Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the science concerned with the effects of drugs on living organisms (pharmacodynamics) and the effect that living organisms have on the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs (pharmacokinetics).

Overview

Pharmacology investigates the chemical, physiological and therapeutic effects and the mechanisms of action of drugs. The science of pharmacology is at the forefront of modern medicine. It leads to designing, developing and testing new drugs that have the potential to alleviate and in some cases cure diseases that afflict humans and animals.

Career Opportunities

Many career opportunities are available to a pharmacology graduate which may include:

  • Research and development (academia, pharmaceutical or biomedical)
  • Quality control
  • Environmental testing
  • Chemical regulatory affairs
  • Monitoring of drug safety and compliance to drug laws with employment in the pharmaceutical-, food- and chemical industry
  • Employment in hospitals, research institutes and government agencies.
  • A background in pharmacology could also serve as a stepping stone for careers in law, writing and clinical sciences. (see the section on Journalism)
  • Clinical Trials Scientist/Manager
  • Patent Work
  • Medicine Resource Adviser
  • Toxicologist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) is an option if marks are high enough

Curriculum

The BHSc Honours degree consists of 2 tracks, the Biosciences track and the Health Sciences track.

All BSc students with no undergraduate Pharmacology must apply for the Biosciences track, while the BHSc students with undergraduate Pharmacology will be considered for both tracks depending on the level of undergraduate pharmacology obtained.

In a given year, the Health Sciences track will only be offered when a minimum of 5 BHSc students with undergraduate Pharmacology are accepted for Pharmacology Honours. The Honours course in Pharmacology consists of theory of all major organ systems, specific modules and a practical research component. The theory component covers core topics of Pharmacology, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. The course may be done over 1 or 2 years, i.e. full-time or part-time. For part-time studies, the theory component will be done in year 1 and the practical research component in year 2. For part-time students it should be noted that lectures, test, exams, tutorials and presentations will be done during the day. As such, students would need flexibility to attend these sessions. The research areas include the following: Malaria, Cancer, Toxicology, Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology, Novel Drug Screening, Pharmacology Education, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacovigilance, Psycho/Neuropharmacology, Drug Utilisation, Sport supplements, in vitro Pharmacokinetics and Evidence Based Medicine.

Entry Requirements

All students who have obtained a BSc/BHSc or equivalent degree with an average of 65% or higher in their third year may apply. Applicants should have a credit in at least one of the following biological science courses at a third year level: Pharmacology, Molecular medicine, Human Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biokinetics, Exercise Science, Chemistry, Physiology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Biotechnology, Advanced Biology, Anatomy, Medical Cell Biology, Zoology, Public Health, Health System. Students with higher marks will be given preferential acceptance.

Note: Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the programme does not guarantee students a place in this programme.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.