Programs in pharmacology teach people how drugs and chemical toxins operate. Students learn chemistry and biology. They study the effects specific substances have on people, animals, food, and plants.

Many kids (and adults) know about Mr. Yuk. - the symbol for poison. Originally developed by the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Mr. Yuk is a picture of a man's green face, with grimacing, squinting eyes and his tongue sticking out. He looks like he's saying, "Yuk! That tasted bad!" While a bit silly, the face of Mr. Yuk on a bottle of cleanser or solvent clearly tells young kids to stay away because the contents are toxic. Have you ever wondered who determines what is poisonous or not?

People who are pharmacologists study how chemical and other substances affect living things, especially people. Pharmacology focuses on the effects of chemicals on biological organisms. They also research new drugs and medicines. They study ways to handle hazardous materials and counteract the effects of harmful substances.

Most pharmacologists work as researchers and policy analysts. You can study new drug therapies at a pharmaceutical company; for example, you might study new chemotherapy techniques that are less harmful to the patient. Or, you can develop new heart disease medications at a university laboratory. You can also teach at medical, dental, nursing, or veterinary schools. In addition, you can work for government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration or the National Institutes of Health.

In pharmacology programs, you take many science and math courses. These include biophysics, toxicology, physiology, and statistics. You also study biochemistry, genetics, and drug design. Nearly all of your courses will emphasize laboratory research. In addition, you can specialize on one disease or on a group of diseases; for instance, you can focus on substance abuse, chemotherapy, or neuropharmacology (how drugs affect the brain), to name a few.

A few schools offer bachelor's degrees in pharmacology. However, most people become pharmacologists by going to graduate school. Many colleges and universities offer master's and doctoral degrees in pharmacology. Often, they are offered through the pharmacy program. Typically graduate degrees take two to five years after you finish your bachelor's degree.