Our B.Sc. Pharmacology course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how drugs interact with biological systems to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. The programme explores the science of medicines, from discovery and development to their mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and safe clinical use.
Students will learn about the sources and properties of drugs and how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted, as well as how they influence normal and abnormal physiological processes. The programme also highlights ethical and safety considerations in the testing and use of pharmaceuticals, aligning with international standards for pharmacological research and education.
By combining theory, experimentation, and analytical reasoning, this degree prepares graduates to contribute to drug discovery, pharmacovigilance, clinical trials, and evidence-based therapeutic decision-making.
Course Overview
The programme is a four-year degree (or three years for Direct Entry students) that equips students with the scientific and technical knowledge necessary to understand drug action and improve health outcomes. It offers a multidisciplinary approach that draws from biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pathology, and chemistry.
Students begin by studying foundational biomedical sciences before advancing to specialised pharmacology courses such as molecular pharmacology, toxicology, clinical pharmacology, and chemotherapy. The curriculum progressively integrates laboratory experience and independent research, enabling students to apply pharmacological principles in real-world contexts.
Throughout the course, students learn the key concepts of:
- Pharmacodynamics: How drugs act on the body and influence biological functions.
- Pharmacokinetics: How the body absorbs, distributes, metabolises, and eliminates drugs.
- Toxicology: How chemicals and drugs can cause harm and how such effects are managed.
- Therapeutics: How medicines are used to treat and prevent diseases safely and effectively.
The programme also incorporates training in biostatistics, research design, bioethics, and entrepreneurship, equipping students with modern scientific and professional competencies. Graduates emerge as scientifically literate and ethically responsible professionals ready for careers in healthcare, research, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum follows the NUC CCMAS, which combines 70% national core content with 30% institutional innovations. It blends theoretical instruction, laboratory practice, and independent research. The structure progresses from basic sciences in the first year to advanced pharmacological and toxicological studies in the final year.
Students begin with general and basic science courses that provide a strong grounding in human biology and chemistry:
- Communication in English
- General Chemistry, Biology, and Physics
- Mathematics and Statistics for Health Sciences
- Nigerian Peoples and Culture
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Basic Biochemistry
- Introduction to Computer Applications
- Use of Library and Study Skills
This level develops scientific literacy and prepares students for deeper study in the biomedical sciences.
Students are introduced to the basic concepts of pharmacology and the physiology of human organ systems. Key courses include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry
- Biochemistry of Biomolecules
- Pathophysiology and Disease Processes
- Principles of Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Laboratory Techniques in Pharmacology
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Practical sessions begin at this level, focusing on drug analysis, dose-response experiments, and laboratory safety.
Students advance to applied and experimental pharmacology, integrating laboratory work with theoretical knowledge. Courses include:
- Experimental Pharmacology
- Autonomic and Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Endocrine and Metabolic Pharmacology
- Chemotherapy and Antimicrobial Agents
- Principles of Toxicology
- Biostatistics and Research Methods
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Pharmacology
Students conduct laboratory experiments to study drug actions and adverse effects in biological systems.
In the final year, students consolidate their learning through advanced pharmacology courses, research, and seminars. Core courses include:
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Neuropharmacology and Behavioural Science
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
- Environmental and Industrial Toxicology
- Pharmacoeconomics and Drug Policy
- Research Project and Seminar Presentation
- Professional Ethics in Biomedical Research
At this stage, students undertake a compulsory research project under academic supervision and present their findings as part of their degree requirements.
Entry Requirements
Admission into the programme can be through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE) routes. Both pathways are designed to admit academically strong students with a solid science background and a keen interest in medicine, research, and the pharmaceutical sciences.
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
To qualify for admission through UTME, candidates must have:
- Five (5) credit passes at not more than two sittings in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- A satisfactory score in the UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with the subject combination: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Successful completion of the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
This entry route admits students into the 100 level of the programme for a duration of four academic sessions.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
To qualify for Direct Entry admission, candidates must:
- Satisfy the O-Level requirements as stated above.
- Possess passes at the Advanced Level (A-Level) or equivalent in at least two science subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics.
- Hold a National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related biomedical sciences with at least an Upper Credit.
- Candidates holding a B.Sc. degree (minimum of Second Class Lower) in a relevant science discipline may also be considered for admission into 200 Level.
Direct Entry candidates are expected to complete a minimum of three academic sessions before graduation.
Why study at OOU?
Our course offers a unique opportunity to study the science of drugs in a programme that combines rigorous academic training with hands-on laboratory experience. The course is designed to equip students with the technical, analytical, and ethical skills needed to advance modern healthcare and pharmaceutical research.
Key Advantages of the Programme
- Comprehensive Scientific Foundation: The programme integrates principles from biology, chemistry, physiology, and biochemistry to help students understand how drugs affect the human body and how they are developed and tested.
