for external sponsors.