Immunology and Pharmacology

Immunology and pharmacology together explore two of the most important biological systems relevant to human health: the immune system, which defends the body against infection and disease, and the mechanisms by which drugs interact with biological targets to produce therapeutic effects. Immunology has become especially prominent in an era of vaccine development, autoimmune disease research, and cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacology underpins the entire pharmaceutical industry and clinical medicine.

Combining them gives you access to a particularly rich set of biological and medical insights.

At the University of Aberdeen, this four-year programme includes a year abroad, giving you experience of a different research or teaching environment and the opportunity to broaden your scientific perspectives internationally. You will study the cellular and molecular basis of immune responses, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, receptor theory, drug discovery, and the biological systems through which inflammation, infection, and therapeutics interact. Aberdeen's strong biomedical research base means you will be taught in a context where immunological and pharmacological research is actively pursued, and undergraduates have opportunities to engage with that research environment.

Graduates are well placed for careers in pharmaceutical research and development, clinical research, biomedical science, drug regulatory affairs, medical science liaison, and academic research. The combination of immunology and pharmacology is particularly valued in the development of biologics, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapies, which are among the fastest-growing areas of the pharmaceutical industry. Postgraduate study at master's or PhD level is a common route for those wishing to move into research or specialist scientific roles, and the degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate entry to medicine or pharmacy.