Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Pharmacology
BSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Pharmacology
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a three-year undergraduate degree which enables each student to develop his or her own interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. Students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as subjects from other disciplines across the University.
Why study Pharmacology and Toxicology?
Most people are interested in pharmacology because drugs occupy such a prominent place in everyday life. Constant progress in medicine involves the design of new drugs that can cure cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and other medical conditions.
Pharmacology incorporates and applies a variety of biological sciences, such as biochemistry, chemistry, physiology, microbiology and genetics. Unlike pharmacy, which is about the preparation and dispensing of drugs, pharmacology is the science behind how drugs produce their effects on the body and what the body does to the drugs. Pharmacology also plays a key role in developing drugs of the future.
Toxicology at Otago examines the harmful effects of chemicals on the human body, as well as understanding the impact of chemicals on the environment and in our food supply.
A good knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology is also an important part of the training of medical doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses and physiotherapists. Other scientists often find pharmacology useful in their own specialisation. For example, physiologists, biochemists, zoologists and psychologists may use drugs to understand the biological system or disease they are studying.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Graduates of our department go on to a wide range of careers including research, governmental, administration, and advisory positions.
Major employers include the National Poisons Centre, MedSafe, Pharmac, the Ministry of Health, Crown Research Institutes, universities, and pharmaceutical companies.
Pharmacology and Toxicology are also popular choices for students seeking a career in the professional medical sciences (e.g. Medicine or Pharmacy) or those pursuing a double degree in Law, Commerce, or Education.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) is also available.
A specific aim of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) degree is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career.
Application Details
Applicants must apply online. They should also attach all the necessary supporting documents which includes scanned copies of their official high school or foundation transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades); scanned copies of the relevant official transcripts of previous university study; and provide proof of their identity: this is usually achieved by providing a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English). Applicants may also be required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE). As soon as applicants have completed their online application, their proof of identity document must be posted to International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31; Semester 2 study close: Apr-30.