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M-SC-ALLIED-HEALTH-SCIENCES in Medical Pharmacology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Medical Pharmacology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Medical Pharmacology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on the comprehensive study of drug action, development, and therapeutic application. In India, this field is crucial for addressing diverse health challenges and fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, making graduates highly sought after in drug research and clinical roles contributing to public health.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a B.Sc. in Allied Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or Veterinary Sciences, seeking entry into pharmaceutical research or clinical roles. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill in drug development, regulatory affairs, or pharmacovigilance, and career changers transitioning into the dynamic Indian pharma and healthcare industries.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as pharmacologists, clinical research associates, drug safety officers, or regulatory affairs specialists within India''''s booming pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more, contributing to a robust growth trajectory in the Indian healthcare ecosystem.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Pharmacological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate ample time to understanding fundamental principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and systemic pharmacology. Utilize textbooks, online lectures, and create concept maps for better retention and interlinking of knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Goodman & Gilman''''s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, KD Tripathi''''s Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, NPTEL courses on pharmacology, Online quizzes on platforms like Pharmaglimpse
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in entrance exams for higher studies, competitive exams, or interviews for R&D and clinical research roles in pharmaceutical companies.
Develop Strong Laboratory Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions, focusing on experimental design, data collection, and interpretation. Practice precise techniques in drug preparation, animal handling, and bioassays to build confidence and proficiency.
Tools & Resources
Comprehensive lab manuals, YouTube tutorials for experimental procedures, Discussions with lab instructors and senior students, Virtual lab simulations where available
Career Connection
Practical proficiency in experimental pharmacology is highly valued in drug discovery, toxicology labs, and preclinical research units, significantly enhancing employability in the industry.
Engage in Academic Discussions & Journal Clubs- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly participate in journal clubs and seminars, critically analyzing scientific literature and presenting findings to peers and faculty. This sharpens research aptitude, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
PubMed and Google Scholar for research papers, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Peer group discussions and constructive feedback sessions
Career Connection
Improves scientific literacy, critical appraisal skills, and presentation abilities, which are essential for research positions, higher education, and scientific writing roles in pharma and academia.
Intermediate Stage
Focus on Specialized Areas and Electives- (Semester 3)
Identify a specific area of interest within pharmacology (e.g., neuropharmacology, immunopharmacology, toxicology) and delve deeper through elective courses, advanced readings, and mini-projects to build niche expertise.
Tools & Resources
Specialized review articles and research journals, Advanced textbooks specific to sub-fields, Online courses from platforms like Coursera/edX related to chosen sub-fields
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles in niche areas of pharmaceutical research, development, and regulatory affairs, differentiating you in the job market.
Undertake Industry Internships/Projects- (Semester 3)
Actively seek out and complete internships in pharmaceutical companies, CROs (Contract Research Organizations), or research institutions during academic breaks or as part of the curriculum to gain hands-on experience in drug development or clinical trials.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell and career services, LinkedIn for professional networking, Direct outreach to companies and research labs, Industry-academia collaboration forums
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical exposure, build crucial industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers or preferential hiring in leading pharma companies and CROs.
Enhance Data Analysis & Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 3)
Develop proficiency in biostatistics and computational tools relevant to pharmacology. Practice designing research studies, collecting and managing data, and performing rigorous statistical analysis to interpret experimental outcomes effectively.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software like SPSS, R, SAS, or Microsoft Excel, Online tutorials and certifications for statistical software, Textbooks on biostatistics and research methodology, Bioinformatics tools and databases
Career Connection
Strong analytical and methodological skills are critical for roles in clinical research, biostatistics, medical writing, and R&D, enabling effective interpretation and reporting of scientific data.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation & Research Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the master''''s dissertation, ensuring a well-designed study, meticulous data collection, rigorous analysis, and clear scientific writing. Aim for publishable quality research and articulate your findings effectively.
