The Student Room Group

Pharmacology Vs. Biochemistry

Hey, I'm new around here and I just wanted to ask a question........

I'm going to study bichemistry at uni in september and was just wondering if a degree in biochemistry can qualify to to apply for jobs that people who have a degree in pharmacology can apply for. Also, what are the advantages and disadvantages of studying the two subjects. I'm starting to think I should have applied for pharmacology.
Reply 1
http://thestudentroom.co.uk/t88747.html

This may be useful (pharmacy vs Chemistry).

I don't know much about a pharmacology degree so I don't think I can compare the two for you (although I do biochemistry).
Reply 2
kalonation
I'm going to study bichemistry at uni in september and was just wondering if a degree in biochemistry can qualify to to apply for jobs that people who have a degree in pharmacology can apply for. Also, what are the advantages and disadvantages of studying the two subjects. I'm starting to think I should have applied for pharmacology.

I wouldn't worry about it. There's nothing an MSc conversion course couldn't sort out :smile:

Quick plug: http://www.pharm.ox.ac.uk/gso/MSC.htm
Reply 3
oxymoron
http://thestudentroom.co.uk/t88747.html

This may be useful (pharmacy vs Chemistry).

I don't know much about a pharmacology degree so I don't think I can compare the two for you (although I do biochemistry).


Just a note - phamacy and pharmacology are different degrees. However I'm not sure how the 2 are different. I *think* pharmacology has things like nutrition and physio in it, whereas pharmacy is more about the drug synthesis and that kind of thing.
kalonation
Hey, I'm new around here and I just wanted to ask a question........

I'm going to study bichemistry at uni in september and was just wondering if a degree in biochemistry can qualify to to apply for jobs that people who have a degree in pharmacology can apply for. Also, what are the advantages and disadvantages of studying the two subjects. I'm starting to think I should have applied for pharmacology.


Biochemistry, in my humble opinion, gives you excellent training for most areas of biosceinces. Many people train in biochem but end up working in pharmacology because the thought process is similar and both are more quantitative than other biological sciences (like anatomy, botany, immunology etc.). I studied pharmacology at Edinburgh; you need to have a firm grasp of chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology to do well in this subject but it is excellent training and, as I found out, you'll have plenty of job opportunities. Good luck!
Chicken
Just a note - phamacy and pharmacology are different degrees. However I'm not sure how the 2 are different. I *think* pharmacology has things like nutrition and physio in it, whereas pharmacy is more about the drug synthesis and that kind of thing.


Yes indeed, a pharmacy degree will basically train you to be a pharmacist. You learn about pharmacology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, social, professional and clinical aspects of pharmacy etc.
Reply 6
Pharmacology delves deeper into the molecular action and formation of drugs, Pharmacy provides a broader overview and gives vocational traning which can be used in a clinical setting.
Reply 8
Chicken
Just a note - phamacy and pharmacology are different degrees. However I'm not sure how the 2 are different. I *think* pharmacology has things like nutrition and physio in it, whereas pharmacy is more about the drug synthesis and that kind of thing.


Pharmacology has nothing in it about nutrition and physio. It's solely based in the molecular aspects of drug action, development of new drugs and determining the affinity and efficacy of existing ones. Pharmacy is much more vocational.