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Chemical Biology

Work in the Chemical Biology theme concerns the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of active organic molecules at the interfaces of chemistry and biology

Signalling

Work in the Department includes state of the art subcellular imaging, ion channel electrophysiology (including single channel studies), and the generation of novel molecular and chemical probes to dissect signaling pathways

Neuropharmacology

Neuropharmacology is the study of the effects of drugs on the nervous system, aiming to develop compounds to benefit humans with psychiatric and neurological disease

Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Research using advanced imaging and electrophysiological techniques to examine the cellular and intracellular mechanisms of the heart and microcirculation

Welcome to Pharmacology

The Department of Pharmacology is one of the pre-clinical science departments that form part of the University’s Medical Sciences Division and is focused on basic life sciences research, undergraduate teaching for medicine and biomedical sciences students and the training and development of graduate students.

Latest News

Open Day in the Department – inspiring young minds

24 Aug, 2026

Since 2023, the Department of Pharmacology has partnered with East Oxford Primary School to inspire Year 5 pupils to learn about pharmacology in engaging ways. The annual visit also gives our Master’s students and researchers valuable opportunities to develop their skills and experience in public engagement.

Top of the QS World University Rankings for Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2019-2021

Founded in 1898

20 research groups

50+ graduate students

Research

The Department of Pharmacology is at the forefront of research into the effects of drugs and other molecules on biological systems with a view to understanding the mechanisms of the human body. Pre-clinical research in the Department aims to examine cellular and molecular pathways in living systems as the first step towards a greater understanding of disease and effective treatment.

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Teaching

Academic staff in the Department lead lectures, seminars and tutorials for undergraduate students on the Medicine and Biomedical Sciences courses. The Department also hosts an internationally-renowned one-year MSc taught course in Pharmacology and has a community of around 40 DPhil students.

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