Pharmacology (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

MSc by Research
The MSc by Research in Pharmacology aims to train students in one of the following research areas: cell signalling, cardiovascular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, or neuropharmacology.

Prospective applicants are required to identify a potential Departmental supervisor(s) to develop a research project which is submitted as part of the online application.

The course does not involve taught modules examined by written papers. However MRes students can attend lecture courses at a taught master’s level and foundation or preliminary level, as appropriate.

Lecture modules include:

• Cardiovascular Pharmacology

• Cell Signalling

• Neuropharmacology

• Neurodegeneration

• Psychopharmacology

• Drug Discovery.

There is also a wide range of courses and workshops that MRes students are able to attend to acquire skills that will be necessary for their research or general academic skills.

DPhil
The DPhil in Pharmacology offers a wide range of cutting-edge research topics within a multi-disciplinary and world-renowned department.

Projects are offered across a broad range of sub-disciplines, including:

• molecular and cellular pharmacology

• calcium signalling

• medicinal chemistry

• drug discovery

• cardio-vascular pharmacology

• neuropharmacology

• lysosomal disorders.

A typical day or week in the first two to three years of the course will mostly focus on lab work and data collection and analysis. It will also involve reading of the literature, attendance of departmental seminars, lab meetings and skills training. Once sufficient progress has been made, laboratory research will taper off and efforts will focus on data analysis and interpretation and writing of the thesis.

DPhil students in the department are also offered the opportunity to be formally trained in, and to participate in, some elements of teaching to undergraduate students (eg as teaching assistants during practical classes in pharmacology for undergraduate students).

Prospective applicants are required to identify a potential departmental supervisor(s) to outline a research project to be submitted as part of the online application.