Pharmacology: Where to start

What is... pharmacology?

Pharmacology is a biomedical science involving the study of how substances interact with living organisms to produce a change in function. As this change can be at the molecular, cellular, organ, tissue or whole body level, the pharmacologist will need to understand aspects of several core sciences.

The Greek word ‘pharmacon’ means drug and hence the science is linked to isolating, uncovering and subsequently replicating the chemical structure of those substances which may have medical applications (i.e. pharmaceuticals).

Pharmacology also explores the interaction, toxicology and the possible side effects that can occur during the use of the pharmaceutical.

	Written by higher education careers professionals	Date:  December 2008
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