Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology Pharmacy

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Griffith University’s Gold Coast Campus gives you a deep understanding of how drugs and chemicals interact with the human body, from their development to their effects on health. It’s ideal for students curious about biomedical science, drug research, and careers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare sectors.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Building Scientific Foundations

In your first year, you’ll explore the fundamentals that underpin pharmacology and toxicology, including Anatomy & Physiology Systems I & II, Chemistry of Biological Systems I & II, and Cells, Tissues and Regulation. These units provide a strong grounding in how the human body works and the chemical processes that affect it, while also introducing you to essential laboratory skills.

Year 2 – Exploring Drugs and Chemical Interactions

The second year focuses on understanding how substances influence biological systems. You’ll study Human Pharmacology I & II, Chemical Pharmacology I & II, and Principles of Toxicology, linking chemical actions to therapeutic and toxic outcomes. Hands-on labs and practical exercises give you real-world research experience, preparing you for more advanced study.

Year 3 – Applied Practice and Research Preparation

In the final year, you’ll move into advanced topics such as Drug Discovery and Development, Medicines – Discovery to Practice II, and Research Methods and Statistics. This year helps you refine your research skills, critically evaluate scientific data, and apply your knowledge in practical and professional contexts, readying you for work in industry or further study.

Focus areas

Drugs and chemical interactions, human physiology, pharmacological mechanisms, toxicological principles, lab-based research, drug discovery, pharmaceutical development

Learning outcomes

Understand how drugs and toxins affect the body, conduct experimental research, analyze data, solve biomedical problems, communicate scientific findings, and demonstrate professional and ethical competence in health science contexts

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The degree is accredited under Australia’s national higher education framework (AQF level 7) and prepares you for roles in pharmacology, toxicology, and related health sectors, with clear pathways to postgraduate study or research

Reputation (employability & rankings)

Griffith University is well regarded for health and science education, and this program equips graduates with practical lab experience and industry-relevant skills that enhance employability

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Griffith University, you won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience using the same tools and techniques that professionals in pharmacology and toxicology use every day. The program is built around practical learning, so you’ll work in modern laboratories, apply theory to real experiments, and develop skills that are directly relevant to careers in drug research, healthcare, and the biotech industry.

You’ll gain this practical experience through:

State-of-the-art laboratories: Work in fully equipped chemistry, pharmacology, and analytical labs that give you the technical skills employers are looking for.
Virtual and digital tools: Practice decision-making and experiment planning in interactive online simulations before stepping into the lab.
Team-based projects: Collaborate with your peers on lab projects, building communication and teamwork skills alongside your scientific knowledge.
Research exposure: Access campus research hubs and projects to get a taste of real-world scientific investigation.
Campus resources: Make use of the Gold Coast campus library, study zones, and collaboration spaces to support your research, lab reports, and project work.

These experiences ensure you’re learning by doing — applying what you study in ways that mirror real professional practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Griffith University have a wide range of career options. You could work as a pharmacologist, toxicologist, research associate in a biotech company, or coordinate clinical trials. Many also find opportunities in regulatory roles, medical science liaison positions, or environmental health and safety.

You’ll be supported along the way through:

Griffith Careers and Employment Service: Personalized guidance for resumes, job applications, interview preparation, and access to career tools. You can also join the Industry Mentoring Program to connect with professionals in your field and gain insight into real-world workplaces.
Employment prospects: Graduates often find work in hospitals, public and private research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies. These roles are in steady demand, offering competitive starting salaries for life science graduates in Australia.
University–industry connections: Griffith partners with research institutes and industry groups, providing networking opportunities, guest lectures, and access to internships or projects that give you real-world experience.
Accreditation and value: As an accredited AQF level 7 degree, your qualification is recognised in Australia and internationally, opening doors for long-term career growth.
Graduate outcomes: University surveys show strong employment rates and positive employer feedback for graduates in health and science fields, reflecting the practical and professional skills you gain.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this degree sets a solid foundation for postgraduate opportunities. You could pursue a Master’s, Graduate Diploma, or Graduate Certificate in areas such as medical research, public health, clinical biochemistry, or genetic counselling. Advanced study can open doors to senior roles in research, academia, or specialised scientific and regulatory careers.