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M-SC in Medical Pharmacology at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Medical Pharmacology at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai?
This M.Sc. Medical Pharmacology program at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences focuses on advanced understanding of drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, and development. It addresses the crucial need for skilled professionals in India''''s rapidly expanding pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, providing comprehensive knowledge in drug action, clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance. The program aims to equip students with scientific rigor for research and industry roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for pharmacy, medical, and life science graduates seeking entry into pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, or drug regulatory affairs. It also suits working professionals, such as medical representatives or lab technicians, aiming to upskill for advanced roles. Aspiring researchers interested in drug discovery and development will find the curriculum comprehensive and industry-aligned for career progression in the Indian market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in pharmaceutical companies, CROs, hospitals, and academic research in India. Roles include clinical research associate, pharmacovigilance executive, medical writer, or research scientist, with entry-level salaries typically ranging from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. The program provides a strong foundation for further Ph.D. studies or specialized certifications in regulatory affairs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Understanding- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding core pharmacological principles, mechanisms of drug action, and basic biochemistry. Create detailed notes, flowcharts, and concept maps for each drug class. Regularly revisit fundamental concepts to build a strong base for advanced topics and clinical applications.
Tools & Resources
Goodman & Gilman''''s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Ganong''''s Review of Medical Physiology, NPTEL lectures, Medscape for clinical relevance
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation is essential for analytical roles in research and development, enabling effective interpretation of drug data and clinical observations during placements and future career roles.
Excel in Laboratory Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Pay meticulous attention during practical sessions in biochemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology. Master techniques like spectrophotometry, chromatography, microbial culturing, and experimental animal handling. Document all experiments thoroughly in a lab notebook, focusing on precision and accuracy.
Tools & Resources
Departmental laboratory manuals, YouTube tutorials for technique demonstrations, Opportunities for additional lab practice
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab skills is critical for roles in preclinical research, quality control, and analytical development within pharmaceutical companies and CROs, significantly improving employability and practical competence.
Develop Analytical and Critical Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions and journal clubs, critically analyzing research papers and experimental designs. Practice problem-solving related to drug interactions, adverse effects, and dosage calculations. Engage in peer-to-peer learning by discussing concepts and challenging assumptions to deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
Scientific journals (e.g., British Journal of Pharmacology), Research articles provided by faculty, Form study groups for complex topics
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are highly valued in research, pharmacovigilance, and clinical data management roles, enabling effective decision-making and problem resolution in professional settings, which is key for career growth.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Engage Actively in Research Projects and Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Proactively identify and participate in research projects, ideally leading to the final project work and thesis. Seek internship opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), or hospitals specializing in clinical research or pharmacovigilance. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and gaining practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
University research labs and faculty mentors, Industry contacts and alumni network, Online internship portals like Internshala, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Practical research experience and industry internships are pivotal for securing placements, demonstrating hands-on skills and exposure to industry practices, thereby making graduates job-ready and competitive in the Indian market.
Master Data Analysis and Scientific Communication- (Semester 3-4)
Develop proficiency in biostatistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, GraphPad Prism) for accurately analyzing experimental data. Focus on clear, concise, and impactful scientific writing for reports, presentations, and the thesis. Practice presenting research findings effectively through seminars and journal club participation to refine communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Online courses in biostatistics and scientific writing, Workshops offered by the university, Academic mentors for feedback on drafts
Career Connection
Strong data analysis and communication skills are essential for roles such as research scientists, medical writers, and clinical data managers, enabling effective dissemination of scientific findings and successful project reporting, crucial for career progression.
