If you are interested in science and medicine, you may have been asking the question what is pharmacology? This field encompasses the scientific study of the way in which drugs act and interact within biological systems inside the body, according to Medicine Net. Drugs of interest to pharmacologists can be prescription pharmaceuticals or other types of drugs and chemical agents; it doesn’t matter. Pharmacological science deals with the study of drugs, the development of new drugs, and the biological effects of an organism’s state. There is a difference between pharmacy and pharmacology, with pharmacy being a combination of health sciences and chemical sciences.
What a Pharmacologist Does
People sometimes ask why is pharmacology important? To define pharmacology, Pharmacologists study the makeup of drugs. This important field determines the individual properties of the drug in question, as well as how it was made and how it reacts within the body of a living organism and its biological systems. They also want to know how the drug might react with other substances and the outcomes that could occur from such interactions. The purpose for this study is to be aware of the toxicology of drugs. Toxicology refers to any negative or poisonous effects a drug or combination of drugs may have on the body. In addition, pharmacologists work to find out how a drug affects a body’s biological functioning in order to know how it can be be utilized medicinally. Pharmacological research requires scientific discipline in order for effective drug development to take place and helpful drug discover to make a difference in society. Understanding drug action and making a risk assessment requires understanding molecular mechanisms.
Branches of Pharmacology
There are various branches of pharmacology. Clinical pharmacology studies medicines. Toxicology is the study of the negative effects of drugs. A Pharmacologist looks at which drugs should be taken, as well as the best doses each drug should be given. How drugs effect the nervous system is examined in neuropharmacology. These branches, along with other subsets, all provide information to guide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in deciding which are safe for human consumption with positive physiological and behavioral effects, and which are not ready to go to market, as well as deciding the factors that indicate the need for mass recalls of certain drugs , chemical agents and pharmacological substances. Workers in biomedical services and biomedical sciences understand the human biological system and how drug discovery affects it.
History of Pharmacology
The 11th century Persian philosopher and physician, Avicenna, is thought to be the founder of pharmacology. What pharmacology is was mentioned in his work, Canon of Medicine. It was in the 1800’s that pharmacology began to be seen as a useful science that led to better understanding of the effect of chemical properties in drugs. During this time, medicinal and recreational drugs were becoming popular, and a pharmacology department was established in 1847 at the University of Dorpat (now Estonia) to answer the growing question what is pharmacology? Two of the most widely studied drugs of the time were quinine and morphine. This led to the best way to study for pharmacology and the modern study of pharmacology in which academic programs are available at institutions of higher education and pharmacology degrees everywhere. Admission to a pharmacology masters degree program is competitive and rigorous. Today’s pharmacology masters programs offer the most modern and high-tech labs with precision equipment to study cell biology, molecular biology and study biological systems. The best way to study pharmacology is through a rigorous graduate program with a lot of hands on academic research experience.
What is the job outlook and average salary for pharmacologists?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov), the employment outlook for all medical scientists including pharmacologists (excluding epidemiologists) is expected to increase by 17% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations. Median annual salary in this field in 2021 was $95,310.
What education will I need to become a Pharmacologist
Budding pharmacologists first earn a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, math, molecular biology or engineering before applying to a graduate program in pharmacology. A graduate degree such as a Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmacology, an M.S. in Pharmacology and Toxicology or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology would be the next step. Some graduate schools offer a combined Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy (M.D./Ph.D.) in Pharmacology program.
Pharmacology students can expect laboratory based courses, cause work in lab techniques, research methods, clinical trial and other practical classes. Graduate students will typically write a master’s thesis and doctoral students can expect to complete their dissertation to graduate. Helpful drug discovery to enhance human health through the pharmacological sciences is an exciting career path for many.
What is the professional organization for Pharmacologists?
The American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT) is a professional organization that promotes and supports pharmacologists and those in the biomedical science industry, providing networking opportunities, continuing education and career information.
Conclusion to What is Pharmacology?
The study of pharmacology is a crucial one for ensuring the safety of the drug response in humans in relation to the medicines and drugs that we consume. Skilled and knowledgeable professionals are needed in order to understand the workings of drugs and experimental therapeutics within the human body and how different substances may interact. Knowing what pharmacology is gives a better understanding of its importance to society.
MPH staff, 2023
Related Resource: Become a Pharmacologist