PhD Programme in Medical Pharmacology

Programme Overview

The PhD Programme in Medical Pharmacology was established within the Institute of Health Sciences following approval by the Higher Education Executive Board on 07 July 2021. The programme is delivered by academic staff with subject-matter expertise. The language of instruction is Turkish. The programme is offered at doctoral level and follows a full-time mode of study.

Pharmacology, often described as the science of medicines, has long been central to healthcare and biomedical innovation. It plays a key role in drug discovery and development, quality and standardisation, and in strengthening the scientific foundations of diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making. Pharmacological research also supports the planning, delivery and governance of interdisciplinary research and contributes to broader public and national development priorities. Its ultimate aim is to identify new candidate molecules for the diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of disease, develop them into medicines and clarify the rational principles that underpin the clinical use of established therapies.

Degree Awarded 

Successful candidates are awarded the PhD Degree in Medical Pharmacology.

Admission and Registration Requirements

Applicants are admitted through a written assessment and/or oral examination. The admission quota, application requirements, application deadline and the schedule and location of the assessment are announced prior to each intake.

Graduates of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry may apply directly with a bachelor’s degree. Graduates of Veterinary Medicine, Health Sciences, Biology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics may apply with a master’s degree provided that their graduate qualification is in the field of medical pharmacology. Applicants who completed undergraduate or graduate education abroad must submit an equivalency or recognition document issued by the Council of Higher Education.

Doctoral applications require an ALES score determined by the Institute Board and the score cannot be below 55 in the relevant score type. Applicants must also meet the minimum foreign language score set by the Department and approved by the Senate, based on nationally administered language examinations or internationally recognised exams accepted as equivalent by ÖSYM.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is arranged in accordance with the University’s graduate regulations.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to train researchers who can contribute to rapidly advancing pharmacological research through the University’s academic and research capacity and who can apply core pharmacological knowledge effectively within interdisciplinary settings. Alongside advanced disciplinary training, the programme develops the ability to design independent research, translate research plans into funded or structured projects, execute studies to scientific standards and communicate outcomes in a rigorous and transparent manner.

Graduates are expected to apply their pharmacology expertise in interdisciplinary research, gain both theoretical and practical competence in experimental methods used in the field and contribute to science by designing and conducting pharmacological studies.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop a strong foundation in drug interactions, adverse effects and toxic effects, as well as in core principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. They can evaluate drug classes acting on different physiological systems on a scientific basis. They understand the theoretical framework of experimental methods used in basic and clinical pharmacology and can apply these methods competently. They can design and implement an experimental setup, analyse research data and select appropriate statistical approaches to interpret results. They follow evidence-based practice, apply critical appraisal and conduct research capable of generating evidence within their field. They work in accordance with ethical standards and develop professional practice aligned with Good Laboratory Practice and Good Clinical Practice principles. They can integrate pharmacology knowledge with insights from related disciplines to produce well-grounded interpretations.

Programme Structure, Credits and ECTS

The programme comprises at least 21 national credits and at least 240 ECTS in total, including a minimum of seven courses, a seminar component and a dissertation. In line with the workload principle, each academic term must carry at least 60 ECTS. Of the 240 ECTS, 120 ECTS covers coursework, the seminar and preparation for the doctoral proficiency examination, while 120 ECTS is allocated to dissertation research. One ECTS corresponds to a workload of 30 hours.

Academic Regulations and Progression Rules

Excluding any scientific preparatory period, the standard duration is eight semesters starting from the first semester of coursework, and the programme must be completed within a maximum of twelve semesters. The seminar and dissertation components are non-credit bearing and are evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Even where credit transfer applies, students must complete at least half of the required credits within their home programme. With the supervisor’s approval, electives may also be taken from other programmes. The dissertation must be prepared in accordance with the Institute of Health Sciences Thesis Writing Guidelines. Assessment, progression and all academic obligations are implemented under the University’s graduate regulations.

Assessment and Evaluation

All coursework and examinations are assessed in accordance with the University’s graduate regulations.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, candidates must complete the programme’s academic obligations across coursework, seminar, proficiency and dissertation phases and successfully pass the dissertation defence. Following the defence, and provided that all additional graduation requirements set by the Senate are met, candidates must submit at least five bound copies of the dissertation to the Institute within one month of the defence date. A PhD diploma is issued once the dissertation is verified as compliant in format and submission conditions are fulfilled.

Further Academic Progression

PhD holders may apply for associate professorship in medical pharmacology, provided that they meet the relevant academic requirements.

Career Prospects

Graduates may take roles across the pharmaceutical industry and R&D centres. They may also work in relevant public institutions, including the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, the Social Security Institution and the Public Health Institution of Turkey, as well as in academic positions at universities.

Mode of Study and Class Timetable

The programme is delivered on a full-time basis. When necessary, courses and examinations may be scheduled in evening or weekend sessions.

Programme Coordinator and Contact

Assoc. Prof. Elif Hilal VURAL
Head of the Department of Medical Pharmacology
Email: muge.tecder@lokmanhekim.edu.tr
Tel: 444 8 548