Tools & Resources
Comprehensive research guides and academic writing workshops, Mentorship from faculty advisors and senior researchers, Reference management software (e.g., Mendeley, Zotero), Plagiarism detection tools
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation is a strong testament to research capabilities, which is crucial for securing competitive research positions, Ph.D. admissions, or R&D roles in prestigious institutions or industries.
Prepare for Comprehensive Viva Voce & Job Interviews- (Semester 4)
Systematically revise all core subjects to perform well in the comprehensive viva. Simultaneously, prepare for job interviews by practicing common pharmacology-specific questions, case studies, and aptitude tests to demonstrate your expertise.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers and mock viva sessions, Mock interviews with faculty and career counselors, Online interview preparation platforms and company-specific guides, General knowledge and current affairs related to healthcare
Career Connection
Strong performance in the comprehensive viva and job interviews directly translates to better placement opportunities and securing desired roles in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical research organizations, or academia.
Network Strategically & Seek Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Attend scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars in pharmacology, both virtual and in-person. Connect with professionals, alumni, and faculty to build a strong professional network and seek mentorship for career guidance and future opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking and industry insights, Professional societies like the Indian Pharmacological Society (IPS), College alumni network and career fairs, Industry conferences and scientific symposia
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, collaborative projects, and provides invaluable insights into career progression, industry trends, and future advancements in medical pharmacology.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. in Allied Health Sciences/Life Sciences/Pharmacy/Veterinary Sciences or any other equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 82 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH1101 | General Pharmacology | Core | 4 | Basic principles of drug action, Pharmacokinetics (ADME), Pharmacodynamics, Routes of drug administration, Factors modifying drug response, Adverse drug reactions |
| MPH1102 | Systemic Pharmacology - I (Autonomic Nervous System & Cardiovascular System) | Core | 4 | Drugs affecting ANS, Cholinergic & Adrenergic drugs, Drugs for hypertension, Anti-anginal drugs, Anti-arrhythmic drugs, Diuretics |
| MPH1103 | Systemic Pharmacology - II (CNS, GIT & Respiratory System) | Core | 4 | Drugs for CNS disorders (anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics), Drugs for GIT (antiulcer, laxatives), Drugs for respiratory system (bronchodilators, anti-asthmatics), Opioid analgesics, Local anesthetics, Antiepileptics |
| MPH1104 | Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology | Core | 4 | Basic human anatomy (systems), Systems physiology (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, nervous), Introduction to disease processes, Cellular injury and adaptation, Inflammation and repair, Immunopathology |
| MPH1105 | Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology | Core | 4 | Biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids), Metabolism (glycolysis, TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation), Basic microbiology (bacteria, viruses, fungi), Immunology (innate and adaptive immunity), DNA replication, transcription, translation, Recombinant DNA technology |
| MPH11L1 | Lab Practice - I (General & Systemic Pharmacology) | Lab | 2 | Experimental pharmacology techniques, Animal handling and care, Drug assays and bioassays, Dose-response curves, Routes of drug administration in animals, Isolated tissue preparations |
| MPH11J1 | Journal Club & Seminar - I | Practical | 1 | Scientific literature review, Presentation skills, Critical appraisal of research articles, Identifying research gaps, Academic discussion etiquette, Abstract writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH1201 | Systemic Pharmacology - III (Kidney, Blood, Endocrine & Reproductive System) | Core | 4 | Diuretics and renal pharmacology, Drugs affecting blood (anticoagulants, antiplatelets, hemopoietics), Hormonal pharmacology (thyroid, corticosteroids, sex hormones), Oral contraceptives and fertility drugs, Drugs for diabetes mellitus, Calcium and bone metabolism |
| MPH1202 | Systemic Pharmacology - IV (Chemotherapy & Immunopharmacology) | Core | 4 | Antibiotics (antibacterials, antifungals, antivirals), Antiparasitic drugs, Anticancer drugs, Immunomodulators (immunosuppressants, immunostimulants), Vaccines and sera, Antiseptics and disinfectants |
