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Pharmacology examines how drugs interact with living organisms, spanning from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications. Toxicology investigates the adverse effects of chemical substances. Otago's toxicology curriculum addresses both environmental and human health impacts, with special attention to pharmaceuticals and their development.
These disciplines play a pivotal role in contemporary healthcare, driving innovations to combat serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions. Pharmacology forms the foundation for progress in biomedical research, while toxicology provides crucial insights into human-environment interactions in our evolving world.
Our alumni pursue diverse career paths in research, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and consulting roles.
Leading employers include the National Poisons Centre, MedSafe, Pharmac, the Ministry of Health, Crown Research Institutes, academic institutions, and drug manufacturers.
Many students choose Pharmacology and Toxicology as stepping stones to medical professions (such as Medicine or Pharmacy) or combine them with degrees in Law, Business, or Teaching.