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Undergraduate

Pharmacology

Pharmacology provides a modern understanding of how medicines produce their effects on the body and how such knowledge is used to alleviate suffering caused by disease.
80
ATAR
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us Enquire Apply

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The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

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Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

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Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career options.

Career Pathways

UWA graduates in Pharmacology have pursued a number of pathways including research in a hospital (diagnostic or research lab), employment in a pharmaceutical industry (research or commercial setting), clinical trials coordinators, state or federal regulatory agencies with oversight for drug use, science education (secondary or tertiary sector) and vocational study. As with most other biomedical disciplines, the prospects of satisfying employment are enhanced by completing an honours or higher degree.
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Career Pathways

UWA graduates in Pharmacology have pursued a number of pathways including research in a hospital (diagnostic or research lab), employment in a pharmaceutical industry (research or commercial setting), clinical trials coordinators, state or federal regulatory agencies with oversight for drug use, science education (secondary or tertiary sector) and vocational study. As with most other biomedical disciplines, the prospects of satisfying employment are enhanced by completing an honours or higher degree.

Further Study

This major provides a basis for further training in pharmacology leading to a research career or to further study in complementary fields such as pharmacy, medicine, dentistry and science education. Students who continue on to study the Master of Pharmacy (two years full time or equivalent) and complete an internship in a community or hospital pharmacy will be eligible to register to practise as a pharmacist in Australia and New Zealand.
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Further Study

This major provides a basis for further training in pharmacology leading to a research career or to further study in complementary fields such as pharmacy, medicine, dentistry and science education. Students who continue on to study the Master of Pharmacy (two years full time or equivalent) and complete an internship in a community or hospital pharmacy will be eligible to register to practise as a pharmacist in Australia and New Zealand.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2024
Commonwealth Supported Place $9,845.65

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$49,800.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 79
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 270
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 330
Trinity College Foundation
  • 300
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 66
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 60
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 80
Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 79
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 270
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 330
Trinity College Foundation
  • 300
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 66
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 60
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 80
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Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page.

Admission requirements

Mathematics requirement

This major requires a certain level of Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you may be able to take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.

WACE prerequisite: Mathematics Applications ATAR

Mathematics requirement

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

Chemistry / biology requirement

Applicants are required to have completed Chemistry ATAR and Biology ATAR or Human Biology ATAR or equivalent. Students without these prerequisites will be required to complete bridging units in their first year.

Chemistry / biology requirement

How to apply

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Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

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Course details

Pharmacology is the branch of science that seeks to provide a deep understanding of the effects of drugs on the human body. Some topics explored include how medicines produce their effects on specific body systems such as the cardiovascular or central nervous systems, and how drugs act at the cellular and molecular level. How can we avoid their toxic effects? How does the body protect itself against drugs and other foreign chemicals? Why do many drugs work better in some patients than in others?

About the course

This course seeks to provide a deep understanding of the effects of drugs on biological organisms, including humans. It provides a modern understanding of how medicines produce their effects on the body and how such knowledge is used to alleviate suffering caused by disease.
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About the course

As a student majoring in Pharmacology, you'll learn how common drugs target specific receptors in body tissues, exerting effects as either agonists or antagonists. You will also explore the major biochemical pathways that are activated when drugs interact with their respective receptors. Other key topics include pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, drug dependence, toxicology, pharmacogenomics and drug discovery.

This major provides an appreciation of how drugs produce changes in such key bodily functions as blood pressure, lung performance or pain perception. Since pharmacology is a very practical area of science, theoretical concepts from lectures are reinforced and expanded upon during regular laboratory classes. You'll be taught by leading lecturers who are actively engaged in modern biomedical research.

Pharmacology

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 16-25 hours teaching time, plus your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-PHARY
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BBiomedSc), 4 years (BBiomedSc[Hons])
View full details
Pharmacology

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 16-25 hours teaching time, plus your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-PHARY
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BBiomedSc), 4 years (BBiomedSc[Hons])
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Moshe Meyers

Moshe Meyers
Find out more

Moshe Meyers

Moshe Meyers

Pharmacology fuelled my desire to learn. Where did all this modern medicine come from? How does this medicine work in the body when we take it? Pharmacology answered these questions and as I learned more, I had more questions that pharmacology kept answering which in turn kept fuelling more questions! It was this positive feedback loop of curiosity. I am enjoying every aspect of my course - lectures, laboratories, and group work, and UWA has fantastic medical facilities.

My favourite aspect of studying at UWA would certainly be the campus. UWA has the most beautiful and lush campuses I’ve seen. The campus is close to the river where is great to go and have some lunch and relax before going back to study. There is not one moment that I do not appreciate the beauty surrounding me.

 

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Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Popular combinations

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Genetics Genetics Microbiology and Immunology Microbiology and Immunology

Popular Combinations

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Genetics

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Microbiology and Immunology

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Neuroscience

A major in Neuroscience will allow you to explore how nervous systems work and how nervous system function can be restored after disease and injury to the brain.

