Pharmacology (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The aim of the MSc taught course in Pharmacology is to provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical training that will enable them to integrate post-genomic molecular biology with physiological function and drug discovery.

The course is taught over one year from October to September, comprising three 10-week terms and a fourth summer term.

The first term covers core material using lectures, tutorials and practical work, and aims to ensure that all students achieve the core knowledge of the principles and practice of pharmacology. The subjects covered include cell and receptor pharmacology, tissue and organ pharmacology, and pharmacology of the nervous system. At the end of the term, students sit a computer-based qualifying exam; passing this exam allows them to continue the course.

At the start of the second term, students follow a short course in quantitative pharmacology, covering aspects of receptor pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.

During the following weeks, students attend lectures in advanced pharmacology topics which represent the research expertise of academic staff in the department. The lectures are organised into five themes or modules

• Cell Signalling

• Cardiovascular Pharmacology

• Neuropharmacology I: Neurodegeneration

• Neuropharmacology II: Psychopharmacology

• Drug Discovery

Lectures are combined with weekly laboratory sessions, discussion forums, journal clubs and small group tutorials to promote critical analysis of primary research literature.

Students are expected to spend 15 hours per week on independent reading throughout the first and second terms.

The third term is mainly taken up by a hypothesis-driven research project which is expected to involve four months of experimental work, extending throughout the term and into the long vacation term.

Applicants are advised to visit the Department of Pharmacology website to obtain further information on current research themes.