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Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science

Image: Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science

Pharmaceutical science plays a vital role in improving human health through translating advances in medical research into medicines. A pharmaceutical scientist is trained to select new targets for drug therapy which arise from research, and has the scientific and technical knowledge to translate new targets into reliable, accessible and effective treatments for patients.

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science has two major areas of study: formulation science and medicinal chemistry.

  • Medicinal chemistry is at the intersection of biology and chemistry and is specialised chemistry that deals with how drugs are designed, made and how they work.
  • Formulation science explores inventing, making and testing new products in fields such as pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics.

Students undertake a common first year before choosing their major. Read more about the course structure. Students gain practical industry skills through either a research project or industrial experience placement in third year.

Learn more about entry criteria to the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science.

  
What's the difference between a pharmaceutical scientist and a pharmacist?

A pharmaceutical scientist is an expert in the science related to the discovery and development of drugs; how drugs are created, how they work, how safe and effective pharmaceuticals are taken to market, their impact on the body and their effect on the treatment of disease.

A pharmacist dispenses drugs, provides advice and manages a patients medication requirements.

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science qualifies graduates to work in the pharmaceutical science field. If you want to be a pharmacist, you must complete a Bachelor of Pharmacy.