Riphah
Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
(RIPS) offers 5-years graduate programme
of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D); M.
Phil and PhD programmes are to be initiated
soon.
±
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D)
The
mission of the Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences is to develop human resources
in the field of pharmacy, who can respond
to the present as well as future needs
of the society at home and abroad.
The mission being all encompassing
in scope aims at having collaborative
interaction with not only universities
and research institutions of pharmacy
in Pakistan but also with those of the
developed world.
The
aim of the institute is four folds,
namely:
-
To
provide basic education to produce
pharmacists who, with relevant skills,
knowledge of pharmaceutical
sciences, are able to provide effective
and efficient health care services
to the community, hospitals, industry
and the government.
-
To
conduct short training courses for
continuing pharmacy education to
those already in the field in different
areas of vital importance.
-
To
establish a centre of excellence
namely “Herbal Drugs Research
Centre” for postgraduate teaching
and research in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical
Chemistry, Pharmacognosy,
Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacology.
-
To
create facilities for conduct of
bio-availability and bio-equivalence
studies to help improve quality
of drugs in the country.
-
To
impart state-of-the-art education
to students, who shall become experts
of drugs so as to meet the needs
of the end users in an active and
useful manner, both within the country
and abroad.
-
To
disseminate knowledge and emphasize
fundamental principles of pharmaceutical
sciences.
-
To
develop an ability to apply these
principles to specific problems
in pharmaceutical sciences
-
To
develop specific skills in experimental
design and the analysis of experimental
data.
-
To
understand the knowledge of drug
development synthesis, manufacturing
& make them patent.
-
To
be able to supply medicines to patients
in accordance with pharmaceutical
knowledge, legislation and codes
of professional conduct and practice.
-
To
have an appreciation of the principals
of quality assurance & skilful
in all aspects of scientific and
professional activities. To prepare
highly motivated young researchers
for local pharmaceutical industry.
-
To
have an appreciation of research
methodologies relevant to natural,
clinical and pharmaceutical sciences.
-
To
conduct graduate and post graduate
education and research leading to
higher degrees in Pharmaceutics,
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Microbiology,
Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy
and Natural Products.
SCOPE AND MISSION
Pharmacology is the study of the effects
of drugs and other chemicals on cells,
tissues and living organisms. Because
of its scope, pharmacology is an interdisciplinary
science employing experimental approaches
from many other scientific disciplines.
Studies may involve, the design and
development of new drugs, mechanism
of drug action, drug toxicity, assay
development, the use of drugs as tools
to delineate biological processes during
health and disease, identification and
validation of new cellular targets for
drug action, etc.
The division of Pharmacology has a strong
commitment to the advanced education
of students, to understand and apply
the principles of pharmacology and to
train students in multidisciplinary
research. Trainees include undergraduate
(Pharm-B/D, MBBS, DVM MSc etc.) and
graduate students (MPhil Ph.D. etc.).
The academic missions of the Division
of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at
the Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences (RIPS) are:
• To facilitate and promote fundamental
and translational research which impacts
the health of people.
• To educate and train graduate,
postgraduate and professional scholars
in the pharmacological sciences, basic
and applied.
• To provide professional service
to the college, institution, industry,
community at the national and international
level.
The division of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
fosters independent but interactive
research programs leading to the discovery
of new knowledge that will impact our
basic understanding, prevention or treatment
of disease. Major research foci are
in the areas of cancer, virology, inflammation,
obesity, diabetes, aging, gene therapy
and toxicology. A significant aim of
Pharmacology research at RIPS, is new
drug development from local plant sources.
Extramural research support is provided
from federal, private and industrial
sources. New HEC recognized faculty
and foreign experts are being engaged
to develope productive collaborations
with other research centers and institutes
of international repute.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Students will be selected on the basis
of past academic performance and, where
possible, individual interviews. Preference
would be given to those students who
show intellectual vigor, independence,
and strong motivation to become creative
and successful scientists. The faculty
anticipates that students who are attracted
to a career in Pharmacology will come
from highly varied backgrounds. Although
there are no specific undergraduate
course requirements, students with a
good undergraduate foundation in the
biomedical and chemical sciences will
perform best in the program. Foreign
applicants must demonstrate proficiency
in English.
RESEARCH AREAS:
The multidisciplinary nature of Pharmacology
facilitates the employment of a range
of expertise and state-of-the art equipment
to examine the chemical and biological
processes underlying disease and controlling
drug action. Within our single division,
we have interests ranging from discovery
of new drugs discovery to the molecular
interactions of drugs with biological
systems.
The work is supported by research grants
and contracts from various government
and non government sources including
HEC and the Riphah Medical Trust respectively.
