Your degree in Pharmacology

Skills you'll develop

While studying Pharmacology, you’re learning how biomedical advances have practical applications to human health. You’ll develop important skills in research and understand the effects of drugs on cells, organs and systems.

These skills may include:

  • Comprehension and identification of connections across complex processes and systems
  • Analytical method development or validation (QA/QC)
  • Quantitative and qualitative research and data synthesis
  • Application of logical and systematic thought processes to understand the biochemical or physiological effects of drugs
  • Collaboration with cross-discipline laboratory teams
  • Written and verbal presentation of scientific data to non-technical audiences
  • Laboratory techniques in compliance with quality control and safety regulations
  • Usage of ELISA, PCR, gel-electrophoresis, protein assays, and western blot techniques

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including health care and pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, intellectual property, regulatory affairs, research, educational institutions, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academic backgrounds, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Allergist
  • Analytical chemist
  • Anesthesiologist 
  • Biofuel analyst
  • Bioinformatician
  • Biostatistician
  • Business development officer 
  • Clinical research associate
  • Clinical trials coordinator
  • Community health physician
  • Consumer protection specialist 
  • Epidemiologist
  • Food and drug inspector
  • Genetic counselor
  • Laboratory technician
  • Medical biochemist
  • Medical doctor
  • Nuclear medicine specialist
  • Patent agent
  • Patent attorney
  • Pharmaceutical chemist
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Pharmacist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Product testing associate
  • Teacher/Professor 
  • Psychopharmacologist
  • Quality control technician 
  • Regulatory affairs officer
  • Technical writer
  • Toxicologist

Make the most of your specialization

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

    Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

    Find UBC Pharmacology graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

    More information

    From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.