The Growing Field of Pharmacology

The branch of biology, medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences that deals with drug action is referred to as pharmacology. A drug is defined as a molecule that causes a specific biochemical or physiological response in a cell. Pharmacology involves the use of various drugs and their interactions with other biological systems. The field is a growing area of research that has several important applications in daily life. Read on to learn more about this burgeoning field and the career prospects it offers.

MCDB's pharmacology program

MCDB's pharmacology training program offers graduate students a diverse range of research and educational opportunities in the field. With its emphasis on molecular characterization of cellular processes, pharmacology uses advanced knowledge in cell biology, chemistry, genetics, and molecular genetics. The diverse faculty in the department also includes researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories and Brookhaven National Laboratory.

MCDB's pharmacology curriculum focuses on both basic and clinical science and prepares students for careers in medicine and biotechnology. In addition to preparing students for careers in the field, the program prepares students for graduate-level studies in biotechnology and medicine. Students can choose to pursue careers as a biotechnology researcher, medical doctor, or pharmaceutical researcher. All of these fields are highly-demanded and require a strong knowledge of science and technology.

After graduation, MCDB graduates can pursue many different kinds of careers in basic and clinical research. The field is particularly strong in pharmaceutical companies, where many of the newer therapeutic drugs are being developed. These companies often employ modern biotechnological strategies to create these new drugs. They have high demand for highly-qualified pharmacologists in leadership positions. Government offices also require highly-qualified pharmacologists. These organizations oversee the effects of pharmaceuticals and are required by law to ensure the safety and therapeutic efficacy of drugs.

Pathways to becoming a pharmacologist

There are several paths to become a pharmacologist, but first you must complete an undergraduate program. Chemistry, biology, and microbiology classes are recommended. A bachelor's degree is required for this profession, and most pharmacologists complete their residency after graduation, gaining practical experience. However, some pharmacologists with Ph.D. degrees may not need to complete a residency. If you're not sure which path to take, there are many jobs available.

Some pharmacologists choose to pursue postgraduate study at a medical school. In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacology, most pharmacologists choose to earn their M.D. degree. This is because some positions in the medical field require an M.D. in order to dispense drugs. In addition to completing coursework, pharmacology majors can also take licensure exams.

Careers in pharmacology

A Master's degree in pharmacology provides a broad understanding of the field and a strong background in research and analytical methods. Graduates of Northeastern University's program have dozens of options for career paths. Many choose to conduct research in a wet laboratory and work in biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, while others opt to apply their knowledge away from the bench. Whatever path you decide to take, you will find many rewarding career options in pharmacology.

Becoming a pharmacologist is a challenging and highly educational career. A bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry is an excellent choice for those interested in a career in pharmacology. Once in the workforce, pharmacologists need to complete one or two graduate degrees. In addition to their undergraduate degree, aspiring pharmacists should consider earning a master's degree in pharmacology. Some people choose to obtain two master's degrees - one in pharmacology and one in a related field.

Career outlook

There are several opportunities for pharmacologists. They can become faculty in academic institutions, work in large hospitals or medical centers, or work for government agencies. Many pharmacologists enter doctoral programs at drug companies or research organizations. These employers often seek out graduate candidates specializing in a specific subspecialty. In addition, the field is increasingly popular, with an increase in drug addiction and the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the U.S. Department of Labor doesn't provide statistics on employment prospects for pharmacologists, it does recognize related positions, such as medical scientists. These scientists study the causes and treatments of diseases, and the job outlook is expected to be stronger than average through 2014. Despite this, however, there are a number of challenges. Due to government cutbacks, many pharmacologists depend on limited government funding and fewer jobs are available.