The laboratories are extremely well
equipped.
Main Research foci in Pharmacology &
Therapeutics are, but not limited to:
• Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery & Development
• Genetic Engineering & Stem
Cell Therapeutics
• Pharmacogenomics & Pharmacogenetics
• Pharmaceutical & Environmental
Medicine
• Pharmacovigilance (Drug Safety
& Toxicology)
RESOURCES:
RIPS and the RARE have state of the
art research and teaching facilities
to carry out research in the Pharmacology
and related disciplines.
In addition, an animal facility is under
completion and vast internet and digital
library as well as local resources would
allow students to be in touch with the
latest knowledge developments Worldwide.
INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES:
Collaborative projects with other local
and international institutions would
enable students to experience research
and development in global settings.
RIPS faculty members
have active collaborations with reputable
foreign research institutions in USA,
UK, GERMANY, MALAYSIA and CHINA.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MPhil/PhD
GRADUATES:
Graduates of the Pharmacology program
are assumed to take key positions in
Health Care Management, Hospitals, Colleges,
Universities, Industry, and Government.
After graduation, some of the scholars
may join academic or industrial research
institutions. The world class, comprehensive
pre-doctoral training in Pharmacology
& Therapeutics discpline will make
students particularly well suited to
take advantage of career opportunities
in the pharmaceutical and academic venues
within Pakistan or abroad.
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
MPhil/ MPhil Leading to PhD/ PhD
OVERVIEW:
Most students are registered in the
first instance for the degree of MPhil.
Students are expected to complete one
year of course work and carry out one
year of supervised research at the leading
edge of their chosen subject, which
must then be written up as a substantial
thesis. The transfer from MPhil to PhD
is subject to students passing an assessment
process, which normally involves submission
of written work and an oral examination.
Ph.D. candidacy is granted after successful
completion of the minimum required course
work and a qualifying NTS or international
GRE exam in biomedical sciences. During
the 4 years of education and research
in which trainees are expected to go
through a assortment of modalities such
as didactic coursework, comprehensive
exams, journal clubs, research seminars,
thesis research work and at least two
peer-reviewed papers in their relevant
field of study. Thus the scholars develop
skills that prepare them to be independent
researchers, teachers, and role models
for future generations of pharmacologists.
The dissertation research project is
overseen by a committee consisting of
the supervisory faculty member and other
graduate faculty according to the HEC
criteria. After finishing the dissertation
research, the student presents their
research in a seminar to the faculty
at-large and then defends this research
to their supervisory committee. The
final exam consists of an oral defense
of a dissertation.
HOW TO APPLY:
Students from all parts of Pakistan,
Kashmir and Federally administered regions,
are encouraged to apply, however, admission
will be open to all candidates throughout
the region and the world. Persons employed
in Governments/Semi Government organization
can also apply through proper channel.
ELIGIBILITY:
MPhil & MPhil Leading to PhD:
• Pharm-B/D, MBBS, BDS, MSc. (Biosciences)
or its equivalent, i.e., 4 years of
schooling after FSc or 16 years of formal
education from a recognized institution
.
• GRE type test (NTS) within the
first year of study.
• At least 60% marks/Ist Division/BGrade/2.50
CGPA in the terminal degree exam.
• No third division in any of
the qualifying exams.
PhD:
• An MPhil degree in the Pharmacology
or Biomedical Sciences or its equivalent,
with a minimum of 18 years of formal
education.
• GRE type test organized by HEC
or an International GRE in Biomedical
sciences.
• At least 70% marks/Ist Division
/B grade/2.5CGPA in the terminal degree
exam.
• No third division in any of
the qualifying exams.
To apply, all applicants must fill in
the Riphah International Univeristy’s
prescribed admission form along with
other required documents. The RIPS selection
committee will make a list of potential
candidates for written test, interview
to be displayed at their website.
SELECTION CRITERIA: As per RIU postgraduate
rules
ADMISSION PROCEDURE: As per RIU post
graduate rules
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS & DURATION:
Full Time MPhil: 1-2 years
Part Time MPhil: 2-3 Years
Full Time PhD: 2-5 Years
Part Time PhD: 3-6 Years
MPhil
• Minimum coursework Credits.
24
• Research Thesis 06
Total Credits: 30
PhD
• Minimum Coursework Credits 18
• International GRE test
• 200 page Original Research Thesis
• 1 peer reviewed research papers
STUDENT EVALUATION:
Course work undertaken during the first
year of the M.Phil/Ph.D program will
be evaluated by university rules according
to the semester system as mid term and
final term examination to confirm continuity
in the program. Complete research work
undertaken during the degree program
will be written-up in the form of thesis
and assessed in the thesis examination.
