MPhil/PhD in Pharmacognosy

Pharmacognosy studies natural sources, like plants and fungi, to discover and develop new medicines. It examines their physical, chemical and biological properties to understand their therapeutic potential, integrating traditional knowledge with science to advance healthcare.

Level of Study:

Graduate

Objectives:

The MPhil/PhD programme in pharmacognosy provides students with the opportunity to carry out original research within the broad discipline of pharmacognosy, which encompasses the body of knowledge requisite in the development of medicines derived from nature. Prospective graduate students can choose to specialise in applications derived from traditional medicines, natural product characterisation, pharmacology/ethnopharmacology, cellular biochemistry, molecular toxicology, medicinal chemistry, computational biochemistry, medicinal plant horticulture, nutraceutical/natural health product development, and entomology.

Tailored projects will be designed for each student, depending on their selected area of focus. Students will engage in projects that address and prioritise societal needs, encouraging students to creatively develop their research questions and initiatives. By approaching topics from an interdisciplinary perspective, the programme aims to foster greater appreciation and advocacy for the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, environmental consulting, education, government, nonprofits, pharmaceutical development and international research consortia.

Programme Objectives

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the foundations, principles, and applications of the multidisciplinary field of pharmacognosy.
To train students in laboratory, computational and field based techniques specific to the area of study. Broadly, laboratory techniques include aseptic techniques, safe specimen handling, cell culture techniques, enzymology and insect vector handling. Computational techniques include molecular modelling, molecular docking, QSAR, molecular visualisation, in silico screening, and structure-based drug design.
Overall, students will receive training in data analysis, scientific writing, and the presentation of research results, specific to their project. Program will aim to improve students' problem-solving skills within their specific research interests related to pharmacognosy and envision creative solutions using Caribbean biodiversity.

Entry Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree from the University of the West Indies, or other recognized universities, with at least an upper second class honours. Any other qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis and will follow OGSR guidelines.

Tuition fee
https://www.mona.uwi.edu/sites/default/files/uwi/uwi-mona_2025-2026_graduate_fee_schedule_may_2025.pdf

Programme Structure:

Required Courses/Credit Requirements

Master of Philosophy

Requires the completion of six (6) credits from postgraduate courses in addition to a thesis documenting the results of the research carried out during the registration period.

Doctor of Philosophy

Requires the completion of nine (9) credits from postgraduate courses in addition to a thesis documenting the results of the research carried out during the registration period.

Existing courses approved by the Board of Graduate Studies and Research will be utilised for this program, with a selection summarised in Table 1. The following courses are highly recommended for the MPhil/PhD in Pharmacognosy.

BAMS6011/BC60B (Understanding Research, 6 credits): This general research methods course involves writing and presenting a research proposal, critiquing scientific literature, and delivering seminars.
ENVR6402 (Research Methods & Project Management, 3 credits): This course introduces students to writing research proposals and covers essential research methodologies and project management skills.

These courses are designed to equip students with research techniques and skills that will aid them in completing their current research projects and enhance their practical application abilities for their post-university careers. Students must register for the thesis course (RETH9005 - Thesis Science and Technology) each semester until they are awarded their degree.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to review the Graduate Student Handbook for additional courses that may be relevant to their specific projects. They will then work with their advisor to develop personalized course schedules.

Table 1: Overview of existing graduate courses at The UWI Mona from which prospective graduate students can choose, based on their interests. Highly recommended courses are highlighted in bold. Other courses are optional.

COURSE CODE	FACULTY	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
BAMS6011	FMS	Understanding Research	6
GRSM6550	FST	Research Methods for the Sciences	3
RETH9005	FST	Thesis Registration (University requirement for MPhil/PhD)	-
GRSM6560	FST	Statistical methods	3
ENVR6401	FST	Environmental law and international environmental agreements	3
ENVR6404	FST	Principles and practice of geoinformatics	3
ENVR6405	FST	Management and analysis of environmental data	3
ENVR6406	FST	Socio-ecology and natural resources management	3
ENVR6420	FST	Health and the environment	3
ENVR6430 (or BIOL6415)	FST	National parks, tourism and recreational amenities	3
LANG6099	FHE	Advanced Academic English Language Skills (writing course)	3
FAPT6201	FST	Food safety and quality standards	3
FAPT6107	FST	Herbs, spices, essential oils, nutraceuticals and fine chemicals	3
COMP5741	FST	Business Intelligence (data management)

Seminars
Before students can submit their theses for examination:

MPhil candidates are required to have presented two seminars
PhD candidates need to have presented at least three seminars

Online Systems

Student Services

Registration & Fees

Online Support

The University of the West Indies, Mona

Caribbean Centre for Research in Bioscience