Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Therapeutics

1. List of Academic Staff

Name	Status and Qualifications	Research Interest
A.A. Njan	Professor, Head of Department. B.Sc. ( Calabar); M.Sc. (NAU, Awka); Ph.D. (MUST, Mbarara); PGD Research Methods (UCSF, San- Francisco)	Toxicology CNS and Ethnopharmacology
Olufunke .E. Olorundare	B.Sc., (ABU, Zaria); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Wisconsin, Madison)	CVS/Blood Pharmacology CNS Pharmacology Cancer Chemoprevention
Mary O. Ologe	Senior Lecturer, B.Pharm (OAU, Ile-Ife), M.Sc. (Lagos), M.Phil (OAU Ile-Ife), Ph.D. (Ibadan)	Chemotherapy, Ethnopharmacology and Drug delivery
*E.O. Iwalewa	Professor, B. Sc., M. Sc. (Ibadan) Ph.D. (ABU, Zaria)	Ethnopharmacology, Inflammatory Pharmacology and Chemotherapy
*V. C Osamor	Professor, B.Sc.,( Benin); PGD, M.Sc, (Lagos) Ph.D (CU, Ota)	Computer Science, Bioinformatics

Lecturers from other Departments

B. Introduction

To develop highly skilled manpower for teaching and research for the public, private and international organizations in the field of Pharmacology.

C. Philosophy

The guiding philosophy emphasizes the development of scientific investigators who have a broad interdisciplinary background in modern concepts and approaches of pharmacology and toxicology. We also train individuals in state-of-the art approaches to hypothesis-driven research.

Our program is designed to be exciting and challenging, and at the same time, supportive and flexible enough to meet the specific needs and interests of students.

D. Aims and Objectives

These are to:

• Produce competent academic scientists in the area of Pharmacology, carefully trained to fit into sectors where drugs are handled and developed (Research Units, Drug Quality Control, Hospitals, Drug Production and Safety) as well as researchers in Pharmacology in Nigerian higher institutions and international communities for which Pharmacology is an essential ingredient.

• Develop in the graduate students adequate research competence and capabilities in the fields of experimental drug design and development, and/or Clinical Pharmacology

E. Admission requirements

For the Ph.D. programme, candidates should have a Master degree in Pharmacology or in a related biomedical subject such as Physiology and Biochemistry from a recognize University. Candidates with Master Degree in Pharmacology are not normally required to undertake course work. All other candidates are required to undertake course work in Pharmacology.

F. Duration of the programme

The minimum period for the full-time Ph.D. programme shall be 36 months and a maximum of 60 months; 48 months and 72 months minimum and maximum periods respectively for part-time doctoral program. Doctorate programmes shall be primarily by research, once the candidate has met all the stated requirements.

G. Detailed Course Description

PHM 911 Bioinformatics 4 Credits

Overview of computer-based methods of analyzing genetic and biological information. Includes sequence comparisons, data mining, computing tools and using Perl for biological applications. 30h (T); 90h (P); C

PHM 914 Introduction to Molecular Biology 2 Credits

The Course provides a historical perspective on the development and progress of the molecular biology field. Students would review and discuss scientific articles that describe the molecular components that underlie structure and function of cells, regulation of the genome including chromatin structure, transcription, DNA modification, RNA process, microRNAs and post- translational processing. 30h (T); C

PHM 915 Introduction to Cell culture Methods 2 Credits

The course covers the basic methods of working with mammalian cell culture. The course introduces students to biosafety measures relevant to cell handling, aseptic techniques, media preparation, passaging and maintenance of cell lines. Instructions will include use of light and fluorescence microscopy. Students will work with hESC and iPSC. 15h (T); 45h (P); C

PHM 955 Seminars 3 Credits

Presentation of seminars on original research topic/project. 135h (P); C

PHM 999 Thesis 6 Credits

Original research theses conducted on an approved topic in mentoring the candidate‘s ability at initiating and carrying out selected research, at the end of which there will be a dissertation and oral defence. 270h (P); C

• Graduation requirements

Seminar                      PHM 955 (3credits)

Theses                        PHM 999 (6 Credits)

Candidates for the Ph. D. degree must present a minimum of three seminars and successfully defend their theses before an examining team with an External Examiner appointed by the University.

I. Summary

To be awarded a Ph.D in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, a candidate must meet all the necessary requirements as stipulated as above.