In this major, you’ll learn the underlying principles and concepts of human pharmacology and toxicology beginning with foundational studies in biochemistry, physiology and molecular biology before progressing into the development, mechanisms of action, metabolism and elimination, therapeutic uses, and societal uses of drugs. You’ll also learn about the detrimental effects of poisons and toxins on the body and how they are identified in medical samples.
3 reasons to study Pharmacology and Toxicology at Murdoch
Studying at Murdoch University will put you at the centre of the vibrant health and research precinct, which includes multiple hospitals and medical research centres.
Prepare for the workforce or further study as you learn about the latest advances in modern pharmacology and toxicology.
Learn by doing, with laboratory content throughout the course to ensure you acquire relevant practical skills and reinforce theoretical principles.
What you’ll learn
Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn about:
Biomedical physiology (how the human body functions)
Biochemistry (the chemistry of life)
Molecular biology (structure and function of molecules and macromolecular systems associated with biological processes)
Human pharmacology (exploring the principles of drug science)
Forensic toxicology (identifying toxins in body fluids and contaminated products)
Your future career
This major is good preparation for careers in research institutes and universities undertaking pharmacology, toxicology or drug investigations, pharmaceutical and medical biotechnology companies focused on drug development, or for entry into relevant postgraduate courses such as pharmacy or medicine.
Careers could include:
Medical Researcher
Pharmacologist/Biochemist/Toxicologist
Laboratory Technologist (in hospitals, medical research institutes or universities)
Biomedical or Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing Specialist
Select which option best describes your path to university :
Means of admission
Minimum academic requirement
Minimum English requirement
University study
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Successful completion of one of the following:
Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
MUPC (1 Trimester)
Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Successful completion of one of the following:
Murdoch University Preparation Course
Introduction to Academic Communication unit
Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Successful completion of one of the following:
OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Successful completion of the course.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Successful completion of one of the following:
Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
MUPC (1 Trimester)
Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
Murdoch University Preparation Course
Introduction to Academic Communication unit
Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of the course.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Means of admission
Minimum academic requirement
Minimum English requirement
Experience based entry
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Successful completion of one of the following:
Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Extenuating circumstances
We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Case-by-case assessment.
GCE A Levels
Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
A Levels: D in one of the following:
English Language
English Literature
Knowledge and Inquiry.
AS Level: C in one of the following:
English Language
English Literature
Knowledge and Inquiry.
Overseas Year 12
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
CPS 54 or higher.
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
English
English Extension (Literature)
English for ESL Learners.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
70
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
VET course studied at school
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Total score of 24 or higher.
Higher level (HL): 3 or better.
Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Experience based entry
Minimum academic requirement
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of one of the following:
Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement
We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement
Case-by-case assessment.
GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement
Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
Minimum English requirement
A Levels: D in one of the following:
English Language
English Literature
Knowledge and Inquiry.
AS Level: C in one of the following:
English Language
English Literature
Knowledge and Inquiry.
Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement
CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement
Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement
Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
English
English Extension (Literature)
English for ESL Learners.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement
70
Minimum English requirement
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
English ATAR
Literature ATAR
English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement
Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement
Higher level (HL): 3 or better.
Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Means of admission
Minimum academic requirement
Minimum English requirement
Certificate IV AQF level 4
Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR
STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Means of admission
Minimum academic requirement
Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Experienced based entry
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Experienced based entry
Minimum academic requirement
A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement
MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
As per normal undergraduate admission requirements.
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to
complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.
If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.
There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.
Advanced Standing
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to
complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.
Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student
as well as what's available throughout your degree.
Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.
Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.
If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship offers eligible students between $8,000 and $11,000, depending on the course you study.
The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.
Explore our scholarships and find out if you’re eligible to apply.