| MPH1203 | Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacovigilance | Core | 4 | Principles of clinical trials, Drug development process (phases I-IV), Adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring and reporting, Pharmacoepidemiology, Drug interactions, Rational drug use and prescribing |
| MPH1204 | Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry | Core | 4 | Sources of natural drugs (plant, animal, marine), Extraction and isolation methods for active principles, Phytochemical screening, Standardization of herbal drugs, Therapeutic uses of medicinal plants, Quality control of crude drugs |
| MPH1205 | Bioethics & Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Ethical principles in biomedical research, Informed consent and patient autonomy, Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Ethics Committee, Study designs (experimental, observational), Data collection methods, Basic statistical concepts for research |
| MPH12L1 | Lab Practice - II (Systemic & Clinical Pharmacology) | Lab | 2 | Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Cell culture techniques, Drug screening methods in cell lines, Bioanalytical techniques (chromatography basics), Pre-clinical safety evaluation |
| MPH12J1 | Journal Club & Seminar - II | Practical | 1 | Advanced literature analysis, Presentation of research proposals, Scientific writing for publications, Peer feedback and constructive criticism, Ethical considerations in publishing, Patent search and intellectual property basics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH1301 | Advanced General Pharmacology | Core | 4 | Receptor theories and signal transduction pathways, Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, Gene therapy and RNA interference, Chronopharmacology, Drug resistance mechanisms, Drug delivery systems |
| MPH1302 | Toxicology | Core | 4 | Principles of toxicology, Mechanisms of toxicity, Organ system toxicology, Environmental toxicology, Forensic toxicology, Management of poisoning and antidotes |
| MPH1303 | Pre-Clinical Drug Development | Core | 4 | Drug discovery process (target identification, lead optimization), In vitro and in vivo models for drug screening, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles, Investigational New Drug (IND) application process, Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in animals, Toxicological evaluations (acute, sub-acute, chronic) |
| MPH1304 | Biostatistics & Computer Applications | Core | 4 | Hypothesis testing (t-test, ANOVA, chi-square), Regression and correlation analysis, Introduction to statistical software (SPSS/R/SAS), Data visualization and interpretation, Database management in research, Bioinformatics tools for drug discovery |
| MPH1305 | Regulatory Affairs & Intellectual Property Rights | Core | 4 | Drug regulatory agencies (CDSCO, FDA, EMA), Drug approval process (NDA/ANDA), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Patents, trademarks, copyrights in pharmaceuticals, Data exclusivity and regulatory data protection, Global regulatory harmonization |
| MPH13L1 | Lab Practice - III (Advanced & Pre-Clinical Pharmacology) | Lab | 2 | In vivo disease models (e.g., inflammation, pain, diabetes), Toxicological assays (LD50, genotoxicity), Pharmacokinetic studies (blood sampling, drug level analysis), Drug-drug interaction studies, Histopathological examination of tissues, Advanced analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS) |
| MPH13J1 | Journal Club & Seminar - III | Practical | 1 | Dissertation proposal presentation, Advanced research discussions, Manuscript preparation for journal submission, Grant proposal writing basics, Translational research concepts, Collaborative research strategies |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH14EL | Elective | Elective | 1 | Advanced topics in a specific area of pharmacology (e.g., Neuropharmacology, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Immunopharmacology, Cancer Pharmacology), Recent advances in drug development, Emerging therapeutic targets, Specialized drug delivery systems, Pharmacovigilance advanced topics, Global health pharmacology |
| MPH14PV | Dissertation & Viva Voce | Project | 10 | Research project execution and management, Data analysis and interpretation, Scientific thesis writing, Oral presentation of research findings, Defense of dissertation, Problem-solving and critical thinking |
| MPH14CV | Comprehensive Viva Voce | Assessment | 2 | Overall understanding of medical pharmacology, Integrated knowledge across all core subjects, Application of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios, Critical evaluation of pharmacological problems, Current trends in pharmacology, Ethical considerations in pharmaceutical research |