Network and Prepare for Career Advancement- (Semester 3-4)
Actively attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to network with professionals and stay updated on the latest trends in pharmacology and clinical research. Tailor your resume and cover letter for specific job roles identified. Practice interview skills rigorously and participate in mock interviews to build confidence.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn and professional networking platforms, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Pharmacological Society), University career services and placement cell
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to potential employment opportunities and mentorship, while robust preparation ensures success in the competitive Indian job market, leading to better career opportunities and enhanced salary prospects in various pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Pharm / Pharm.D / M.B.B.S / B.D.S / B.V.Sc / B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences / B.Sc. (Life Sciences) / B.Sc. Nursing / B.Sc. Biotechnology / B.Sc. Biochemistry / B.Sc. Microbiology / B.Sc. Genetics / B.Sc. MLT / BPT / BOT with minimum 50% aggregate marks
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 103 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCPM-P101 | General Pharmacology & CVS | Core | 4 | General principles of pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, Adverse drug reactions and drug interactions, Autonomic nervous system pharmacology, Cardiovascular system pharmacology |
| MSCPM-P102 | CNS & GIT | Core | 4 | Central Nervous System pharmacology, Psychopharmacology, Gastrointestinal tract pharmacology, Anti-ulcer and antiemetic drugs, Laxatives and antidiarrheals |
| MSCPM-P103 | Renal & Respiratory System | Core | 4 | Renal system pharmacology, Diuretics and renal impairment drugs, Respiratory system pharmacology, Bronchodilators and anti-asthmatics, Cough and cold remedies |
| MSCPM-B104 | General Biochemistry | Allied | 4 | Biomolecules and their metabolism, Enzymes and enzyme kinetics, Clinical biochemistry basics, Metabolic pathways, Diagnostic tests |
| MSCPM-M105 | General Microbiology | Allied | 4 | Microbial classification and growth, Bacterial and viral pathogens, Basic immunology, Diagnostic microbiology techniques, Antimicrobial agents |
| MSCPM-PP106 | Practical - I (Physiology & Pharmacology) | Practical | 3 | Experimental pharmacology techniques, Animal experiments basics, Isolated organ preparations, Drug screening methods, Recording physiological parameters |
| MSCPM-PB107 | Practical - II (Biochemistry & Microbiology) | Practical | 4 | Basic biochemical tests, Enzyme assays, Microbial staining and culture techniques, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Identification of microorganisms |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCPM-P201 | Chemotherapy & Toxicology | Core | 4 | Antimicrobial agents, Antiviral and antifungal drugs, Anticancer drugs, General principles of toxicology, Poisoning and drug abuse |
| MSCPM-P202 | Endocrinology & Blood | Core | 4 | Endocrine pharmacology, Hormones and related drugs, Diabetes mellitus management, Thyroid and parathyroid disorders, Haematinic agents and anticoagulants |
| MSCPM-P203 | Autacoids, Dermatological & Ocular Pharmacology | Core | 4 | Histamine and antihistamines, Prostaglandins and NSAIDs, Dermatological agents, Ocular pharmacology, Local anesthetics |
| MSCPM-B204 | Advanced Biochemistry | Allied | 4 | Molecular biology techniques, Gene expression and regulation, Genetic engineering principles, Clinical enzymology, Organ function tests |
| MSCPM-P205 | Statistics in Pharmacology | Allied | 4 | Biostatistics fundamentals, Data analysis and interpretation, Hypothesis testing and p-values, Experimental design, Regression analysis and correlation |
| MSCPM-PP206 | Practical - III (Pharmacology) | Practical | 3 | Advanced drug testing models, Pharmacological assays and bioassays, Toxicity studies (acute and chronic), Drug formulation and evaluation, Ethical considerations in animal experimentation |
| MSCPM-PB207 | Practical - IV (Biochemistry) | Practical | 4 | Advanced biochemical assays, Electrophoresis techniques, Chromatography methods, Spectrophotometric analysis, Molecular diagnostic techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCPM-P301 | Pharmacogenomics & Pharmacovigilance | Core | 4 | Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, Personalized medicine concepts, Adverse drug reaction monitoring, Drug safety and risk management, Regulatory aspects of pharmacovigilance |
| MSCPM-P302 | Clinical Research & Ethics | Core | 4 | Clinical trial design and methodology, Phases of clinical trials, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Ethical considerations in research, Informed consent and regulatory approvals |
| MSCPM-P303 | Experimental Pharmacology & Screening Methods | Core | 4 | Preclinical drug development, Animal models of disease, In vitro and in vivo screening methods, Drug discovery strategies, High-throughput screening |
| MSCPM-P304 | Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Allied | 4 | Research design principles, Literature review techniques, Data collection and sampling methods, Statistical software applications, Report writing and scientific communication |
| MSCPM-P305 | Drug Discovery & Development | Core | 4 | Drug target identification, Lead optimization and validation, Preclinical testing phase, Clinical development stages, Regulatory affairs and intellectual property |
| MSCPM-P306 | Practical - V (Advanced Pharmacology & Clinical Research) | Practical | 3 | Advanced experimental techniques, Drug interaction studies, Adverse drug reaction reporting systems, Clinical data management software, Bioanalytical method validation |
| MSCPM-P307 | Presentation & Journal Club | Core | 4 | Scientific presentation skills, Critical appraisal of scientific literature, Journal review and discussion, Research communication strategies, Abstract writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCPM-P401 | Project Work | Project | 10 | Research proposal development, Experimental design and execution, Data collection and analysis, Scientific writing of project report, Oral presentation of findings |
| MSCPM-T402 | Thesis (Dissertation & Viva Voce) | Project | 12 | In-depth literature review, Original research contribution, Comprehensive dissertation writing, Critical analysis of results, Oral defense and viva voce |
