Overview
BACKGROUND
Molecular pharmacology is a discipline concerned with the study of bio-molecular mechanisms
that underpin how drugs interact with living systems to alter function. It is a relatively new
discipline that focuses on cellular and molecular levels as sites of drug action and function.
Recent advances in the knowledge of cell and gene regulation, hormonal action, cell trafficking,
inflammation and other bio-molecular processes have spawned the development of novel drugs
for use in the therapy of a variety of diseases. The disease burden of developing countries such
as Kenya is heavy. Coupled to this is the high cost of treatment. Typical contributors to this
scenario include emerging infectious diseases and rapid development of resistance to current
drug therapies. This calls for concerted efforts to find home grown solutions. Knowledge of
molecular pharmacology is crucial for understanding and participating in research on the genetic
and biochemical mechanisms that underlie drug resistance in diseases such as tuberculosis,
malaria and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Moreover molecular pharmacology
techniques are applicable in investigations of therapies (both old and new) for non-
communicable conditions including: coagulopathies, diabetes and metabolic syndromes,
cardiovascular, renal diseases, oncological and neuro-psychiatric diseases among others. In
Kenya, a specialized cadre of scientists equipped with skills in molecular pharmacology is
therefore needed to contribute to innovative research that would lead to discovery of new
medicines or advance the understanding of biological phenomena.
OBJECTIVES
- Analyze drug resistance and response to drug therapy using molecular markers.
- Evaluate abnormal drug metabolism and toxicity.
- Evaluate the biopharmaceutical equivalence of biologic medicines and vaccines.
- Apply knowledge in molecular pharmacology to support disease diagnosis and management.
- Design original research in molecular pharmacology and its application in drug discovery and drug development.
PHILOSOPHY
Molecular pharmacology is a discipline concerned with the study of bio-molecular mechanisms that underpin how drugs interact with living systems to alter function. It is a relatively new discipline that focuses on cellular and molecular levels as sites of drug action and function. Recent advances in the knowledge of cell and gene regulation, hormonal action, cell trafficking, inflammation and other bio-molecular processes have spawned the development of novel drugs for use in the therapy of a variety of diseases. Molecular pharmacology principles and techniques are applicable in investigations of therapies for communicable and non-communicable diseases including infectious diseases, coagulopathies, diabetes and metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular, renal, oncological and neuro-psychiatric diseases among others.
RATIONALE
In Kenya, a specialized cadre of scientists equipped with skills in molecular pharmacology is needed to contribute to innovative research that would lead to development of new therapeutic and prophylactic approaches to communicable and non-communicable diseases; or advance the understanding and prevention of adverse reactions to drugs and vaccines. Graduates of the molecular pharmacology programme can find employment in research, academia and clinical settings. In the clinical settings they would be involved in: monitoring drug resistance and response to drug therapy using molecular markers; clinical pharmacogenetics, in the identification of biomarkers of abnormal drug metabolism and toxicity; the development and application of gene therapy, and the evaluation of therapeutic equivalence or bioequivalence of biologic medicines and vaccines.
Structure
STRUCTURE
The program shall be offered on full time basis. The duration of the program will be a minimum of four (4) semesters of 17 weeks each equivalent to two academic years and a maximum of eight (8) semesters equivalent to four academic years.
The course shall be in two parts: Part I consisting of course work and Part II devoted to research leading to a thesis. In the first year, students shall be required to take all the prescribed courses. A candidate shall only proceed to the next year of study after successful completion of the first year.
The candidate shall be required to prepare a research proposal whose theme shall be within the identified area of interest. The proposal shall be developed in consultation with the supervisor(s) and appropriate Institutional Ethical Review Boards as may be required. The proposal must be ready for submission and approval to the various Review Committees by the end of first year of study.
MODE OF DELIVERY OF THE PROGRAMME
The course will be delivered through face to face lectures, seminars, group work, presentations, practicals, term-papers, self-directed learning, supervised independent research or any combination of these.
Admission Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A candidate applying for admission into the programme must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- Be in possession of a Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree of the University of Nairobi, or
- Holders of at least Upper Second-class Bachelor of Science in Physiology or Biochemistry (or a Lower Second Class Bachelor of Science degree plus a Post Graduate Diploma in a relevant area or three years research experience).
- Be in possession of equivalent qualifications from institutions recognized by the Senate of the University of Nairobi.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
When To Apply - applications for admission are received on a rolling basis, and you should try to apply as soon as possible after you meet the admission requirements stipulated above. Module II applications may be submitted directly here.
Application Fees - an application fee of Ksh 3000.00 for Module II applications must be paid for every application.
Required documentation – copies of your KCSE (or GCSE/GCE) certificate and a Bachelor’s degree certificate plus transcripts must be submitted with the application. You must also submit a certified copy of a picture ID (national identity card, passport biodata page). All uploaded documents must be certified, clear and legible.
SCHEDULE OF INTAKES
Intakes are in September every calendar year. Registration and admission for qualified applicants commence in August. For more information on Registration & Admission please click here.
Careers
CAREERS
The objectives of the program are to produce experts in pharmacology with appropriate knowledge, attitudes and skills who can contribute to:
- Governmental agencies
- Research institutions
- Higher education institutions
- Specialized Area Opportunities
ATTACHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Department is committed, whenever possible, to providing the students with opportunities to acquire, sharpen their knowledge and gain technical/practical skills to complement their studies in order to enhance their employability in line with the Kenya vision 2030. Attachment is provided to students from recognized learning institutions during their final two years of study.
Only attachés from Government recognized Training Institutions shall be eligible for intake.
Students are required to make queries on availability of attachment slots by sending an email inquiry to dept-pharmacy@uonbi.ac.ke
NOTABLE ALUMNI.
Dr Emily Ngonyo – Pharmacy Operations Manager, Tigoni Sub-County Hospital
Fees and Funding
| TUITION | |||
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | Year 1 | Year 2 | TOTALS |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 348,000.00 | 348,000.00 | 696,000.00 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | 6,500.00 | 13,000.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,000.00 | - | 5,000.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 14,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 10,000.00 | - | 10,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 4,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 | 10,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
| THESIS EXAMINATION | 4,500.00 | 4,500.00 | 9,000.00 |
| Grand totals | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
| - | 30,000.00 | 30,000.00 | |
| 390,000.00 | 405,000.00 | 795,000.00 |
Exam Regulations
EXAM REGULATIONS
A candidate shall be required to attain at least two-thirds class attendance before sitting for examinations. Examinations for each taught course shall be held at the end of the semester in which it was taught. The final university examination shall be marked out of 100% with a pass mark of 50%. Continuous assessment shall consist of written examinations, term papers, seminar presentations, practical exercises as may be prescribed in each course.
A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners may, depending on their academic performance and progression and on recommendation of the Committee of Examiners and approval of Senate, be permitted to sit for supplementary exams in the failed examination, be required to repeat the year in the failed subjects or be discontinued from the degree programme.
A candidate shall not be allowed to repeat a course(s) on academic ground more than once in any given year.
A candidate who satisfies the examiners in all the examinations for all the years of study shall, on the recommendation of the Board of examiners and approval of Senate, be awarded the degree of Master of Science in Pharmacology of the University of Nairobi.
A candidate who fails to satisfy the examiners in the thesis shall be, on the recommendation of the Committee of Examiners and approval by Senate, be allowed to resubmit the thesis within 12 months. A candidate who fails the thesis examination on resubmission shall, on the recommendation of the Committee of Examiners and approval of Senate, be discontinued.
