Research in the field of pharmacology can influence treatment and prevention of disease or highlight the potential dangers of various chemical substances. Students who earn a degree in pharmacology might pursue careers in medicine or other fields of scientific research.

Officially known as the Italian Republic, the country is found in southern Europe. The official language is Italian and the cultural rich capital is Rome. Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088). There are three Superior Graduate Schools with "university status", three institutes with the status of Doctoral Colleges, which function at graduate and post-graduate level.