In order to cater to the growing demand for qualified scientists and academicians with appropriate knowledge, experience and professional qualification in pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) has introduced a new course, MSc in Applied and Regulatory Toxicology, which makes use of the unique combination of toxicological principles and its regulatory perspective in product safety evaluation. The Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research (CEFTE) at the University is equipped with the latest technology, and the University is the first medical university in Southeast Asia to receive the OECD-GLP international accreditation for adhering to the highest principles of quality. It boasts of state-of-the-art infrastructure that is spread over 28,000 sq ft of lab space equipped with an access-controlled, dual corridor animal house in a stringent micro-environment and is the brainchild of renowned cardiologist and former vice-chancellor of SRIHER, Dr S Thanikachalam. The centre focuses on bringing together the toxicological and multi-disciplinary pharmacological investigations of chemicals/drugs and create skilled manpower through world-class education and training.
The two-year residential Master's programme will provide training in both theoretical and practical aspects of fundamental and applied toxicology using an interdisciplinary approach. “This is a one-of-its-kind course to be introduced in India. The field of drug testing has a vast scope - be it in cancer research or studies on the effects of pesticides on food. Usually, labs or research facilities hire Life Science graduates who then undergo separate training in drug testing and development before they can become employable in this specific field. But through this course, students become job-ready as soon as they graduate as they will learn key aspects of pathobiology, pharmacology, animal science, etc in one go,” says Dr Yogeshkumar Murkunde, Head - Animal Facility and Business, Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research, adding, “A lot of people think that medicine starts and ends with doctors. But there are many other professionals who contribute greatly to saving a life - for example, without toxicologists, drug development cannot take place. Without medicines, can treatment happen?”
The course will focus on the dissemination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills by experienced in-house faculty and expert toxicologists. Hands-on training and case studies will be part of the curriculum, along with the systemic exchange of knowledge. “Approximately 60% of the topics will be taught by industry experts like Dr Mukul Pore, Director, INTOX Pvt Ltd, Pune, Dr S Ramamurthy, CEO, Palamur Biosciences, Hyderabad, Dr VGS Sharma, Director, SARC LLP, Ahmedabad, and others. We want students to be exposed to different perspectives shared by these experts and learn from them. We will encourage a steady flow of ideas so that both parties are benefited,” Dr Murkunde points out.
On successful completion of the course, students will get ample employment opportunities in toxicological testing/product quality testing and research at pharmaceutical, chemical, medical device, food and other industries and also at contract research organisations (CROs), knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) organisations, or in governmental and international regulatory bodies. Students also have the option of pursuing higher education in specialised focus areas. Dr Murkunde avers, “After working as a toxicologist for a few years, a professional can apply for DABT (Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology) certification. This will improve their prospects largely as they can practice in foreign countries too if they pass the qualifying examination.”
For more course details, visit: Toxed-sriher.in
To know more about eligibility and other conditions of admission, visit: sriramachandra.edu.in
