Pharmacology is the study of drugs, with two main branches: research and clinical pharmacology. Clinical pharmacologists work in hospitals, while research pharmacologists work in private research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and hospital laboratories. Pharmacologists may specialize in toxicology, kinetics, drug interactions, neuropharmacology, pharmacogenetics, or experimental studies. To obtain most pharmacology jobs, individuals must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in pharmacology or medicine. There is a growing demand for pharmacologists to conduct experimental research on drugs that may be useful in treating complicated disorders such as cancer and AIDS.
Pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs, including their physical and chemical compositions, chemical reactions, side effects, and usefulness in treating disorders. Science is generally divided into two main branches, research and clinical pharmacology, and there are many different specialist pharmacology works available in each branch. Most clinical pharmacologists work in hospitals, medical clinics and pharmacies. Pharmacology research papers can be found in private research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and hospital laboratories. Many professionals from both disciplines choose to become university professors, teaching advanced courses in science and medicine.
Clinical pharmacologists may specialize in toxicology, kinetics, or drug interactions. Kinetics experts investigate how drugs move through an organism’s body. They often study the ways in which the body dissolves and absorbs a certain type of chemical and how the body responds. Toxicologists look at the negative effects that drugs or poisons can have on the body and determine ways to reduce or reverse those effects. Other pharmacologists study drug interactions, determining how a given drug is made more or less effective by natural body chemicals, environmental factors, or other medications.
In research labs, scientists may focus on neuropharmacology, pharmacogenetics, biological sciences, experimental studies, or a number of other specialties. Neuropharmacologists study how various neurotransmitters and chemicals in the brain are affected by certain medications, while pharmacogeneticists investigate how medications work differently in different people. Some experts focus on biobased substances and their potential applications in health and medicine. Pharmacology jobs in experimental laboratories involve the research and development of new and better drugs. Scientists design experimental drugs and oversee clinical trials to determine their effectiveness.
To obtain most clinical pharmacology jobs, individuals must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in pharmacology or medicine. Getting research pharmacology jobs typically requires people to have a bachelor’s degree in a specific biological science, such as molecular biology or organic chemistry. Advanced research positions and teaching jobs often require applicants to receive doctorates in pharmacology or biological sciences. New clinical and research pharmacologists often work as interns or assistants for six months to two years before practicing independently.
There is a growing demand for pharmacologists to conduct experimental research on drugs that may be useful in treating complicated disorders such as cancer and AIDS. New pharmacologists are trained to operate advanced testing equipment and apply computer programs to their research. As laboratory technology continues to advance, scientists and clinical pharmacologists are often able to conduct research, complete trials, and produce useful drugs faster than ever before.
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