Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the cornerstone of the medical profession as drugs are the basis of therapy for human diseases. The goal of Pharmacology courses is to maximise the benefits and minimise the risk of drugs to recipients. It also includes drugs’ history, source, physicochemical properties, dosage forms, methods of administration, absorption, distribution mechanism of action, excretion, clinical uses and adverse effects.

Various types of Pharmacology courses are available in India, from certificate to doctoral courses. To be eligible for full-time bachelor’s or master’s courses students have to qualify in entrance tests like MHT CET, BITSAT, NET, CSIR-NET, NEET-PG and AIIMS-PG. The course is generally offered offline with some online certificate courses available on Udemy, Coursera and other online websites. 

The top Pharmacology colleges in India are Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Madras Medical College, Dr D Y Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and CMR College of Pharmacy. The course fee ranges somewhere between INR 3,000 and 1,50,000 per year. Students, upon graduation, can get into diverse career options such as Research and Development Scientists, Medical Science Liaisons, Pharmacovigilance/Drug Safety Associates, Medical Writers and Editors and Clinical Study Coordinators. 

The field of Pharmacology is continuously evolving with the challenge and demand for new medicines, to find better and safer drugs. The course is suitable for those who are ready to meet the challenges and work with the drug industry and explore how it works. 

• The course is beneficial for career advancement with ample opportunities to find employment in the drug industry.
• As new pieces of literature are constantly being added to the existing ones, students can continuously learn from the recent breakthroughs in Pharmacology.
• Students are equipped with skills to apply their knowledge to real situations and existing challenges.
• As Pharmacology improves the quality of life of people around the world and gives them the opportunity to live a healthier life, it certainly leads to job satisfaction.
• Students can be a part of developing medicines to tackle new diseases, identify new treatments, discover new medicines, research to make sure medicines are effective for everyone and help to make sure that the right medicines are prescribed to people.
• Additionally, the course is interdisciplinary where others get a chance to learn about other branches such as immunology, physiology and biochemistry. Therefore one gets a good background in bioscience.

Encompassing many types of chemicals and medicines that affect the functioning of the body, Pharmacology plays a key role in human health and society. They collect information on how drugs work and function in the body. The course is offered at various levels such as certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree. 

Let us check out the top Pharmacology courses: 

Certificate Program in Pharmacology

• The basic Pharmacology certificate programme helps to develop fundamental knowledge of Pharmacology and reasoning skills needed to evaluate therapeutically appropriate details of various pharmacological drugs and agents used in medical practices. The course duration is around 6 months to 12 months and is also available in online mode.
• Some of the popular certifications related to Pharmacology are drug development and project management, basics of clinical Pharmacology, top drug medication, an online certificate programme in modern Pharmacology and a professional certificate in pharmacovigilance.
   

Diploma in Pharmacology

• A diploma in Pharmacology is designed to give fascinating insights into the field. One can learn the science of drugs and their effects on living systems including how Pharmacology came about and is governed, how drugs are introduced into the body, how they work and how to manage common diseases. 
• Students who have completed class 12th can opt for a diploma in Pharmacology whereas a postgraduate diploma can be opted for by students with a BSc degree. Some of the courses are diploma in drug store management, diploma in clinical research and pharmacovigilance and post graduate diploma in pharmaceutical chemistry.

Bachelors in Pharmacology

• BSc in Pharmacology, which goes on for three years, explores in depth the effect of drugs. Aspects of molecular biology, chemistry, physiology and neuroscience are an integral part of bachelor’s in Pharmacology. Apart from that, the action of current drugs and the development of new drugs are taught here. 

Masters in Pharmacology

• MSc Pharmacology provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical training that will aid them in integrating post-genomic molecular biology with drug discovery and physiological functions. It is a two-year programme consisting of lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars. One can also pursue an MD in Pharmacology which is a medical degree aimed to create highly qualified professionals in this field. 

Doctorate in Pharmacology

• It is a research-based course of generally three years for students who wish to advance their career in the discovery of new drugs and the development of old ones. They are required to submit research papers or dissertations at the end of the course. 

Students may have to appear for entrance tests to study Pharmacology at different levels. Though admission to diploma and certificate programmes does not require qualifying for an entrance test, they may need to take the same for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes. It is one of the major requirements for admission to universities. Find the list of entrance examinations that one may need to attempt:

Students can pursue different Pharmacology courses after having cleared 10+2. The common eligibility criteria for various levels of Pharmacology courses are:

Admission to Pharmacology courses is generally based on the marks obtained in class XII or on the basis of the test scores of entrance examinations. Admission to most courses starts after May and the classes begin in July or August. The mode of admission is generally online for most courses. Here are some common steps involved in the admission procedure to guide Pharmacology aspirants.

• Students must note that for certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas, admission is done mostly on the basis of merit whereas, in bachelor’s and master’s degrees, it can be both merit or entrance-based admission.
• They must first decide which level of study they wish to pursue. After that, they can select the universities that offer Pharmacology courses.  
• They can fill out the application form online and submit it along with the required documents. They will be asked to put their personal details and marks from previous examinations.

