Description
Pharmacologists study the action of drugs on the human (or animal) body and the body’s reaction to them. They work with chemists to discover and develop new drugs. Pharmacology can be a great option for someone who is interested in pharmaceuticals, but doesn’t want to be a pharmacist directly interacting with patients.
It’s a specialised area of study which accommodates degrees in diverse disciplines, including medicine (MD in pharmacology), dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, microbiology, virology, and certain basic sciences as well. Studies in pharmacology can be pursued up to the PhD level.
Several career options are open to pharmacologists: they can work in research and development in the pharma industry; in clinical research organisations; medical information - in publishing as research scientists in a government or a private institute; in specialist public relations; and as medical advisers. They can also teach in medical and veterinary colleges; participate in drug discovery programmes; in regulatory affairs; do medical writing; environmental research; and work in pharmacovigilance.
The scope of this field is immense, as pharmacologists are important members of drug discovery teams in search of newer molecules in the pharmaceutical industry
Requirements
Take a B Pharm degree, followed by an M Pharm degree in pharmacology. There is also an MD programme in pharmacology for which you will be required to take the MBBS route. Some institutes admit students of related basic sciences as well. A PhD degree is desirable though
Job Prospects
After completing MSc or MPharm, one can expect to earn ?1.5 lakh to ?2 lakh per annum. One can expect a package of around ? 6 lakh per annum as one gains experience.
Senior research fellowship is awarded after MSc/MPharm, with one year experience and a research publication. Doctoral fellowships of ?24,000 per month to pharmacologists are awarded by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and University Grants Commission (UGC).
After completing a masters or PhD, one can apply for funds from CSIR, UGC, ICMR, department of science and technology, department of biotechnology, and the ministry of environment and forests for research work once you submit your project to these organisations.
Post doctoral assignments after PhD allow you to carry out research in India or abroad
Pros & Cons
* You get the chance to do innovative and ground-breaking work
* Contribute to society by discovering new drugs
* Your career growth will be steady but progressive
* Specialised career in research and development
* Only experts will flourish