Ph.D dissertation will be evaluated
by at least two experts from technology-advanced
countries, out of a list of experts
approved by the Board of Studies at
RIPS. Acceptance/Publication of at least
one research paper in an HEC approved
journal is essential for the award of
Ph.D degree.
FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS:
The Fees and other dues to be paid by
the students would be followed according
to the university rules
FACULTY AND TEACHING
POSTGRADUATE FACULTY:
Due to the multidisciplinary nature
of Pharmacological Sciences, most of
the courses would be taught be a multiple
faculty member who may be chosen from
with RIPS or from other faculties within
the RIU or may be invited from outside
depending on their expertise and the
course requirement.
At present RIPS have 3 HEC approved
postgraduate faculty to teach MPhil/PhD
level Pharmacology and related subjects
Joint Appointments: Qualified faculty
members having HEC approved supervisor
status from other faculties at RIU such
as the Basic Medical Sciences may be
invited to deliver lectures and collaborate
on research projects on as needed basis.
Visiting or Adjunct Faculty: Qualified
faculty members having HEC approved
supervisor status from other national
or foreign institutions would be invited
to deliver lectures and collaborate
on research projects on an as needed
basis.
TEACHING METHODOLOGIES:
Teaching would be emphasized to enhance
the student’s self learning and
command over the subject. Most importantly,
a highly interactive problem based learning
methodology would be adopted to maximize
the student’s ability of analytical
thinking. Therefore students would be
required to attend regularly all lectures,
seminar sessions, group discussions,
assignments, essay and proposal writing,
tutorials, field work and laboratory
work etc.
M. PHIL/PH.D PROGRAM IN PHARMACOLOGY &
THERAPEUTICS
Courses and Scheme of Studies
M. Phil Degree:
24 credit hours course work +06 credit
hours for one year of original research
work.
PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE CORE
---------------------Credits -----------------
Marks
Principles of Drug research --------------------------------
3 --------------------------100
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics -----------------------------
3 -------------------------- 100
Research Planning and Writing --------------------------
2 --------------------------- 50
Teaching & Communication Skills
-----------------------1 ---------------------------
50
PHARMACOLOGY SPECIALIZATION
Molecular Cell Biology -------------------------------------
3 ---------------------------100
Advanced Pharmacology ----------------------------------
3 -------------------------- 100
Mechanisms of Drug Action -------------------------------3
-------------------------- 100
Lab Techniques in Modern Pharmacology
----------- 3 --------------------------
100
Frontiers in Pharmacological Sciences
--------------- 3 --------------------------
100
COURSEWORK for MPhil &
MPhil Leading to PhD
Semester-I:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
Marks |
|
PTS-401 |
Principles of Drug
research
|
03 |
100 |
|
PTS-402 |
Cell & Molecular
Biology
|
03 |
100 |
|
PTS-403 |
Biostatistics &
Bioinformatics
|
03 |
100 |
|
PTS-404 |
Advanced Pharmacology-I |
03 |
100 |
Semester-II:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
Marks |
|
PTS-405 |
Advanced Pharmacology-II |
03 |
100 |
|
PTS-406 |
Frontiers in Pharmacological
Sciences |
03 |
100 |
|
PTS-407 |
Lab Techniques in Modern
Pharmacology |
03 |
100 |
|
PTS-408 |
Research Planning and Writing
|
02 |
50 |
|
PTS-409 |
Teaching & Communication
Skills
|
01 |
50 |
Semesters
III & IV:
Research Track: Students enrolled in
MPhil leading to PhD program would carry
out a research project leading to a
200 page thesis.
Teaching Track: Students wishing to
take up full time teaching after the
completion of their MPhil, would be
required to take additional coursework
and participate in training workshops
on teaching skill development etc. Their
final evaluation would consist of seminar
presentations and a 100 page original
manuscript consisting of literature
survey of the latest research articles
on a relevant topic chosen by the supervisor.
Students would be expected to publish
their work in a relevant HEC approved
journal.
Ph.D. Degree:
Additional 18 credits of course work
spanning three years plus 42 credits
of original research work. PhD candidates
with an MPhil in biomedical disciplines
other than Pharmacology, additional
course work from the MPhil scheme may
be recommended.
Ph.D. Pharmacology CORE Courses
Drug Discovery and Development - 3
Current Topics in Pharmacology - 3
Gene and Stem Cell Therapy - 3
Drug Toxicology - 3
Pharmacogenomics - 3
Seminars in Pharmacological Sciences
- 3
.
