Curriculum Overview
The Pharmacy program at Assam Don Bosco University is structured to provide students with a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The curriculum spans eight semesters and includes core subjects, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHM101 | Organic Chemistry I | 3-1-2-4 | - |
| 1 | PHM102 | Biochemistry | 3-1-2-4 | - |
| 1 | PHM103 | Physiology | 3-1-2-4 | - |
| 1 | PHM104 | Microbiology | 3-1-2-4 | - |
| 1 | PHM105 | Introduction to Pharmacy | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | PHM106 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry I | 3-1-2-4 | PHM101, PHM102 |
| 2 | PHM201 | Organic Chemistry II | 3-1-2-4 | PHM101 |
| 2 | PHM202 | Pharmacology I | 3-1-2-4 | PHM102, PHM103 |
| 2 | PHM203 | Pharmaceutical Analysis I | 3-1-2-4 | PHM106 |
| 2 | PHM204 | Pharmacognosy | 3-1-2-4 | PHM104 |
| 2 | PHM205 | Medicinal Chemistry I | 3-1-2-4 | PHM106 |
| 3 | PHM301 | Pharmacology II | 3-1-2-4 | PHM202 |
| 3 | PHM302 | Pharmaceutical Technology I | 3-1-2-4 | PHM203 |
| 3 | PHM303 | Pharmacokinetics | 3-1-2-4 | PHM202 |
| 3 | PHM304 | Medicinal Chemistry II | 3-1-2-4 | PHM205 |
| 3 | PHM305 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry II | 3-1-2-4 | PHM106 |
| 4 | PHM401 | Clinical Pharmacology | 3-1-2-4 | PHM301 |
| 4 | PHM402 | Pharmaceutical Technology II | 3-1-2-4 | PHM302 |
| 4 | PHM403 | Regulatory Affairs | 3-1-2-4 | PHM301 |
| 4 | PHM404 | Drug Development & Discovery | 3-1-2-4 | PHM304 |
| 4 | PHM405 | Pharmacotherapy | 3-1-2-4 | PHM301 |
| 5 | PHM501 | Advanced Medicinal Chemistry | 3-1-2-4 | PHM304 |
| 5 | PHM502 | Pharmacology Research Methods | 3-1-2-4 | PHM301 |
| 5 | PHM503 | Pharmaceutical Marketing | 3-1-2-4 | PHM301 |
| 5 | PHM504 | Formulation Design | 3-1-2-4 | PHM302 |
| 5 | PHM505 | Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance | 3-1-2-4 | PHM302 |
| 6 | PHM601 | Advanced Clinical Pharmacology | 3-1-2-4 | PHM401 |
| 6 | PHM602 | Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs | 3-1-2-4 | PHM303 |
| 6 | PHM603 | Drug Safety & Toxicology | 3-1-2-4 | PHM301 |
| 6 | PHM604 | Research Project I | 0-0-6-6 | - |
| 6 | PHM605 | Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurship | 3-1-2-4 | PHM503 |
| 7 | PHM701 | Research Project II | 0-0-6-6 | PHM604 |
| 7 | PHM702 | Pharmaceutical Innovation & Technology | 3-1-2-4 | PHM504 |
| 7 | PHM703 | Pharmaceutical Policy & Ethics | 3-1-2-4 | PHM303 |
| 7 | PHM704 | Internship | 0-0-8-8 | - |
| 8 | PHM801 | Final Year Thesis | 0-0-12-12 | PHM701 |
| 8 | PHM802 | Capstone Project | 0-0-6-6 | PHM701 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
The department offers a range of advanced elective courses designed to deepen students' understanding of specialized areas within pharmacy. These courses provide opportunities for in-depth exploration and research.
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry: This course delves into the design and synthesis of novel therapeutic agents, focusing on structure-activity relationships and computational methods used in drug discovery. Students learn how to apply modern techniques to develop promising lead compounds.
- Pharmacology Research Methods: Designed for students interested in research careers, this course covers experimental design, data analysis, and statistical methods relevant to pharmacological studies. It prepares students for advanced research projects and thesis work.
- Pharmaceutical Marketing: This elective explores the marketing strategies employed in the pharmaceutical industry, including product positioning, brand development, and market research techniques. Students gain insights into how drugs are promoted and sold.
- Formulation Design: Focused on the principles of drug formulation, this course covers dosage form development, excipient selection, and manufacturing processes. Students learn to design formulations that ensure optimal delivery and efficacy.
- Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance: This course emphasizes quality control measures and regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It covers Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality assurance systems, and risk management strategies.
- Advanced Clinical Pharmacology: This elective builds upon foundational knowledge of pharmacology, exploring complex therapeutic interactions, personalized medicine, and clinical trial design. Students engage with real-world case studies to enhance their analytical skills.
- Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs: This course provides an overview of regulatory frameworks governing drug development and approval. It covers international regulations, submission processes, and compliance strategies used by pharmaceutical companies.
- Drug Safety & Toxicology: Designed to understand the potential adverse effects of drugs, this course explores toxicological principles, safety evaluation methods, and risk assessment techniques. Students learn how to evaluate and mitigate drug-related risks.
- Pharmaceutical Innovation & Technology: This course highlights emerging technologies in pharmaceutical research and development, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence applications. It prepares students for innovation in the field.
- Pharmaceutical Policy & Ethics: This elective examines ethical considerations and policy issues in pharmacy practice. It covers topics such as access to medicines, intellectual property rights, and global health ethics.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department strongly believes in project-based learning as a means of fostering critical thinking, creativity, and practical application of knowledge. Projects are designed to simulate real-world scenarios and challenges faced by professionals in the pharmaceutical industry.
The structure of projects involves multiple phases: problem identification, literature review, methodology design, data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students work in teams under faculty supervision, ensuring mentorship and guidance throughout their project journey.
Evaluation criteria include research quality, innovation, teamwork, presentation skills, and adherence to ethical standards. Faculty members assess each phase of the project, providing constructive feedback and encouraging continuous improvement.
Mini-projects are introduced in the third year, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings. These projects often involve collaboration with industry partners or research institutions, providing real-world exposure.
The final-year thesis is a capstone experience that integrates all aspects of learning. Students select a topic relevant to their specialization and conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The thesis culminates in a formal presentation and defense before a panel of experts.