Introduction

The Department of Pharmacology lies at a critical nexus within the pre-clinical sciences division of the University of Health Sciences (UHS), serving as the intellectual and translational bridge between foundational biomedical research and clinical applications. Our department is committed to advancing bench-to-bedside science: we harness molecular, cellular, and systems pharmacology approaches to generate novel insights that may drive future therapeutic innovations. As part of UHS’s interdisciplinary preclinical framework, we contribute to an integrative training milieu: our role is to link core basic medical sciences (such as physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology) with clinical disciplines (such as internal medicine, neurology, oncology, and infectious disease). Through this interface, we foster synergies with other university departments and affiliated colleges, enabling a collaborative ecosystem of inquiry and discovery. We actively cultivate postgraduate education (MPhil, PhD) within a richly interdisciplinary environment. Our graduate students are immersed in thematic research clusters—ranging from receptor biology, signal transduction, pharmacogenomics, neuropharmacology, metabolic regulation, immunopharmacology, to drug discovery and repurposing. We further leverage formal international partnerships (e.g. Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, University of Queensland) to promote global scientific engagement and joint research endeavors. To accelerate translational impact, our department coordinates with other biomedical institutions at the national level, catalyzing multi‐institutional studies and knowledge exchange. This networked model ensures that our research is not siloed, but integrated with real-world health challenges. Our commitment is not only to generate new biomedical knowledge, but to translate that knowledge into actionable therapeutic strategies for the betterment of patients and society. We maintain a state-of-the-art infrastructure to support a wide spectrum of pharmacological research. Our in-house laboratory facilities include a functional cell culture suite (for in vitro pharmacology models), molecular biology tools (PCR, real-time PCR, ELISA), and other essential instrumentation for mechanistic and quantitative pharmacology. These capabilities empower students and faculty to conceive, execute, and validate experiments with rigor and reproducibility. Through this dynamic platform, the Department of Pharmacology at UHS aims to become a recognized hub of translational pharmacology in the region—mentoring tomorrow’s leaders in scientific discovery, drug development, and education, and generating research that crosses the divide between molecule and medicine.

Vision Statement

“To be a leading global center in translational pharmacology,
seamlessly integrating basic science and therapeutic innovation
for transformative impact on human health.”

2. Course Offered

MPhil in Pharmacology

Duration: Two Years (4 Semesters) Outline of Program:

This M.Phil. program in Pharmacology is a structured, two-year degree designed to provide advanced training. The first year delivers a rigorous foundation through core courses in Advanced Pharmacology, Biostatistics, Research Methodology, and Molecular Pharmacology, blending theoretical knowledge with essential practical laboratory skills. A key feature is the flexibility for specialization, allowing students to choose elective courses based on their research interests, endorsed by the department head. The program's culmination is a significant research component. The entire second year is dedicated to original research, with one semester for thesis work and a final semester for a Professional & Teaching Skills Apprenticeship (PTSA). This unique PTSA component adds valuable practical experience in teaching or professional settings, preparing graduates for academic or industry roles. Totaling 30 credit hours, the program effectively bridges advanced coursework with independent research, producing graduates equipped with the specialized knowledge and skills for research, teaching, and further doctoral studies in pharmacology.

PhD in Pharmacology

Duration: Typically, 3 years (6 Semesters), depending on progress and research scope

Prerequisites / Inclusion Criteria:

• Eligibility includes MBBS, MPhil, MS, or equivalent degree in pharmacology.
• Qualify through written/entrance examination (achieving ≥ 70%)

Outline of Program:

PhD program in Pharmacology is an intensive, research-dominated degree designed to produce independent scientists. The initial phase focuses on building a robust methodological foundation through advanced, specialized coursework in Research Methodology, Biostatistics, and Advanced Laboratory Techniques. A significant emphasis is placed on subject-specific knowledge, with students taking a range of courses in Advanced Pharmacology, Pharmacological Techniques, and emerging areas like Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The program also prioritizes essential academic skills through training in Critical Thinking and Scientific Writing. The core and defining component of the program is the original research dissertation, which constitutes the overwhelming majority of the credit hours (30 out of 48). This structure indicates that the program is designed for students to quickly transition from advanced coursework to conducting extensive, independent laboratory research, culminating in a substantial thesis. The curriculum is carefully crafted to equip scholars with the deep theoretical knowledge, sophisticated technical skills, and critical analytical abilities required to make a significant contribution to the field of pharmacological sciences.