The Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore was established in January 1955 at the same time as the foundation of the college was laid.

Located on the fourth floor of the college premises, the department of Pharmacology is committed to achieve and to strive for excellence in teaching and research. The faculty members of the department are actively engaged in teaching II MBBS, II BDS, II BPT and II BSc Nursing students. Apart from didactic lectures, teaching also involves interactive modules in Pharmacy, demonstration exercises in experimental Pharmacology, tutorials, group discussions on clinical oriented problems, drug display and seminars related to Pharmacology.

The Post-graduate training for MD and MSc students includes weekly subject seminars, journal clubs, interdepartmental seminars, attendance at guest lectures, participation in the annual Pharmacology Postgraduate lecture update and Experimental Pharmacology exercises. M.D. students also participate in Clinical Trials (Indian and International) conducted at the Clinical Pharmacology Unit at KMC Hospital, Attavar, Mangalore.  They also attend clinical rotatory postings in the Departments of Psychiatry, Medicine, Paediatrics and Anaesthesia.

The Experimental and Research laboratories equipped with the latest instruments provide a wonderful arena for research-oriented students as well as faculty. Our department pursues a multifaceted mission of training & excellence in the field of medical education and research.

The department is committed to conduct continuing medical educational education programs and workshops wherein students from other departments/ medical colleges throughout the country participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for students and faculty to interact with industrial and academic personnel of various fields.

Key Features

• Long history of commitment towards excellence in teaching and research since its first conception in 1955
• Student friendly faculty
• Constant endeavours in curriculum innovations to improve student learning
• Hands on experience on animal research with guidance from experienced faculty
• Opportunities to interact with industry professionals through workshops, symposiums and seminars conducted in collaboration with drug industries
• Placement offers by various Pharma research companies
• Exposure to preclinical and clinical aspects of pharmacology including bioequivalence studies and various phases of clinical trials
• Importance on Collaborative research with other basic science departments and clinical departments through highly motivated and co-operative clinical faculty
• Involvement in national programs like the pharmacovigilance program of India through ADR monitoring centre.

Collaborations

• With Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Ghaziabad, for Pharmacovigilance Programme of India: ADR monitoring centre Activities
• With Pharmaceutical industries for Pre-clinical studies

About the Area of Study

Pharmacology is the science which deals with drugs. The word is derived from Greek words ‘Pharmacon’ (an active principle) and ‘logos’ ( a discourse or treatise). The object of pharmacology is mainly to provide such scientific data, using which one can choose a drug treatment of proven efficacy and safety from the various options available, to suit the patient.

The field encompasses drug composition and properties, synthesis and drug design, molecular and cellular mechanisms, organ/systems mechanisms, signal transduction/cellular communication, molecular diagnostics, interactions, toxicology, chemical biology, therapy, and medical applications and antipathogenic capabilities.

A Pharmacologist is a scientist, primarily occupied with research, although teaching medical students is often a part of the job description. Opportunities exist in the three main areas mentioned - academia, industry, and the regulatory authorities. Graduates in pharmacology have typically pursued a number of destinations majors: Research in a hospital (diagnostic or research lab), employment in a pharmaceutical industry (research or commercial setting) Clinical trials coordinators State or Federal Regulatory agencies with oversight for drug use  Science education (secondary or tertiary sector), Vocational study (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, etc.)

Probably the single most important attribute required of a pharmacologist is a curiosity about how drugs work, about the understanding of why some patients respond while others do not. But the discipline is broad, embracing such disparate skills as molecular biology and pharmacoeconomics.