Course Structure Overview
The Pharmacy program at Icmai University Solan is structured over 8 semesters, with each semester comprising core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions. This structure ensures a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and research exposure.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | PHM101 | Chemistry for Pharmacy | 3-1-2-6 | None |
| I | PHM102 | Biology I | 3-1-2-6 | None |
| I | PHM103 | Physics for Pharmacy | 3-1-2-6 | None |
| I | PHM104 | Mathematics I | 3-1-2-6 | None |
| I | PHM105 | Chemistry Lab | 0-0-4-4 | PHM101 |
| I | PHM106 | Biology Lab | 0-0-4-4 | PHM102 |
| II | PHM201 | Organic Chemistry | 3-1-2-6 | PHM101 |
| II | PHM202 | Biochemistry | 3-1-2-6 | PHM102 |
| II | PHM203 | Pharmacology I | 3-1-2-6 | PHM102 |
| II | PHM204 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry II | 3-1-2-6 | PHM201 |
| II | PHM205 | Organic Chemistry Lab | 0-0-4-4 | PHM201 |
| III | PHM301 | Medicinal Chemistry | 3-1-2-6 | PHM201, PHM204 |
| III | PHM302 | Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics | 3-1-2-6 | PHM203 |
| III | PHM303 | Pharmaceutical Microbiology | 3-1-2-6 | PHM102 |
| III | PHM304 | Pharmaceutical Analysis I | 3-1-2-6 | PHM101, PHM201 |
| III | PHM305 | Pharmaceutical Analysis Lab | 0-0-4-4 | PHM304 |
| IV | PHM401 | Drug Design and Synthesis | 3-1-2-6 | PHM301, PHM304 |
| IV | PHM402 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3-1-2-6 | PHM203 |
| IV | PHM403 | Pharmaceutical Technology I | 3-1-2-6 | PHM304 |
| IV | PHM404 | Clinical Pharmacy | 3-1-2-6 | PHM203 |
| IV | PHM405 | Pharmaceutical Technology Lab | 0-0-4-4 | PHM403 |
| V | PHM501 | Biopharmaceutics | 3-1-2-6 | PHM403 |
| V | PHM502 | Pharmaceutical Regulatory Science | 3-1-2-6 | PHM401 |
| V | PHM503 | Pharmacogenomics | 3-1-2-6 | PHM302 |
| V | PHM504 | Drug Delivery Systems | 3-1-2-6 | PHM403 |
| V | PHM505 | Biopharmaceutics Lab | 0-0-4-4 | PHM501 |
| VI | PHM601 | Nanotechnology in Pharmacy | 3-1-2-6 | PHM504 |
| VI | PHM602 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-1-2-6 | PHM302, PHM501 |
| VI | PHM603 | Global Health Policy | 3-1-2-6 | PHM502 |
| VI | PHM604 | Toxicology | 3-1-2-6 | PHM303 |
| VI | PHM605 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab | 0-0-4-4 | PHM602 |
| VII | PHM701 | Research Methodology | 3-1-2-6 | PHM601 |
| VII | PHM702 | Mini Project I | 0-0-8-8 | PHM501, PHM602 |
| VIII | PHM801 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 0-0-12-12 | PHM701 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Advanced departmental electives are offered in the later semesters to allow students to specialize based on their interests and career goals. These courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge in specialized areas of pharmacy:
- Drug Design and Synthesis: This course explores modern strategies for designing and synthesizing novel therapeutic compounds, including computational modeling, medicinal chemistry principles, and synthetic route optimization.
- Nanotechnology in Pharmacy: Students learn about the application of nanomaterials in drug delivery systems, focusing on controlled release mechanisms, targeting approaches, and biocompatibility considerations.
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: This course covers recombinant DNA technology, protein engineering, vaccine development, and gene therapy applications in pharmaceutical research.
- Pharmacogenomics: The study of how genetic variations affect drug response, including personalized medicine approaches and pharmacogenetic testing methodologies.
- Global Health Policy: This elective introduces students to international health systems, regulatory frameworks, public health challenges, and global policy development related to pharmaceutical products.
- Pharmacovigilance: Focuses on monitoring adverse drug reactions, post-market surveillance, and ensuring patient safety through pharmacovigilance programs.
- Regulatory Affairs: Covers the regulatory processes involved in bringing drugs to market, including FDA guidelines, ICH standards, and global compliance requirements.
- Personalized Medicine: Explores how individual genetic profiles can be used to tailor drug therapies for optimal effectiveness and minimal side effects.
- Drug Delivery Systems: Students study various methods of delivering drugs to target tissues, including oral, injectable, transdermal, and pulmonary delivery systems.
- Toxicology: This course examines the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms and evaluates risk assessment strategies used in pharmaceutical development.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department places a strong emphasis on project-based learning to ensure that students gain hands-on experience and develop critical thinking skills. Projects are integrated throughout the curriculum, starting with small-scale lab-based activities in early semesters and progressing to large-scale capstone projects in the final year.
Mini projects begin in the seventh semester, where students work in teams on research topics related to their chosen specialization. These projects involve literature review, experimental design, data analysis, and presentation of findings. Each project is supervised by a faculty mentor who guides students through the research process and provides feedback on methodology and results.
The final-year thesis or capstone project requires students to conduct an independent study under the supervision of a faculty member. Topics are selected in consultation with mentors and must align with current trends in pharmaceutical science. The project involves designing and executing a comprehensive research plan, collecting and analyzing data, writing a detailed report, and presenting findings at a departmental symposium.
Evaluation criteria for projects include scientific rigor, innovation, clarity of presentation, adherence to ethical standards, and contribution to the field. Students are encouraged to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals or present at national/international conferences.
Project Selection and Mentorship
Students select their project topics based on faculty expertise and current industry needs. The selection process involves submitting a proposal outlining the research question, methodology, expected outcomes, and timeline. Faculty mentors are assigned based on their interest in the topic and availability of resources.
Mentors provide guidance throughout the project lifecycle, helping students refine their ideas, access necessary equipment or databases, troubleshoot issues, and prepare for presentations. Regular meetings and progress reviews ensure that projects stay on track and meet academic standards.