Graduate Programs in Pharmacology

Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

Why Choose Us

Our Strong Points

  • Top-rated pharmacology programs in the country
  • Stable funding
  • International collaboration
  • Well-equipped laboratory
  • Outstanding research

Your Opportunity

  • Translational research from preclinical to clinical study
  • Green campus & friendly environment
  • Diverse career path (researcher or academic staff in industrial and public sector such as FDA, Department of Medical Sciences)
  • Research in public health problem of AEC region such as cholangiocarcinoma, drug allergy, tropical diseases, drug resistance
  • Scholarships for living allowance
Pharmacology Program

Doctor of Philosophy Program in Pharmacology

Program 1: Thesis Only

1.1 Program that focuses on research with a thesis that creates new knowledge. Applicant must hold a degree of Master of Science in Pharmacology or related fields with the GPA of at least 3.5 or the equivalent. The Program requires thesis work of no fewer than 48 credits without coursework.

1.2 Program that focuses on research with a thesis that creates new knowledge. Applicant must hold a Bachelor degree in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine with the first-class honors or the equivalent. The Program requires thesis work of no fewer than 72 credits without coursework.

Program 2: Coursework and Thesis

Program that is research-oriented with high quality thesis and academic progress.

2.1 Applicant must hold a degree of Master of Science in Pharmacology or related fields with the GPA of at least 3.25 or the equivalent. The Program requires thesis work of no fewer than 36 credits and course works of no fewer than 12 credits.

2.2 Applicant must hold a Bachelor degree in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Associated Medical Sciences, Public Health, or related subjects with the GPA of at least 3.25 or the equivalent. The Program requires thesis work of no less than 48 credits and with course works of no less than 24 credits.

Coursework

During the first year of doctoral training, students gain a conception in principle of pharmacology and expand their understanding of related fields. Courses are instructed by faculty members of the Department, although many courses are taught by multidisciplinary team from various programs. Most students complete their coursework including compulsory and elective coursework by the first semester of the second year.

Course Code Course Name Credits
MD567712Cells and Molecular Biology3(3-0-6)
MD567713Laboratory Techniques in Medical Sciences2(0-6-3)
MD567714Medical Science Research Methodology3(2-3-6)
MD677703Physiology for Health Sciences Students3(3-0-6)
MD587703Neuropharmacology3(3-0-6)
MD667731Pharmacology I3(3-0-6)
MD667732Pharmacology II3(3-0-6)
366 728Molecular Pharmacology2(2-0-4)
MD667722Advanced Pharmacology3(3-0-6)
MD667991Seminar in Pharmacology and Toxicology I1(1-0-2)
MD667992Seminar in Pharmacology and Toxicology II1(1-0-2)
MD667993Seminar in Pharmacology and Toxicology III1(1-0-2)
MD627732Bioinformatics2(1-3-4)
366 712Experimental Methods in Pharmacology1(0-3-1)
MD667713Clinical Pharmacology2(2-0-4)
366 721Molecular Cancer Chemotherapy2(2-0-4)
366 725Cardiovascular Pharmacology2(2-0-4)
MD667726Free Radicals in Biological Sciences2(2-0-4)
366 727Xenobiotic Metabolism2(2-0-4)
366 733New Drug Discovery and Development2(2-0-4)
MD667996Dissertation48
MD667998Dissertation36
MD667999Dissertation48

Qualifying Examination and Thesis Proposal

After completion of required coursework, students prepare for the qualifying examination which usually take place by the second semester of the second year. Students have to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a particular subject in the field of their research. The examination includes literature writing and an oral examination.

Research Areas of the Department

1. Pharmacogenomics/Pharmacokinetics

Study of various genes that are involved or associated with drug responses (responses to immuno-suppressants, antifungal agents and anticoagulants) and adverse drug reactions; such as severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions, hematotoxicity, renal and hepatotoxicity. Finding genetic markers for prediction of drug response/toxicity and drug hypersensitivity.

2. Targeting Molecular Pathways in Cancer

Strategy to overcome drug resistance to chemotherapy in cancer, particularly cholangiocarcinoma, with an emphasis on molecular pathways of Nrf2-ARE, retinoic acid, genomic maintenance-cell cycle control and inflammation-associated signaling cascades.

3. Neuropharmacology

Potential pharmacological mechanisms of synthetic compounds, medicinal herbs and neutraceutical products for neurodegenerative diseases; depression, convulsant, psychosis and Alzheimers, using in vitro studies, animal models and clinical studies.

4. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases

Study of pharmacological activity of synthetic compounds, medicinal herbs and nutraceutical products for the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases using isolated tissues and animal models.

Thesis Examination

The examination usually takes place when students have completed all requirements of the Graduate School and all contract terms. The examination committee is consisted of representatives from the advisory committee, non-supervisory faculty members from the Department, other relevant departments and at least one expert member appointed from another university/institute. The thesis examination is an open forum for public to attend.

Master Program in Pharmacology

Applicant must hold a Bachelor degree of Science with the GPA of at least 2.5. The program requires coursework of at least 24 credits and thesis work of 12 credits.

Coursework

The coursework is prescribed to encourage students to comprehend the scope of multidisplinary nature of pharmacology. Courses are instructed by faculty members of the Department, although many courses are taught by multidisciplinary team from various programs.

Course Code Course Name Credits
MD567712Cells and Molecular Biology3(3-0-6)
MD567713Laboratory Techniques in Medical Sciences2(0-6-3)
MD567714Medical Science Research Methodology3(2-3-6)
MD677703Physiology for Health Sciences Students3(3-0-6)
MD667731Pharmacology I3(3-0-6)
MD667732Pharmacology II3(3-0-6)
366 728Molecular Pharmacology2(2-0-4)
MD667722Advanced Pharmacology3(3-0-6)
MD667891Seminar in Pharmacology I1(1-0-2)
MD667892Seminar in Pharmacology II1(1-0-2)
MD627732Bioinformatics2(1-3-4)
366 712Experimental Methods in Pharmacology1(0-3-1)
MD667713Clinical Pharmacology2(2-0-4)
366 721Molecular Cancer Chemotherapy2(2-0-4)
366 725Cardiovascular Pharmacology2(2-0-4)
MD667726Free Radicals in Biological Sciences2(2-0-4)
MD667899Thesis12

Thesis Proposal

During the first year of study, students will encourage to discuss with their supervisors and prepare research plan to be conducted in the second year. Students usually present their thesis proposal to examination committee by the first semester of the second year.

Research Areas

See the Ph.D. program section above.

Thesis Examination

The examination usually takes place when students have completed all requirements of Graduate School and all contract terms. The examination committee is consisted of representatives from the advisory committee, non-supervisory faculty members from the Department, other relevant department and at least one expert member appointed from another university/institute. The thesis examination is an open forum for public to attend.