.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-PHARM in Pharmacology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Pharmacology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Pharm in Pharmacology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on advanced principles of drug action, screening, toxicology, and drug discovery. It equips students with deep insights into how drugs interact with biological systems. The program''''s rigor addresses the growing demand for skilled pharmacologists in India''''s booming pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, emphasizing both research and clinical applications.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for B.Pharm graduates passionate about understanding drug mechanisms and contributing to drug development. It suits individuals aiming for research roles in academia or industry, professionals seeking to specialize in clinical research or pharmacovigilance, and those aspiring to pursue doctoral studies in pharmaceutical sciences, with a strong foundation in biological and chemical sciences.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in pharmaceutical R&D, contract research organizations (CROs), clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program also prepares students for roles in regulatory affairs, scientific writing, and academic teaching within the Indian pharmaceutical ecosystem.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Pharmacological Concepts- (Semester 1)
Dedicating ample time in Semester 1 to thoroughly understand Advanced Pharmacology I, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, and Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques. Focus on conceptual clarity through regular revision and discussions with faculty and peers.
Tools & Resources
Standard pharmacology textbooks (e.g., K.D. Tripathi, Goodman & Gilman), Online scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar), Departmental lecture notes and tutorials
Career Connection
A strong foundation in core pharmacology is essential for all future specialized roles, from research and development to clinical trials, enabling confident application of principles.
Excel in Practical Skills and Lab Documentation- (Semester 1)
Actively participate in all practical sessions for Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacological Screening. Meticulously document all experimental procedures, observations, and results. Seek feedback on lab reports to refine data interpretation and scientific writing.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory manuals, GraphPad Prism (for data analysis), Scientific notebook and LIMS (if available)
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab techniques and accurate documentation are critical for research positions in pharma R&D and CROs, ensuring reliable and reproducible experimental outcomes.
Develop Strong Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Pay close attention to Research Methodology and Biostatistics, understanding experimental design, statistical software applications, and hypothesis testing. This lays the groundwork for sound research practices in your project work.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R statistical software tutorials, Biostatistics textbooks, Online courses on research design
Career Connection
A robust understanding of research methodology is indispensable for designing and executing independent research, leading to impactful scientific contributions and project success.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Project Work with Focus- (Semester 2)
Begin Project Work – Phase I with a clear research question, thorough literature review, and well-defined methodology. Actively consult with your supervisor, attend seminars, and present findings in Journal Club to gain diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
EndNote/Zotero (for reference management), PowerPoint for presentations, Regular supervisor meetings
Career Connection
This phase is crucial for developing independent research skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in R&D and academic research roles.
Explore Clinical and Regulatory Aspects- (Semester 2)
Deeply study Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance. Consider pursuing online certifications or short courses in ICH-GCP or regulatory affairs to enhance your understanding and appeal to clinical research organizations and regulatory bodies.
Tools & Resources
ICH-GCP guidelines, Online certification platforms (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera), Books on regulatory affairs
Career Connection
Knowledge in clinical research and pharmacovigilance opens doors to roles in clinical operations, medical writing, and drug safety departments within pharmaceutical companies and CROs.
Network and Seek Internship Opportunities- (Semester 2)
Actively participate in departmental events, workshops, and conferences. Network with industry professionals and faculty to identify potential internship opportunities for the summer after Semester 2, aligning with your specialization interests.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences (e.g., IPC), University career services
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable industry exposure, practical experience, and a competitive edge during placements, often leading to pre-placement offers.
Advanced Stage
Intensify Research and Thesis Writing- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to Project Work – Phase II and III, focusing on experimental execution, comprehensive data analysis, and scientific interpretation. Start writing your thesis early, incorporating feedback diligently, and aiming for publication.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Word/LaTeX for thesis writing, Plagiarism checker tools, Journal submission guidelines
Career Connection
A well-executed project and a published paper significantly boost your profile for top research roles, PhD admissions, and specialized positions in pharmaceutical innovation.
Prepare for Comprehensive Viva-Voce- (Semester 4)
Thoroughly review all M.Pharm coursework and your entire project work in preparation for the Comprehensive Viva-Voce. Practice presenting your research concisely and fielding questions confidently. Understand the broader implications of your work.
Tools & Resources
Self-study of course material, Mock viva sessions with peers/supervisors, Presentation practice
Career Connection
A strong viva performance demonstrates mastery of the subject and research communication skills, critical for academic and high-level industry positions.
