Why Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science?
Curious how medications are developed, tested and brought to market? Study the only degree of its kind in South Australia and unlock your potential in pharmaceutical science.
Discover the intersection between chemistry, biology and biotechnology and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Work with cutting-edge research to save lives and revolutionise healthcare. Be at the forefront of medical innovation and begin your career discovering and formulating critical medicines. Develop important skills through hands-on learning, preparing you to explore a range of work environments. With the world in need of essential medicines, are you ready to make a difference?
Overview
Play a key role in Australia’s healthcare industry and become an expert in global challenges. Our Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is the only degree of its kind in South Australia. This degree will equip you with essential skills and knowledge to work across a range of private and public sectors.
Over three years, you’ll gain transferrable skills that are relevant on a global scale. You'll undertake a placement across diverse workplace settings aligned with your interests. Develop specialised knowledge in a range of areas, with the option to tailor your studies through specialised courses.
You'll learn from renowned researchers and leading academics, studying in state-of-the-art teaching facilities. As a pharmaceutical scientist, you’ll graduate with a formidable set of skills that can be applied in a broad range of careers. Graduate with practical skills, ready to play a key role within the healthcare industry.
Key features
Develop a global perspective in pharmaceutical science.- Choose from a range of specialist courses in chemistry, biosciences, clinical trials and marketing.
- Focus on hands-on learning in state-of-the-art pharmacy and chemistry laboratories.
- Graduate with key skills in developing safe and effective medicines to market.
- Complete 80 hours in an industry project or placement.
- Gain two qualifications by completing a double degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a unique three-year program. This Adelaide University degree emphasises the development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products. From discovery to marketing, it will equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the pharmaceutical industry.
In your first year, you’ll learn basic science concepts while exploring domestic and international influences on the pharmaceutical industry. Build essential skills in chemistry and biology. Develop an understanding of the social, cultural and environmental determinants of health. You’ll also investigate the importance of pharmaceuticals on the health of Aboriginal Australians and disadvantaged populations.
During your second and third years, you’ll dive into pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Focus on drug discovery and development, exploring career-aligned areas of interest. Discover opportunities in research, quality control, clinical trials and commercialisation of medicines.
Tailor your studies to suit your interests in second year, with the option to choose specialised courses in areas like chemistry, biosciences and marketing.
In third year, gain relevant industry experience with a work placement or focused research project across an industrial, clinical or research sector. You'll also get valuable international pharmaceutical industry experience through potential overseas study. Graduate with a broad perspective of the health industry and its sectors, ready for a range of careers.
The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is also available as a double degree with the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 114 units from Core courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 24 units for Electives
Complete exactly 114 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 100
|
Course code
CHEM1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 101
|
Course code
CHEM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health and Society
|
Course code
HLTH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical Industry
|
Course code
PHAR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Professional Essentials
|
Course code
PHAR1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
|
Course code
PHAR2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Drug Development 1
|
Course code
PHAR2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 1
|
Course code
PHAR2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 2
|
Course code
PHAR2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology B
|
Course code
PHAR2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology C
|
Course code
PHAR2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology A
|
Course code
PHAR2014
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Drug Discovery
|
Course code
PHAR2020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Drug Development 2
|
Course code
PHAR3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 3
|
Course code
PHAR3018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 4
|
Course code
PHAR3019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Some placement providers may require students to have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Child-Related Clearance or Working with Children Check (WWCC) from 1 July 2019, prior to commencement of the placement. For this reason the National Police Certificate and the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Child-Related Clearance or WWCC must be cleared in advance of the placement.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 100
|
Course code
CHEM1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health and Society
|
Course code
HLTH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health Professional Essentials
|
Course code
PHAR1004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 101
|
Course code
CHEM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical Industry
|
Course code
PHAR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 1
|
Course code
PHAR2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology A
|
Course code
PHAR2014
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 2
|
Course code
PHAR2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Discovery
|
Course code
PHAR2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 3
|
Course code
PHAR3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Development 1
|
Course code
PHAR2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
|
Course code
PHAR2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 4
|
Course code
PHAR3019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Development 2
|
Course code
PHAR3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry Experience
|
Course code
PHAR3011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry Experience
|
Course code
PHAR3011
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Some placement providers may require students to have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Child-Related Clearance or Working with Children Check (WWCC) from 1 July 2019, prior to commencement of the placement. For this reason the National Police Certificate and the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Child-Related Clearance or WWCC must be cleared in advance of the placement.
Students may be required to undertake industry placement in this course at any time throughout the year.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 100
|
Course code
CHEM1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health and Society
|
Course code
HLTH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health Professional Essentials
|
Course code
PHAR1004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 101
|
Course code
CHEM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical Industry
|
Course code
PHAR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 1
|
Course code
PHAR2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology A
|
Course code
PHAR2014
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 2
|
Course code
PHAR2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Discovery
|
Course code
PHAR2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 3
|
Course code
PHAR3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Development 1
|
Course code
PHAR2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
|
Course code
PHAR2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 4
|
Course code
PHAR3019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Development 2
|
Course code
PHAR3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry Experience
|
Course code
PHAR3011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 units for one of the following:
- 24 units from Program electives - Chemistry Specialist courses, or
- 24 units from Program electives - Clinical Trials Specialist courses, or
- 24 units from Program electives - Marketing Specialist courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Structure Determination and Analysis
|
Course code
CHEM2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Structure Determination and Analysis
|
Course code
CHEM2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Synthetic Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM2014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Synthetic Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM2015
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Clinical Trials
|
Course code
PHAR1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Non-Clinical Studies for Clinical Trials
|
Course code
PHAR2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Trials Management
|
Course code
PHAR3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health, Society and Systems
|
Course code
PUBH1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Trials: Design and Analysis
|
Course code
PUBH3019
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Management, Organisations and Leadership
|
Course code
BUSI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
|
Course code
BUSI1300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing Principles
|
Course code
MARK1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Consumer Behaviour
|
Course code
MARK1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing Analytics
|
Course code
MARK2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Distribution and Route to Market
|
Course code
MARK3002
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Some placement providers may require students to have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Child-Related Clearance or Working with Children Check (WWCC) from 1 July 2019, prior to commencement of the placement. For this reason the National Police Certificate and the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Child-Related Clearance or WWCC must be cleared in advance of the placement.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 100
|
Course code
CHEM1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health and Society
|
Course code
HLTH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health Professional Essentials
|
Course code
PHAR1004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 101
|
Course code
CHEM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical Industry
|
Course code
PHAR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 1
|
Course code
PHAR2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology A
|
Course code
PHAR2014
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 2
|
Course code
PHAR2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Discovery
|
Course code
PHAR2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 3
|
Course code
PHAR3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Development 1
|
Course code
PHAR2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
|
Course code
PHAR2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 4
|
Course code
PHAR3019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drug Development 2
|
Course code
PHAR3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry Experience
|
Course code
PHAR3011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Our degree, and your passion for science, technology and solving problems, will set you on the path to improving human health. You might perform clinical trials to test the efficiency of medicines in patients. You could research and develop new drugs and medicines. Perhaps you’ll focus on the marketing and sales of medicines for human and veterinary use.
Your employment opportunities will be diverse, including:
- Product developer/formulation scientist
- Medicinal chemist
- Quality assurance
- Biomedical researcher
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Medicine regulation
- Clinical trials research associate.
Industry trends
Set for further expansion, South Australia’s pharmaceutical industry will welcome a new $85 million drug manufacturing plant in Adelaide (Au Manufacturing, 2021). This will see an increase in local job prospects and technological advancements to create and test more cost-effective medications.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