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

With Pathology and Laboratory Medicine you can explore the causes and mechanisms of human disease.

Physiology

Do you differ from a robot? Learn about the molecular and cellular machinery that makes up your body, as well as how it works in everyday life, and what causes disease.

Public Health

A major in Public Health will allow you to study the patterns of health and disease in society and to consider what we can do to improve the health of the community.

Anatomy and Human Biology

A major in Anatomy and Human Biology will let you discover how your body works, why it works that way, where people come from and how we are related to one another.

Finance

Finance is the lifeblood of the economy – in finance you will learn how money and projects come together.

Marketing

Discover the real world of marketing that lies behind advertising jingles. Marketing has a central role in understanding what different types of people in different places across the globe want. This major provides you with the knowledge, experience, and skills to become a dynamic marketer in an ever-changing world.

Management

Management is the backbone of any organisation, providing organisational, operational, staffing and resourcing expertise that can be applied anywhere, anytime.

Japanese Studies

Studying Japanese language, culture and society means taking a significant step towards becoming Asia-literate – an important attribute for future global citizens, particularly in Australia.

Course structure details

Students who do not have ATAR Mathematics Applications or equivalent or higher, are required to complete MATH1720 in their first year.
Level 1

Core

Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in ATAR Human Biology or ATAR Biology will need to take ANHB1101 OR BIOL1130 OR IMED1001 in first semester to meet prerequisites for SCIE1106. IMED1001 is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedicine or Biomedical Engineering [MJD-EBMEG].Students without ATAR Chemistry will need to take CHEM1003 in first semester to meet prerequisites for SCIE1106.

Option

Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:

Bridging

Take units if applicable:
Level 2

Core

Take all units (12 points):
Level 3

Core

Take all units (24 points):
Course structure details Other combinations
first
Health Services & Support - Bachelor of Science graduates. Ranked 1st in WA for full-time employment (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020)
Richer student experiences

Student Exchange & Study Abroad

Sungkyunkwan University

University of Oslo

University of Vermont
Study abroad options

Student Exchange & Study Abroad

Sungkyunkwan University

For more than six hundred years, Sungkyunkwan University has held a special place in the history of Korea. Since its establishment, the school's educational tradition has emphasised the four principles of benevolence, righteousness, propriety and wisdom. Sungkyunkwan University has also evolved to incorporate a modern educational paradigm that prioritises cutting-edge research and innovative education. This has led to important advances in the arts, sciences, medicine and technology in ways that allow greater synergy with other leading universities and institutions throughout the world.

Seoul, South Korea
Asia

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University of Oslo

The University of Oslo (UiO) is the oldest university in Norway and is recognised as one of Northern Europe's most prestigious universities. Today, UiO is the country's largest public institution of research and higher learning. UiO has ambitious goals for increasing its contribution to academic developments internationally, as well as for resolving the challenges facing society today. The overriding goal of UiO's Strategy 2020 is to strengthen its international position as a leading research university through a close interaction across research, education, communication and innovation.

Oslo, Norway
Europe

"This was the best decision I have ever made. Whether I was hiking with other international students, trying my hand at Norwegian with local students, chatting with the barber or supermarket cashier or all the people on my various travels, I remember each and every one of them. It really makes you view the world in a new way. The language barrier wasn't too significant as everyone speaks English, but it does pay to try to learn Norwegian. I am now quite fluent in it after just six months. I have a place on the other side of the world I can call home. Will you too?" Wygene Chong,Bachelor of Commerce (Business Law/French,2014)
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University of Vermont

UVM thinks big and inspires others to do the same. Its academic program combines faculty-student relationships most commonly found in a small liberal arts college with the resources of a major research institution. The university is home to 10,267 undergraduates and 1462 graduate students. Located in Burlington, Vermont, UVM's setting on the shores of Lake Champlain, between the Adirondack and the Green mountain ranges, gives a perspective of all that's possible.

Burlington, United States
North America

"Words can't explain how amazing exchange was. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was extremely rewarding meeting so many new people who will be friends for life. Burlington is very picturesque and laidback. It is a great college town. Only having to pass made it a lot easier to travel and experience college life. If Vermont isn't your first choice, I recommend it because it was a truly incredible experience. " Ellen Buckley,Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting and Finance, 2016
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Visit Global Studio for more details and to apply to study abroad.

Visit Global Studio

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Health Students' Society

The Health Students' Society (HSS) is a student-run, not-for-profit organisation for undergraduates completing health-related majors at UWA. HSS provides social and education opportunities and encourages students to make the most of their time on campus and of university life. HSS offers a support network for members during their degrees and aims to enhance the university experience and raise the profile of graduates to prospective employees.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Health Students' Society

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