Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) program in Pharmacology

The Ph. D. in Pharmacology program int The Department of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) at Faculty of Pharmacy, Salim Habib University offers training and provide diverse research opportunities with a flexible program of study, based on individual needs and interests. The prospective postgraduates acquire expertise in the discipline and the core concepts and techniques required for basic and clinical research.

Goals

The goals of the PhD (Pharmacology) program include:

• To expose the scholars to the latest conceptual and technical developments in pharmacology and related biomedical sciences
• To mentor the scholars in the development of their critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, as well as technical proficiency in a laboratory setting by conducting the research based projects with the relevant industry.
• To help scholars identify and make progress toward their personal career goals

Career Prospects

• Academia and research
• Hospital-based research and drug experts
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Research and development for pharmaceutical companies
• Drug regulation
• Government agencies
• Entrepreneurship

Eligibility Criteria

  Admission Criteria

• MPhil from HEC & PCP recognized institutions
• Minimum 3.0 CGPA in the semester system
• Test/interview as per university admission policy
• Any other conditions as prescribed by the HEC and PCP for the degree program

  Admission Test

• Subject Test: A subject test conducted by the National Testing Service (NTS) or ETS, USA in the chosen area of specialization must be cleared prior to admission into the PhD program.
• GAT Subject Test: For the GAT Subject test (http://www.nts.org.pk/GAT/GATSubject.asp), a minimum of 60% marks is required.
• GRE Subject Test: For the GRE Subject Test, a minimum score of 60% is required.
• Alternative Test: If the test is not available in the NTS subject list, a university committee consisting of at least three PhD faculty members in the subject area will conduct the test. The qualifying score for this test will be 70%, equivalent to the GRE Subject Test standard.

Program Requirements

• Requierements of Course Work: Completion of 18 credit hours of coursework, preferably within the first year, followed by a comprehensive examination to grant candidacy as a PhD researcher.
• Foreign Expert Evaluation: The PhD dissertation must be evaluated by at least two PhD experts from technologically or academically advanced foreign countries, in addition to local committee members.
• Open Defense: An open defense of the dissertation is an essential part of the PhD program following a positive evaluation.
• Research Paper: Acceptance or publication of at least one research paper in an HEC-approved X-category journal is required for the award of the PhD degree.
• Plagiarism Test: A plagiarism test must be conducted on the dissertation before its submission to two foreign experts.
• Copy of PhD Dissertation to HEC: A copy of the PhD dissertation (both in hard and soft copy) must be submitted to HEC for inclusion in the PhD Country Directory and for future attestation of the PhD degree by the HEC.
• Duration - 2 to 5 Years: Failure to meet this timeline will necessitate fresh admission. Thesis submission requirements and examination procedures are set out as per SHU policy.

Program Learning Objectives

Doctoral scholars enrolled in the program will be able to:

• Demonstrate deep methodological skills and an understanding of contemporary research in their respective areas of expertise, and implement innovative research practices under the guidance of their faculty advisor and in concert with their research team.
• Apply contemporary research in their respective areas to industry contexts and engage in innovative practices pertinent to pharmacology, toxicology, and their area of emphasis in diverse settings.
• Lead research teams in their respective areas of emphasis by mentoring and providing teaching assistance to PharmD students, Master’s students, and fellow PhD students who are less advanced in their doctoral programs.
• Launch an independent research agenda in their respective area of emphasis under the guidance of their faculty advisor.
• Complete and orally defend an acceptable dissertation based on original investigation and supervised by their dissertation committee, demonstrating mastery of an area of emphasis within pharmacology and toxicology, capacity for independent research, and a scholarly contribution.

Scheme of Study (Semester Wise)

Core Courses

Major Courses

Elective Courses