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Study Pharmacology at Otago

The science behind drugs.

Pharmacology is the science of the effects of drugs on biological systems, from the molecular level through to patient studies.

Toxicology is the study of the harmful effects of chemicals. Toxicology courses at Otago cover both environmental and human toxicology, with a particular emphasis on drugs and drug development.

Pharmacology and Toxicology are at the forefront of modern medicine with a focus on developing drugs to treat important conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, neurological conditions and heart disease. Understanding Pharmacology is key to advancing research in almost all areas of biomedical research, while Toxicology is key to understanding human impacts in a changing world.

Why study Pharmacology?

Most people are interested in pharmacology because drugs occupy such a prominent place in everyday life. Constant progress in medicine involves the design of new drugs that can cure cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and other medical conditions.

Pharmacology incorporates and applies a variety of biological sciences, such as biochemistry, chemistry, physiology, microbiology and genetics. Unlike pharmacy, which is about the preparation and dispensing of drugs, pharmacology is the science behind how drugs produce their effects on the body and what the body does to the drugs. Pharmacology also plays a key role in developing drugs of the future.

Toxicology at Otago examines the harmful effects of chemicals on the human body, as well as understanding the impact of chemicals on the environment and in our food supply.

A good knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology is also an important part of the training of medical doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses and physiotherapists. Other scientists often find pharmacology useful in their own specialisation. For example, physiologists, biochemists, zoologists and psychologists may use drugs to understand the biological system or disease they are studying.

Career opportunities

Graduates of our department go on to a wide range of careers including research, governmental, administration, and advisory positions.

Major employers include the National Poisons Centre, MedSafe, Pharmac, the Ministry of Health, Crown Research Institutes, universities, and pharmaceutical companies.

Pharmacology and Toxicology are also popular choices for students seeking a career in the professional medical sciences (e.g. Medicine or Pharmacy) or those pursuing a double degree in Law, Commerce, or Education.

Pharmacology at Otago

We offer two specialised undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBioMedSci) majoring in Drugs and Human Health.

Teaching style

As a small department, we have a friendly and helpful relationship with our students and our teaching staff routinely receive excellent feedback.

All pharmacology and toxicology papers are taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials, and laboratory practical sessions.

Practical sessions range from the use of modern cellular techniques through to human clinical trials.

Research at Otago

All our teaching staff are engaged in cutting-edge Pharmacology and Toxicology research, seeking to develop new drugs and address toxicological problems.

Areas of particular expertise include:

  • Cancer drug development and treatment
  • Cannabinoids
  • Cardiovascular health and cardioprotection
  • Environmental toxicology
  • Human toxicology
  • Inflammation and wound healing
  • Neuropharmacology and auditory pharmacology

Postgraduate opportunities

There are many postgraduate study opportunities including honours, master's, and PhD degrees specialising in either Pharmacology or Toxicology. Research students work in our established laboratories using a range of modern techniques.

Recommended background

There are no secondary school subject requirements for entry into Pharmacology.

Students must meet the prerequisites for entry into second-year papers as outlined in the University Guidelines and are encouraged to maintain Biology and Chemistry to Year 13.

Choose a study option

Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

Undergraduate qualifications

For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

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Further study opportunities

Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

Programme details

Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.

More information

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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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