AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
Question Hi,
Would you be so kind as to explain what is the difference between a degree in Pharmacology and one in Pharmaceutical Sciences and also the application of both. I would like this information to decide on my educational and professional future.
Thank you.
Answer Kerise
Very simply, pharmacology is the science of drug action on a living organism, while pharmaceutical sciences (pharmacy?) is the science of drug action and formulation.
A pharmacologist will learn how a body works and how drugs affect this. It is likely to include diseases and how drugs are used as a treatment.
Pharmaceutical sciences will include all elements of pharmacology (though perhaps slightly less detail), pharmaceutical chemistry (related to testing and synthesis of drugs) and pharmaceutics - the formulation of a drug into a stable and effective dosage form. Courses will probably also include some study in pharmacognosy, the use of plant materials as drugs.
In deciding which you would prefer to study, you need to consider the career options at the end of the course. Pharmaceutical sciences will allow you to undertake final qualifications to register and practice as a pharmacist in hospitals or retail/community settings. Pharmacology graduates cannot register as pharmacists and usually work in research facilities or the pharmaceutical industry.
I hope this helps, but if you need more detail either contact me again or speak to a pharmacist in your local area. Most general hospitals in the UK will have a specialist pharmacist for education and training, so they would be an ideal starting point.
