The extent of pharmacology is fast growing for the discovery, development and provides the rational basis for the therapeutic uses of new molecule. In its entirety, it embraces knowledge of the sources, chemical properties, biological effects, molecular mechanisms and therapeutic uses of drugs. Pharmacological studies range from those that determine the effects of chemical agents upon subcellular mechanisms, to those that deal with the potential hazards of pesticides and herbicides, to those that focus on the treatment and prevention of major diseases by drug therapy. Pharmacologists are also involved in molecular modeling of drugs, and the use of drugs as tools to dissect aspects of cell function. The scope of pharmacology has expanded exponentially over the last decade to incorporate many new approaches such as computer-assisted drug design, genetic screens, protein engineering and the use of novel drug delivery vehicles including viruses and artificial cells.
Postgraduate education in Pharmacology emphasizes an integrated study of the physiology, pathophysiology and action of drugs in living systems. Research in the department focuses on study of neural and endocrine systems, cardiology, pulmonary, epilepsy, clinical pharmacology, pre-clinical toxicology and drug metabolism. Research in these areas is applied to clinical problems such as aging, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus and its secondary complications. Students work on molecular pharmacology of experimental dementia of Alzheimer type; Ischemia preconditioning a protective cardio-vascular event, pesticide residues toxicology and molecular pharmacology involved in obesity, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson disease and endothelial dysfunction is being explored research facilities are available for various projects including state-of-the art bio- analytical and pharmacology laboratories.
