PHARMACOLOGIST
PART 1 CAREER EXPLORATION
General Description A Pharmacologist is a type of scientist that conducts research on new drug discovery. The main goal of a pharmacologist is to find out how drugs work so they can be used effectively and safely. Pharmacologists often work in controlled laboratories to test how drugs can react with the body or other organisms.
History of Pharmacology In the 19th century, many plant based drugs had been isolated and used as efficient treatment. Pharmacology studies have provided many new discoveries, from World War II to present, in particular. Increasing emphasis has been placed on pharmacology since the early 20th century, once scientists discovered that different results were found from minor changes of the chemical structure of a drug.
FUTURE OUTLOOK Pharmacology employment is projected to grow 8% from 2014-2024 The need to find medications to large diseases and sicknesses is what s causing this growth. As new diseases are being constantly diagnosed, pharmacology will always be a necessary job. Pharmacologists have a 1.2% chance of becoming automated in the future. Being a pharmacologist earns you a retirement plan.
Responsibilities Seeking new chemical compounds that can be used as drugs and medications. Using mathematics to solve technical or scientific problems. Understanding the scientific uses and properties of materials. Problem solving by seeking new ideas. Analyzing trial data and preparing results for sponsors and publication. Meeting with doctors and hospital administrators to discuss ongoing and future trials.
WORKING CONDITIONS HOURS / DAYS / FULL OR PART TIME The hours completely depend on the project you are working on, so overtime is often required. Some weeks can have much heavier work loads than others, but each week (Monday through Friday) usually ranges from 37-40 hours. As a 40 hour week qualifies for full time, in most instances this job is full time. UNION OR NON UNION Pharmacologists are non union, unless you are specifically working for a corporation.
WORKING CONDITIONS INSIDE OR OUTSIDE Pharmacologists mainly work inside, unless a drug test specifically requires an outdoor environment. SETTING This job sometimes takes place in an office/board room for meetings, but most likely a lab where the drug tests happen. TYPE OF ACTIVITY A pharmacologist is required to propose new theories, test theories in a lab, analyze trial data, and prepare results for sponsors and publication.
WORKING CONDITIONS HOLIDAYS / VACATIONS Depending on the position, a pharmacologist will receive paid holidays and vacations. BENEFITS Benefits of being a pharmacologist include paid vacations and holidays, health insurance, retirement plans, comprehensive medical coverage. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Some of the largest professional organizations are: American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT).
WORKING CONDITIONS TYPICAL DAILY ROUTINE Since this job doesn t have a very consistent schedule, it is hard to say a typical daily routine dependant on what project is currently being studied. Often, pharmacologists are in a lab testing and studying drugs to see which drugs have positive effects. SUPERVISION The majority of labs and studies are completed with a lab suporvisor, however if you work your way up to become a supervisor, a manager and department chair will be in charge.
Qualifications A Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacology is required, but a Masters Degree opens up more opportunities and higher salaries. Having lab experience from an industrial placement or lab assistant work can help to expand your contacts and demonstrate your interest to employees. In high school, courses related to physics, chemistry, biology, and math must be taken with a high GPA If cross training is necessary, starting off in medicine or pharmacy fields can be taken before going directly into pharmacology.
Related Careers Analytical chemist: Identify and understand how a substance behaves in different conditions Biomedical scientist: Specializes in medicine, develops new tools to cure diseases Clinical Research Associate: Tests effects of drugs, employed by pharmaceutical companies
Related Careers Toxicologist: Studies the impact of toxic substances on the body and environment Science writer: They write about new discoveries and theories for special science documents and general media Higher education lecturer: Teaches students about pharmacology through lectures and seminars
PART 2 POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
Post Secondary Training Programs University of British Columbia: The Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Science, Masters Degree University of Calgary: Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, PhD Dalhousie University: The Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, MSc/PhD University of Manchester: The Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, BSc University of Alberta: The Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, MD/PhD McGill University: The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ph.D.
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA THE DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada The Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Science Masters Degree 4 year program $7,641 to study for a Masters Degree
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA CLASSES FOR FIRST YEAR STUDIES: Bio 112 (cellular biology) Bio 121 (genetics, ecology, evolution) Bio 140 (bio lab class) Chem 121 (structure and bonding) Chem 123 (thermo dynamics and organic chem) Physics 101 (energy and waves) Math 102 (differential calculus) Math 103 (integral calculus) English 112 (strategies for writing)
PART 3 APPENDIX
Completed Application Form for UBC https://account.you.ubc.ca/ ubc/reg.do? memberprofileaction=searc h
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION SCHOLARSHIPS FAMILY TUITION SAVINGS POSSIBLE PART TIME JOB STUDENT LOAN IF NEEDED: APPLY FOR A STUDENT LOAN THROUGH HTTPS:// STUDENTAIDBC.CA AND WILL RECEIVE FINANCIAL HELP IF ACCEPTED/ MEET REQUIREMENTS.
THE END BY SHEA SMELTZER