What are Pharmaceutical Sciences

What are Pharmaceutical Sciences? 

Pharmaceutical sciences is a broad field of study and research that deals with the development, design, and evaluation of drugs and other pharmaceutical products. It encompasses various scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, pharmacology, clinical and health systems research. The guiding goal of pharmaceutical sciences is to improve human health and well-being.  

Many of our researchers in the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy partner with hospitals, health care leaders and policymakers working across Canada’s health care system on clinical pharmacy research, drug safety and health services research.  

Ultimately, our shared goal is to ensure safe, effective, accessible and affordable drug therapies and pharmacy practice excellence. 

Explore our areas of research

Why study Pharmaceutical Sciences  

Graduate programs at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy offer a dynamic, research-intensive environment for students from physical, biological, health and social science backgrounds, as well as practicing health professionals, leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. 

Throughout our programs, students gain the knowledge and skills to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges of our time—whether that’s creating innovative drug delivery systems, advancing precision medicine, developing medical devices, or shaping health policy. As a student, you’ll work alongside scientists driving breakthroughs in biomolecular science, drug discovery, nanomedicine, disease diagnostics, and health policy, and collaborate with hospitals, health care leaders, and policymakers to translate research into real-world impact. 

Career Opportunities 

Graduate destinations and career paths following a degree in pharmaceutical sciences are diverse and rewarding.  

Here are some of the dynamic roles our graduates pursue: 

• Scientist or Research Leader: in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, hospital-based, or government research settings — advancing new discoveries and therapeutic innovations. 
• Entrepreneur or Business Innovator: founding or growing start-ups, or working in private equity and business development to bring new health technologies to market. 
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow: deepening scientific expertise and building a foundation for academic or industry leadership. 
• Faculty Member or Educator: teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists while pursuing independent research. 
• Health Policy Analyst or Advisor: shaping drug policy and access through roles in government, health systems, or non-profit organizations. 
• Research Associate or Coordinator: managing complex scientific studies and clinical research collaborations. 
• Medical or Regulatory Affairs Professional: ensuring the safety, efficacy, and compliance of new drugs and biologics in regulatory agencies or industry. 
• Strategy or Scientific Consultant: advising on product development, clinical programs, or organizational strategy across the life sciences sector. 
• Academic or Health System Administrator: leading operations, research programs, or innovation initiatives within hospitals and universities. 
• Advocacy or Non-Profit Leader: driving change in patient care, science policy, or professional practice through leadership in life sciences and health organizations. 

Our Graduates