• Once it is complete, they have to wait till the merit list is prepared or have to appear for the entrance examination. Students may also have to participate in interviews or group discussions that enable the admission committee to select suitable candidates for Pharmacology courses.
• Once the entire procedure is complete, a final merit list will be available on the college or university website with the names of the selected candidates. Those who will be able to clear the cut-off of entrance examinations will be invited to study the subject. After that, students can pay the admission fee and submit other documents as required by the university.

Some of the popular universities in India that provide Pharmacology courses at different levels of study are given in form of a comprehensive list below:

Pharmacology graduates have a promising career if they complete their courses abroad. They are endowed with both theoretical and practical knowledge that helps them be the best in their profession. Some of the popular universities for Pharmacology abroad are:

The course fee of Pharmacology varies as per the course type, university location and various other factors. The fees are low for certificate and diploma courses while bachelor’s and master’s degree course costs more. The course-wise fees are given below:

The course content of Pharmacology may be different for institutions but the fundamentals remain the same. Students will be taught as per the requirement of the degree. The syllabus is designed per the dynamic character of Pharmacology to suit the needs of academic institutions, the pharmaceutical industry and the community. 

Overall, it ensures that:

• Students are trained to attitude, knowledge and skills as required for their professional careers.
• The current learning needs of students are ensured.
• Employers’ needs in the ever-changing Pharmacology world are met.
• Sound research is enabled.
• The requirements of regulatory bodies are met.

The detailed syllabus is given below: 

The course curriculum of Pharmacology is a combination of classroom teaching and laboratory experiments. Besides lecture and practical modes of instruction, problem-based learning is also included.

Case history, clinical presentation, earlier and current pharmacotherapy, possible effects and outcome of drugs are discussed in detail. Students are trained to understand and respond to clinical queries. Web-based learning is also encouraged now.  

Hospital exposure of students to patients for a better understanding of the interaction of drugs and adverse reactions to drugs is also an important part of the curriculum. Conference and training programmes are also an essential part of the course where students are exposed to recent developments in the industry. 

In addition, for MD and doctoral students, the presentation of a dissertation or thesis paper is mandatory. 

There are always increasing and evolving opportunities in India for Pharmacology graduates. The Covid-19 pandemic has put into the spotlight the ability of the pharmaceutical industry. The shift in technological advancements has resulted in an unprecedented need for Pharmacology graduates with essential skills and experience to make a valuable impact. 

There are a dozen of applicable career paths for those who have taken up Pharmacology as a subject. The job opportunities in different fields are highlighted below:

Some job profiles are discussed in detail below:

• Medical Writer: After completing a Pharmacology course, one can work as a medical writer working closely with researchers and scientists about their latest findings. They can also help pharmaceutical or biotech companies create educational and sales materials. Additionally, one may usually write about how new products work, their side effects and their benefits. 
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Here, one gets to work directly with pharmaceutical and biotech companies. They pitch the products developed by their organisations and engage new and existing clients. The job roles demand people and project management, marketing and customer service. 
• Pharmaceutical Lab Scientists: They are in charge of the research and development process of testing new drugs, products and therapies. They can work both in the government and private sectors. 
• Drug Safety Associates: They are responsible for monitoring, processing, reporting, and controlling the adverse event data obtained from clinical trials and other sources. They document all communication from clinical trial sites, process the data in the company’s database, ensure data accuracy and consistency, and meet the project milestones and deadlines.

Higher Studies

While many will enter the job market, some may opt for higher studies and increase and expand their knowledge base. For example, Pharmacology certificate holders can opt for a diploma or bachelor's programme in Pharmacology and so on. One can also opt for a PhD after the master's which would open doors to independent research and higher levels of management roles in Pharmacology and drug discovery.

The job titles mentioned above give an extraordinary advancement to career and competitive salaries. Location of employment is also an important factor in deciding the salary of Pharmacology degree holders. They can get jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical research organisations, hospital pharmacies, clinical pharmacies, technical pharmacies, medical dispensing stores, research agencies, food and drug administrations, educational institutes and health care centres. 

Here, we have provided an approximation of the average salary after a Pharmacology course:

Not only does having theoretical expertise and practical knowledge help to climb up in the Pharmacology sector but there are also other soft skills that would determine one’s progress and advancement in the field. The skills that one requires are as follows:

• Awareness of Health and Safety Procedures: One should be well aware of the health and safety procedures to administer drugs, and understand their effects as well as side effects on the human body. It is also necessary for the administration of new medicines. 
• Confidence: Working with drugs can impact human health and that is why practitioners need lots of confidence to work in this industry.
• Communication Skills: The practitioners have to communicate the effect of drugs to other parties and this requires clear communication skills to effectively pass on information.
• Other Skills: The other skills that benefit Pharmacology practitioners to progress in their field are:
  • Logical and inquisitive mind
  • Good teamwork
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Analytical skills