Stream: Pharmacy
Duration: 2 Years

Course: Pharmacology

Course Type: Post-graduation

M.Pharm. in Pharmacology is a 2-year full-time postgraduate Pharmacy course, the minimum eligibility for admission to which is the successful completion of graduation (B.Pharm.), from a recognized university.

Graduation needs to have been completed in any of Pharmacology, Biology, Physics, Zoology, Botany, Genetics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, etc. or another such related stream, with a minimum aggregate score of 55%. The program is spread over 4 semesters, with the final semester being based on the candidate’s chosen stream of study.

As a branch of Biology, M.Pharm. in Pharmacology is essentially concerned with:

• the study of the interactions that occur between a living organism and chemicals affecting normal or abnormal biochemical function.
• an advanced study of pharmaceuticals- substances having medicinal properties.
• the action of drugs – a drug can be broadly defined as man-made, natural or endogenous molecule that exerts a biochemical or physiological effect.

Admission to the course is based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test, and subsequent round of counselling. The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 90,000 and 6 Lacs for a span of 2 years. The average annual salary offered to such professionals ranges between INR 3 and 10 Lacs, which increases with the candidate’s experience and expertise.

M.Pharm. in Pharmacology: Career Prospects

Some of the popular professional avenues open to successful postgraduates of the course are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

Job Position	Job Description	Average Annual Pay Scale in INR
Pharmacologist	Pharmacologists aim to understand the physical and chemical properties of drugs so that they can be used effectively and safely. They also conduct research to aid drug discovery and development. The work involves investigating how drugs interact with biological systems which includes carrying out in-vitro research (using cells or animal tissues) or in-vivo research (using whole animals) to predict what effect the drug might have in humans.	3 to 9 Lacs
Clinical Pharmacist	The responsibilities of a Clinical Pharmacist include developing clinical pharmacy programs according to policies and regulations, and reviewing records of patients to determine the appropriateness of medication therapy. Also, they evaluate the patient’s condition to ensure that all issues are being treated adequately.	3 to 8 Lacs
Analytical Chemist	They use a diverse range of methods to investigate the chemical nature of substances. Essentially, Analytical Chemists identify and understand the drug substance and how it behaves in different conditions. Also, they study the physical or chemical properties of drug substances and formulations, with a view to determining the quality and stability of drug products.	2 to 7 Lacs
Biomedical Scientist	Biomedical Scientists carry out a range of laboratory and scientific tests on tissue samples and fluids to help clinicians diagnose and treat diseases. Also, they evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Their work is extremely important to many hospital departments, such as operating theatres and A&E, and they carry out a wide range of functions.	2 to 5 Lacs
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)	A CRA runs clinical trials to test drugs for their effectiveness, risks and benefits, to ensure that they are safe for launch in the market. The work also involves working on new as well as existing drugs and they are usually employed by either a pharmaceutical company or a Contract Research Organisation (CRO), which works on behalf of pharmaceutical companies.	3 to 5 Lacs
Lecturer/Professor	They teach at undergraduate and graduate levels in areas related to Pharmacy and Pharmacology and its applications. Their responsibilities are allocated and reviewed from time to time by the Head of Department. They supervise or assist with supervision of, undergraduate, taught graduate (Masters) or research graduate (M.Phil. or Ph.D.) students.	3 to 7 Lacs