Joint pharmacology and chemistry/biochemistry degree?

Question

Hi

I am interested in doing a pharmacology degree when my A-levels are finished, and I want to go into a pharmacology research career, but I'm not sure whether I should do a joint pharmacology degree with chemistry or biochemistry. What would the advantages/disadvantages be (i.e. would a still be just as well qualified to go into pharmaceutical research? Would I have more options when I finish?), and if I do do a joint degree, what would be better, chemistry or biochemistry?

I was also looking at a few pharmacology degrees that go straight to a masters at the end of it, but I doubt any of these would be joint...

Any advice or opinions would be really appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

It does sort of depend on how set you are on a specific career at the end of your course, i.e. if you really want to be a pharmacologist, then of course, stick with the straightforward option.

As you say you'd like to go into pharmaceutical research, then a joint degree might be a good option. After three years, you'll have gained a taste of two or three disciplines, and can choose a masters based on your interests at the time. You would then have a more-informed outlook as to what career really suits you.

I did Biomedical Science at unviersity, then later on a MSc in Epidemiology (since I found out at uni that I hated the lab work but like the theory and data side of things). BMS was a varied degree that gave me a good grounding in several areas.

Hope that has helped you! And best of luck!

Answer 2

I wonder if you could do joint honours biochemistry with pharmacology 3 year degree and then a masters in pharmacology?

I'm a chemistry student (at Birmingham) and know loads of people doing chemistry with pharmacology, presumably they wouldn't do it if they couldn't use it!