Neuropharmacology

Course Overview

Attempting to find new drug treatments central nervous system (CNS) diseases is a major global priority. This requires a collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and academic institutions. It involves:



1. The identification of drug targets in the CNS disease state of interest

2. Discovery and preclinical profiling of substances acting on this drug target

3. The clinical evaluation for efficacy and safety.



The Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics has been actively engaged in neuropharmacological research for over 30 years. In 1998, the MSc in Neuropharmacology was introduced to provide students with the skills necessary to develop a career in important area of research.

The programme is divided into three trimesters trimesters (each of 30 ECTS) in the following manner:



Trimester 1

Neuroscience: 5 ECTS

Central Neurotransmission: 5 ECTS

Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology: 5 ECTS

Applied Concepts in Pharmacology: 5 ECTS

Experimental Methods in Pharmacology: 10 ECTS



Trimester 2

Experimental Neuropharmacology: 15 ECTS

Current Topics in Neuropharmacology: 10 ECTS

Neuropharmacology & Therapeutics: 5 ECTS



Trimester 3

Neuropharmacology Research Project: 30 ECTS



Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required PM208: Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology

Required PM209: Applied Concepts in Pharmacology

Required SI209: Neurophysiology

Required PM5101: Central Neurotransmission

Required PM5102: Experimental Methods in Pharmacology

Required PM5103: Experimental Neuropharmacology

Required PM5104: Current Topics in Neuropharmacology

Required PM5105: Neuropharmacology & Therapeutics

Optional PM517: Pharmacology Thesis

Optional SI503: Physiology Thesis

Optional BI503: Biochemistry Thesis

Optional AN508: Anatomy Thesis

Optional SY502: Psychiatry Thesis

Optional PM311: Introduction to Toxicology

Optional BI5107: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology

Optional PM5114: Screening Molecular Libraries

Successful students will normally hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 degree from any of a range of undergraduate disciplines, from Chemistry to Life Science subjects to Psychology. Students are also considered who have a Level 7 degree and three years’ relevant work experience. IELTS score of 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in any one component).

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2024

Career Opportunities

The majority of graduates of the programme have entered the workforce either in technical or research roles within hospitals, universities or companies, mostly in Ireland. Approximately one-third have embarked on PhD research following graduation.