Pharmacology can be defined as the study of how different medicines work and affect living organisms. Pharmacology and Pharmacy are not the same fields and also there is a big difference between a pharmacologist and a pharmacist. A pharmacologist is an individual who usually works in a lab and finds out how different medicines work. On the other hand, a pharmacist can be considered an individual who is engaged in providing health care service while working at a pharmacy.  

Principal areas of Pharmacology at a glance 

Primarily, there are two areas of Pharmacology - pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics. In pharmacodynamics, the effects of a particular drug are studied whereas, in pharmacokinetics, the effects of biological systems on a drug are comprehensively studied. Students pursuing different courses in a reputed D Pharma college in Jaipur get sufficient exposure to both these areas. 

Courses available in Pharmacology 

Although there are various undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by various institutions across the country, only a chosen few students can make it big in the field of Pharmacology. Some of the most popular courses include the following:

Undergraduate courses:

• B. Pharm
• D. Pharm.

Postgraduate courses:

• D. Pharm (Post-Baccalaureate)
• M. Pharm (Pharmacology)
• M. Pharm (Pharmaceutics)
• M. Pharm (Pharmacy Practice), and
• M. Pharm (Pharmaceutical Management & Regulatory Affairs).

Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs provide the students with a strong foundation in the field of biomedical sciences and prepare them for a plethora of job options. Pharmacology graduates after completion of their course are usually hired by the following institutions:

• Universities
• Hospitals
• Pharmaceutical and biotech industries
• Private and public research organizations
• Consulting companies, and
• Government agencies.

Depending on the nature of training and inclination of an individual, some students after completing their pharmacology course from the top pharmacy college Jaipur may also choose to get involved in the following areas:

• Laboratory and/or clinical research on drugs and chemicals
• Designing and conducting clinical trials
• Bringing new therapeutics to market
• Assessing the safety of drugs and chemicals
• Teaching, marketing/sales of therapeutics
• Scientific/medical communications.

Specializations

The students who want to go for higher studies after completing their course can choose from a wide range of specializations as part of their M. Pharm course. Some of the most in-demand specializations include Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Regulatory Affairs, Biopharmaceutics, Industrial Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Quality Assurance, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Marketing Management, Quality Assurance, Phytopharmaceuticals, and Natural products, Drug Discovery and Development, Medicinal Chemistry, and Bulk Drugs. 

Further Study: Ph.D.

The students who are interested in going for a Ph.D. after completing their master’s program can choose from the following areas of study:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology.

During the Ph.D. program, students will get an opportunity to develop advanced skills associated with complex scientific problems and strengthen their ability in the field of technical research, laboratory work as well as communication.

Some lesser-known areas of work for pharmacology graduates and postgraduates: 

The students with either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Pharmacology from the top M. Pharm Pharmacology College may also work as scientists specializing in the following areas:

1. Microbiology

Qualified pharmacology professionals can also find the opportunity to work as scientists in the microbiological fields. In Microbiology, the reactions of different drugs on either cellular or microscopic level are studied. The results achieved this way are used to find, explore, and discover how Pharmacology can help in reversing chronic health issues like heart disease.    

2. Analytical Chemistry 

In analytical chemistry, the behaviors or reactions of different newly developed drugs under different circumstances are studied. The results achieved this way help develop safe, effective, stable, and efficient medication solutions for various health conditions or diseases. A detailed overview of analytical chemistry is taught to students during their D. Pharm course.

3. Pharmaceutical Chemist

Pharmaceutical chemists are the individuals who offer their services as scientists for the companies that are engaged in researching and developing new drugs to treat various new and existing diseases effectively and efficiently. As pharmaceutical chemists, interested people can work either in research or even in management.  

4. Healthcare Scientist

A healthcare scientist is an individual who usually works in the field of immunology. These individuals are engaged in conducting vital research into some of the most complicated areas from the point of view of human health. Allergies and asthma are the two such diseases, for example. 

5. Production and Manufacturing

Production and manufacturing are some of the most underrated areas associated with the field of Pharmacology. Most students after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate course from the top M Pharm Pharmacology College start focusing on conventional pharmacology jobs. Only a very few think of starting their own venture for production and manufacturing of the products like:

• Biotechnological products
• Surgical dressings
• Medical devices and equipment
• Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Unani medicines
• Veterinary medicine,
• Cosmetics
• Soaps and toiletries, and
• Dental products. 

Employment Scenario

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is currently one of the largest industries in the world increasing at a phenomenal pace. The students pursuing different courses in Pharmacology can get a wide range of job options as per the nature of their studies and training. Although research and development is a major area of industry, there are various offbeat sections where students can choose to go. In a nutshell, be it new drug development, analysis, toxicology, or any other field, the demand for skilled researchers and technicians is always high. 

Concluding Remarks 

Jaipur National University (JNU), Jaipur is one of the top self-financed private universities in the Indian state of Rajasthan sponsored by the Mahima Shiksha Samiti. So far, The University has set many benchmarks in the field of higher education, technical education, and medical education. Backed by a fully Wi-Fi campus with 1500+ PCs, 158 laboratories across departments, auditoriums and libraries, the university ensures a unique educational experience for all students. For more details on pharmacy courses, you can get in touch with the university.