Pharmacology – BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology at TUS is a dynamic four-year honours degree that explores how drugs interact with the human body, preparing you to contribute to discoveries that can prevent disease and improve lives. It’s ideal for students passionate about science, healthcare innovation, and understanding the science behind medicines and therapeutic treatments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Foundations in Science and Pharmacology)
In your first year, you’ll build essential scientific foundations with core subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences, while sharpening analytical thinking through Mathematics for Scientists. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in the lab with Laboratory Practice: Safety Science and Laboratory Competencies and start developing teamwork and communication skills in Transferable Skills. Current Introduction to Pharmacology through Team-Based Learning 1 gives your first taste of pharmacology through collaborative learning.

Year 2 (Deepening Scientific Knowledge)
The second year broadens your understanding with modules like Gene Technology, Biochemistry, and Organic Chemistry, aimed at explaining how biological systems and chemical reactions underpin drug actions. You’ll also study Analytical Techniques to master methods like spectroscopy and chromatography, while Human Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology and advanced team-based pharmacology modules help you connect scientific theory with human health.

Year 3 (Specialised Pharmacology and Real-World Experience)
In Year 3, you’ll dive deeper into pharmacology with courses like Practical Pharmacology and Drug Action and Molecular Pharmacology that sharpen your lab and analytical skills. You’ll explore how drugs work at the molecular level and how chemical mediators influence cell signalling. A major highlight is the Work Placement of 20–26 weeks, where you’ll apply your learning in an industry or research setting — an invaluable step toward professional readiness.

Year 4 (Research, Advanced Topics and Project Work)
Your final year focuses on independent research and advanced studies like Anti-infective and Anticancer Drugs and Contemporary Issues in Pharmacology, where you critically examine emerging pharma developments. You’ll also complete a Research Project and study Toxicology and Neuropharmacology, equipping you with specialised expertise and a portfolio of practical research and analytical skills.

Focus Areas

Drug action and development, human physiology, molecular pharmacology, toxicology, research methods, analytical techniques, work placement experience

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will understand pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug safety and efficacy principles, apply analytical and laboratory techniques, design and conduct scientific research, and critically evaluate contemporary issues in pharmacology and therapeutics.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This Level 8 honours degree is accredited by Technological University of the Shannon and recognised within the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Graduates are eligible for further postgraduate study or roles in pharmaceutical, biotech, research, regulation, and related fields.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

TUS has one of the highest graduate employment rates in Ireland for honours degree holders, with 81 per cent of graduates in employment within nine months — significantly above the national average. This reflects the strong industry relevance and practical focus of its programmes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At TUS, this Pharmacology degree isn’t just about lectures — you’ll gain hands-on experience using real scientific tools and working in environments that mirror the professional world. From early lab practicals in biology, chemistry and analytical techniques, to specialised pharmacology experiments, you’ll build confidence with modern laboratory equipment alongside your classmates. Later in the programme, a long industrial placement and a research project will allow you to apply your learning in real workplaces and research contexts, preparing you for the world beyond graduation:

State-of-the-art science laboratories: You will carry out practical work in biology, chemistry and pharmacology labs equipped for experimental pharmacology, analytical techniques such as chromatography and spectroscopy, microbiology and human physiology. These spaces let you practise core scientific methods and data analysis in a real lab environment.
Team-based practicals and collaboration: Throughout the course you’ll engage in team-based learning activities, developing teamwork and communication skills through group projects and in-class experiments.
Integrated industrial placement (Year 3): In the second semester of Year 3, you will undertake a 20–26 week supervised placement with an industry partner — often in regulated environments like GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facilities — giving you invaluable work experience and professional exposure.
Independent research project: In your final year, you will complete a research project, carrying out your own investigation, analysing data and presenting your work in a format similar to real scientific communication.
Access to campus facilities: In addition to specialised labs, TUS offers campus-wide resources such as the library with research databases, study spaces and collaborative areas to support your academic and research work.
New STEM building and facilities expansion: At the Athlone campus, the recently opened Mary Ward Centre of Science provides enhanced science labs, IT labs, lecture theatres and collaborative learning spaces that enrich your practical learning environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology go on to rewarding careers where they apply their knowledge in real scientific and regulatory settings. Typical roles include toxicologist, clinical research associate, regulatory affairs specialist, or positions within biotech and pharmaceutical companies — all fields that value practical lab experience and a deep understanding of how drugs work. This degree also opens multiple pathways for professional and academic growth:

Careers and employability support: TUS’s Careers and Employability Service helps students throughout their degree with CV building, interview preparation, employer connections, and career events that link you directly with potential employers.
Strong employment outcomes: TUS graduates enjoy one of the highest graduate employment rates in Ireland for honours degree holders. Many secure employment within nine months of graduation, with common starting salaries ranging from €35,000 to €39,000.
Industry partnerships and placement experience: The programme includes a 20–26 week work placement with industrial partners, often in regulated pharmaceutical or laboratory settings, providing invaluable real-world experience that employers highly value.
Accreditation and long-term value: This degree is recognised within the Irish National Framework of Qualifications at Level 8, supporting eligibility for postgraduate study and professional credibility in scientific and regulatory careers.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates often move into professional, research, regulatory, and industry roles across Ireland and internationally, outperforming national averages in employment measures.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this Pharmacology degree, you can continue your studies with postgraduate programmes at master’s or doctoral level, specialising in areas such as biomedical research, clinical pharmacology, toxicology, biopharmaceutical sciences, or related life sciences fields.