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 two tracks, the Biosciences track (MFAPBIO40) and the Health Sciences track (MFAPHSC40).

All BSc students with no undergraduate Pharmacology from WITS 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.

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. Additionally, part-time study is not offered every year. Applicants interested in the part-time option must submit a CV along with a letter from their employer confirming that they will be permitted to attend daytime classes and on-campus assessments. 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.

All applicants are required to upload their midyear academic results by August as part of the application process.

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. 足球竞彩app排名s 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

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. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. 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.