- Modern Laboratory Training: You will gain extensive experience through laboratory practicals, simulations, and demonstrations, learning to conduct pharmacological experiments, drug assays, and toxicity testing with precision.
- Experienced Faculty and Mentorship: Our academic staff comprises experts with research and industry experience in drug discovery, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and molecular pharmacology who are committed to guiding students to excellence.
- Research and Innovation: The curriculum encourages scientific curiosity and innovation, helping students to design experiments, analyse data, and contribute to pharmaceutical and biomedical research.
- Ethics and Professionalism: The course instils a strong sense of responsibility in drug handling, clinical ethics, and patient safety — essential for careers in healthcare and research.
- Career and Global Relevance: Pharmacology graduates are in high demand across the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, public health sectors, and research institutions worldwide.
Choosing Pharmacology here means joining a forward-looking scientific community where innovation meets healthcare impact.
Research Project
In the final year, every student undertakes a supervised research project as part of the degree requirement. This project serves as the culmination of the training in scientific reasoning, experimental design, and data analysis.
Research Focus Areas
Typical areas of research include:
- Pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism
- Pharmacodynamics and mechanism of drug action
- Toxicology and drug safety evaluation
- Natural product pharmacology and ethnomedicine
- Drug discovery and screening for new therapeutic compounds
- Clinical pharmacology and rational drug use
- Molecular and biochemical mechanisms of diseases
Research Process
Each student works under the supervision of an academic staff member to:
- Identify a research problem and develop a proposal.
- Conduct laboratory-based or data-driven experiments.
- Analyse results using statistical and analytical tools.
- Present findings in a formal written dissertation and oral defence.
The research project strengthens students’ scientific independence, creativity, and communication skills; qualities that are vital for postgraduate study and professional work in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Pharmacology, a student must satisfy all academic, research, and ethical requirements prescribed by the University and consistent with the standards of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for the award of the B.Sc. Pharmacology degree, students must:
- Complete a minimum of four academic sessions (or three for Direct Entry students).
- Accumulate the required number of credit units as specified in the approved curriculum, including general studies, core courses, and electives.
- Pass all theoretical, practical, and fieldwork components of the programme.
- Undertake and successfully defend a final-year research project in any approved area of pharmacology.
- Maintain satisfactory attendance, discipline, and academic standing throughout the course of study.
Grading and Degree Classification
Performance is assessed through continuous assessment, practical evaluation, and end-of-semester examinations. The final degree classification is based on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system, as follows:
Graduates who fulfil all requirements are awarded the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Pharmacology and are qualified for employment or further studies in pharmacology and related biomedical disciplines.
Career Opportunities
A B.Sc. in Pharmacology opens doors to a wide range of professional, industrial, and research opportunities. The degree prepares graduates for roles that contribute to improving human health through drug discovery, evaluation, regulation, and rational use.
Professional Pathways
Graduates of this programme can pursue careers as:
- Research scientists in pharmaceutical companies, universities, or biomedical research institutes.
- Clinical or regulatory pharmacologists working in hospitals, drug evaluation agencies, and ministries of health.
- Toxicologists and drug safety officers are involved in evaluating the safety of medicines, chemicals, and herbal products.
- Public health and drug policy analysts contribute to healthcare planning and drug control policies.
- Pharmaceutical Sales or Marketing Representatives using their scientific background to support product communication and professional engagement.
- Academics or lecturers in universities, teaching hospitals, and colleges of health sciences.
Further Studies and International Opportunities
The B.Sc. Pharmacology degree provides a solid foundation for advanced studies such as:
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology, or Clinical Research.
- Postgraduate training in related fields such as public health, Drug Regulation, and Pharmacovigilance.
- Global career mobility, as pharmacology graduates are valued for their analytical, experimental, and critical-thinking skills in healthcare, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry.
- Graduates are well-positioned to work with national and international organisations, including research institutes, universities, pharmaceutical industries, government agencies, and global health organisations.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) via the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
- Choose Pharmacology as your course of study and select the University as your first choice.
- Sit for the UTME with the subject combination: English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Apply for and pass the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise.
- Complete all registration and medical clearance processes upon admission.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
- Apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal, selecting Pharmacology as your preferred course.
- Upload all relevant academic qualifications, such as A-Level results, ND, HND, or first-degree certificates in appropriate science disciplines.
- Participate in the university’s screening and verification exercise.
- Upon successful admission, Direct Entry candidates will begin at the 200 level and complete a minimum of three academic sessions.
All applicants must satisfy the minimum O’Level subject requirements and meet the admission standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the University’s Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.
Course Coordinator
The B.Sc. Pharmacology programme is managed by the Department of Pharmacology under the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. The department is committed to advancing the understanding of drugs and their effects on living systems through quality teaching, innovative research, and community impact.
Contact Information:
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 4 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Department = Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus
- Location = Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Sagamu Campus
- Scholarship opportunities