Strategic Career Planning and Placement Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize SRMIST''''s career services for resume building, mock interviews, and understanding placement trends in the Indian pharmaceutical sector. Tailor your applications to specific roles in pharmacology, drug discovery, or clinical research.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell resources, Online job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn Jobs), Industry-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures you are well-prepared to secure desirable placements in leading pharmaceutical companies, CROs, or research institutions across India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Pharm degree with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 86 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (Theory) / 50% (Practical), External: 60% (Theory) / 50% (Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHC21101T | Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques | Core | 4 | Spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, NMR, Mass), Chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC, TLC), Electrophoresis and X-ray diffraction, Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), Immunoassays and radioimmunoassays |
| MPHC21102T | Advanced Pharmacology – I | Core | 4 | General principles of pharmacology, Autonomic nervous system pharmacology, Cardiovascular system pharmacology, Renal system pharmacology, Endocrine system pharmacology, Gastrointestinal system pharmacology |
| MPHC21103T | Pharmacological Screening and Assays – I | Core | 4 | Principles of pharmacological screening, Screening for CNS activity (antidepressants, anxiolytics), Screening for cardiovascular activity (antihypertensives), Screening for anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, Screening for anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic drugs, Immuno-modulators and anti-cancer screening |
| MPHC21104T | Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology | Core | 4 | Cell signaling pathways, Receptors and their mechanisms of action, Ion channels and transporters, Enzyme targets and inhibition, Gene expression and regulation, Apoptosis and necrosis |
| MPHC21105P | Advanced Pharmacology – I (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Isolated tissue preparations, Dose-response curve plotting, Bioassay techniques, Animal handling and experimental procedures, Data analysis and interpretation |
| MPHC21106P | Pharmacological Screening and Assays – I (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Experimental models for CNS disorders, Models for cardiovascular and renal diseases, Anti-inflammatory and analgesic models, Recording and analysis of physiological responses, Ethical considerations in animal experimentation |
| MPHC21107R | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Core | 4 | Research design and formulation, Data collection methods and sampling, Descriptive and inferential statistics, Hypothesis testing and ANOVA, Correlation and regression analysis, Scientific writing and presentation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHC21201T | Advanced Pharmacology – II | Core | 4 | Chemotherapy of infectious diseases, Immunopharmacology and immunomodulators, Respiratory system pharmacology, Blood and coagulation pharmacology, Drug interactions and adverse drug reactions, Principles of toxicology and drug safety |
| MPHC21202T | Pharmacological Screening and Assays – II | Core | 4 | Screening for anti-diabetic agents, Screening for anti-ulcer and hepatoprotective drugs, Models for respiratory disorders, Toxicity testing (acute, sub-acute, chronic), Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, Reproductive and genotoxicity studies |
| MPHC21203T | Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance | Core | 4 | Phases of clinical trials and design, ICH-GCP guidelines and ethical considerations, Clinical trial management and monitoring, Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting, Pharmacovigilance systems and databases, Regulatory requirements for clinical research |
| MPHC21204T | Principles of Drug Discovery | Core | 4 | Target identification and validation, Lead discovery and optimization, Rational drug design techniques, High-throughput screening approaches, Combinatorial chemistry in drug discovery, Pre-clinical development and IND applications |
| MPHC21205P | Advanced Pharmacology – II (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Toxicological evaluations in animals, Drug metabolism studies (in vitro, in vivo), Biochemical assays (oxidative stress, enzyme kinetics), Histopathological techniques, Immunological techniques (ELISA, Western Blot), Flow cytometry applications |
| MPHC21206P | Pharmacological Screening and Assays – II (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Advanced experimental models for chronic diseases, Evaluation of new drug candidates, Data analysis with statistical software, Report writing and scientific documentation, Troubleshooting experimental challenges, Advanced in vivo techniques |
| MPHC21207S | Seminar / Presentation | Project | 1 | Literature review on current topics, Scientific presentation skills, Critical analysis of research papers, Effective communication techniques, Responding to academic queries, Using visual aids effectively |
| MPHC21208D | Journal Club | Project | 1 | Discussion of recent advances in pharmacology, Critical appraisal of scientific literature, Understanding diverse research methodologies, Identifying research gaps and future directions, Debating ethical aspects of research, Enhancing scientific discourse |
| MPHC21209PJ | Project Work – Phase I | Project | 6 | Identification of research problem, Comprehensive literature survey, Formulation of hypothesis and objectives, Development of research methodology, Experimental design and planning, Resource planning and ethical approval |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHC21E05T | Pharmacogenomics | Elective | 4 | Introduction to genomics and personalized medicine, Genetic variations affecting drug response, Pharmacogenetics of drug metabolizing enzymes, Pharmacogenomics of drug transporters, Biomarkers in pharmacogenomics, Ethical, legal, and social implications |
| MPHC21302PJ | Project Work – Phase II | Project | 10 | Execution of experimental protocols, Data collection and documentation, Interim data analysis and interpretation, Troubleshooting experimental issues, Drafting methodology and preliminary results, Regular progress reporting |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPHC21401PJ | Project Work – Phase III | Project | 16 | Comprehensive data analysis using statistical tools, Interpretation of all experimental results, Thesis writing and structuring, Discussion of findings and conclusions, Manuscript preparation for publication, Final presentation of research |
| MPHC21402V | Comprehensive Viva-Voce | Project | 4 | Oral defense of the M.Pharm thesis, Understanding of research methodology, In-depth knowledge of pharmacology principles, Ability to answer questions related to project, Demonstration of critical thinking, Overall subject knowledge assessment |
