Comprehensive Course Structure
The Pharmacy program at G L A University Mathura is structured over eight semesters, with a carefully curated mix of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory components designed to build both foundational knowledge and specialized expertise.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHM 101 | Introduction to Pharmacy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHM 102 | General Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHM 103 | Organic Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 102 |
| 1 | PHM 104 | Biology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHM 105 | Physics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHM 106 | Mathematics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHM 107 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | PHM 201 | Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 104 |
| 2 | PHM 202 | Cell Biology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | PHM 203 | Microbiology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | PHM 204 | Pharmacognosy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | PHM 205 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 103 |
| 2 | PHM 206 | Medicinal Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 103 |
| 2 | PHM 207 | Introduction to Drug Design | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 205 |
| 3 | PHM 301 | Pharmacology | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 201, PHM 204 |
| 3 | PHM 302 | Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 201, PHM 301 |
| 3 | PHM 303 | Pharmaceutical Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 102 |
| 3 | PHM 304 | Formulation Development | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 205, PHM 206 |
| 3 | PHM 305 | Drug Delivery Systems | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 304 |
| 3 | PHM 306 | Quality Control and Assurance | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 303 |
| 4 | PHM 401 | Clinical Pharmacy | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 301, PHM 302 |
| 4 | PHM 402 | Regulatory Affairs | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 306 |
| 4 | PHM 403 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 201, PHM 202 |
| 4 | PHM 404 | Molecular Pharmacology | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 201, PHM 301 |
| 4 | PHM 405 | Pharmacoeconomics and Health Policy | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 301, PHM 302 |
| 4 | PHM 406 | Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | PHM 501 | Advanced Drug Delivery Systems | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 305 |
| 5 | PHM 502 | Nanomedicine and Targeted Therapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 501 |
| 5 | PHM 503 | Computational Pharmacology | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 404 |
| 5 | PHM 504 | Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 404 |
| 5 | PHM 505 | Drug Safety and Toxicology | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 301 |
| 5 | PHM 506 | Pharmaceutical Marketing and Commercialization | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 402 |
| 6 | PHM 601 | Advanced Formulation Development | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 304 |
| 6 | PHM 602 | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 601 |
| 6 | PHM 603 | Global Regulatory Standards | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 402 |
| 6 | PHM 604 | Clinical Trials and Drug Development | 3-0-0-3 | PHM 501, PHM 505 |
| 6 | PHM 605 | Entrepreneurship in Pharmaceutical Sciences | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | PHM 606 | Capstone Project I | 0-0-4-3 | - |
| 7 | PHM 701 | Capstone Project II | 0-0-6-3 | PHM 606 |
| 7 | PHM 702 | Industry Internship | 0-0-8-3 | - |
| 7 | PHM 703 | Advanced Topics in Pharmacy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | PHM 704 | Presentation Skills for Pharmacists | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | PHM 705 | Pharmacy Ethics and Professionalism | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | PHM 801 | Thesis Writing and Research Publication | 0-0-6-3 | - |
| 8 | PHM 802 | Final Project Defense | 0-0-4-3 | PHM 701, PHM 801 |
| 8 | PHM 803 | Pharmaceutical Innovation Workshop | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | PHM 804 | Graduation Seminar | 3-0-0-3 | - |
The advanced departmental elective courses offered in the program are designed to deepen students' expertise and prepare them for specialized roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Here are detailed descriptions of key electives:
Advanced Drug Delivery Systems
This course explores cutting-edge technologies used in designing and delivering drugs more effectively to target sites in the body. Students learn about controlled release systems, transdermal patches, inhalation devices, implantable drug delivery systems, and smart materials that respond to environmental triggers.
Nanomedicine and Targeted Therapy
Students examine how nanoparticles are engineered for targeted drug delivery, including their synthesis, characterization, and application in cancer therapy. The course includes discussions on biocompatibility issues, toxicity evaluation, and regulatory considerations for nanoscale therapeutics.
Computational Pharmacology
This elective introduces students to computational tools used in drug discovery, such as molecular docking, pharmacophore modeling, and virtual screening. Students gain hands-on experience with software packages like AutoDock, MOE, and Schrodinger to predict drug-target interactions and optimize lead compounds.
Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine
This course focuses on how genetic variations affect individual responses to medications. It covers topics such as pharmacogenetic testing, precision dosing strategies, and the integration of genomic data into clinical decision-making processes in healthcare settings.
Drug Safety and Toxicology
Students study the principles of toxicology and safety assessment in pharmaceuticals. The curriculum includes risk evaluation, adverse event reporting, and the development of safety profiles for new drugs. Practical sessions involve analyzing case studies from real-world drug recalls and safety incidents.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology
This course provides an overview of modern manufacturing techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry. Topics include unit operations, process design, continuous manufacturing, automation, and quality control measures in sterile environments. Students also learn about GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliance and audit preparation.
Global Regulatory Standards
Students are exposed to international regulatory frameworks governing pharmaceutical products. This includes understanding the requirements of FDA, EMA, WHO, and other global agencies. The course emphasizes compliance strategies, documentation standards, and the role of regulatory affairs professionals in bringing drugs to market.
Clinical Trials and Drug Development
This elective covers the design, execution, and analysis of clinical trials for new therapeutic agents. Students learn about Phase I-IV trial protocols, statistical methods, ethical considerations, and data management practices in clinical research settings.
Entrepreneurship in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Designed to inspire innovation, this course teaches students how to identify market opportunities, develop business plans, secure funding, and launch startups in the pharmaceutical sector. Guest speakers from successful ventures share real-life experiences and insights.
Capstone Project I & II
The capstone project is a multi-semester endeavor where students work on an original research or development project under faculty supervision. These projects often involve collaboration with industry partners, resulting in tangible outcomes such as patents, publications, or product prototypes.
Industry Internship
This semester-long internship provides students with real-world exposure to pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, regulatory agencies, or research institutions. Interns are assigned tasks that align with their interests and career goals, enhancing their professional network and practical skills.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's approach to project-based learning is centered on fostering innovation, teamwork, and critical thinking among students. Projects are structured to mirror real-world scenarios, encouraging students to apply theoretical concepts in practical contexts while solving complex challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry.
Mini-projects are introduced from the third semester, allowing students to explore different areas of interest through small-scale research initiatives. These projects typically last 3-4 weeks and require students to work in teams, conduct literature reviews, design experiments, and present findings to peers and faculty members.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a substantial undertaking that spans the entire seventh and eighth semesters. Students select a topic aligned with their specialization, engage in extensive research, and produce a comprehensive report or prototype. Faculty mentors guide students throughout this process, ensuring academic rigor and practical relevance.
Evaluation criteria for projects include creativity, technical competence, scientific writing, presentation skills, peer collaboration, and contribution to the field of pharmacy. Regular feedback sessions help students refine their approaches and improve outcomes.