Major Undergraduate

Pharmacology and Toxicology


Study mode
Part Time Full Time
Study mode
Full Time
Murdoch code
MJ-PHTX
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

Major overview

Study pharmacology and toxicology and learn how drugs impact human health

Pharmacology and toxicology explore how drugs, chemicals and toxins interact with the human body. The Pharmacology and Toxicology major within our Bachelor of Biomedical Science equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to understand how medicines work, how they are developed and how substances can affect health. 

During your pharmacology and toxicology major, you’ll study areas such as drug action, toxic effects, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. You’ll learn how medicines are designed and tested, how the body responds to different substances, and how toxic compounds can impact biological systems. 

You’ll study in the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, which includes hospitals and a range of research facilities. This environment connects you with real-world clinical and research settings, giving you insight into how pharmacology and toxicology are applied in healthcare, industry and biomedical research. 

You’ll develop strong analytical and practical skills while engaging with leading-edge research in biomedical science, while learning from leading academics. You’ll gain hands-on experience using modern techniques to investigate drug effects, toxicity and biological responses. 

As part of our flexible biomedical science degree, you can combine Pharmacology and Toxicology with another biomedical science major – Biochemistry and Nutrition, Biomedicine, Clinical Laboratory Science, Genetics and Biotechnology or Microbiology and Immunology – to broaden your expertise and expand your career opportunities in health, research and industry.
Student handling samples with gloves in a laboratory

3 reasons to study pharmacology and toxicology at Murdoch University

  1. Study in real-world hospitals and research facilities at the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct. 
  2. Combine this major with another specialisation to tailor your biomedical science degree and broaden your career pathways. 
  3. Build practical skills through hands-on laboratory work and research-informed learning guided by leading academics.

What you’ll learn

  • Analyse pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and excreted. 
  • Explore pharmacology and how drugs interact with biological systems to produce therapeutic effects. 
  • Investigate toxicology and how chemicals and toxins affect cells, organs and physiological systems. 
  • Examine drug development, including testing, safety, efficacy and regulatory considerations. 
  • Develop practical skills to study drug action, toxicity and biological responses using laboratory techniques. 
  • Interpret scientific data and apply your knowledge to challenges in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental health and biomedical research.

Not only could I study a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, and a Bachelor of Criminology, but I had the opportunity to study them as a combined degree.

Danika, Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Murdoch University MMFS student with hammer prop

Your future career in pharmacology and toxicology

With our major in pharmacology and toxicology, you’ll graduate with the skills and expertise to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, research and regulation, or further study in areas such as drug development, clinical research, regulatory science or biomedical research. 

Potential roles include: 

  • Pharmacologist 
  • Toxicologist 
  • Laboratory technician 
  • Research assistant 
  • Pharmaceutical industry roles 
  • Regulatory affairs officer
For more details about our Pharmacology and Toxicology major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Murdoch University and gain hands-on experience in modern labs and health facilities. Apply today.

Have a question? Get in touch.

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

Send an enquiry

Send an enquiry

Send an enquiry

Live chat

Live chat

Live chat