Comprehensive Course Structure
The Pharmacy program at Martin Luther Christian University Shillong is designed to provide students with a robust foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and practical skills necessary for professional practice. The curriculum spans eight semesters, each structured to build upon the previous one.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PH101 | Chemistry for Pharmacy | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | PH102 | Biology for Pharmacy | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | PH103 | Mathematics I | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | PH104 | Introduction to Pharmacy | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 2 | PH201 | Organic Chemistry | 3-1-0-4 | PH101 |
| 2 | PH202 | Pharmacognosy | 3-1-0-4 | PH102 |
| 2 | PH203 | Pharmacology I | 3-1-0-4 | PH102 |
| 2 | PH204 | Medicinal Chemistry I | 3-1-0-4 | PH201 |
| 3 | PH301 | Pharmacology II | 3-1-0-4 | PH203 |
| 3 | PH302 | Pharmaceutics I | 3-1-0-4 | PH204 |
| 3 | PH303 | Medicinal Chemistry II | 3-1-0-4 | PH204 |
| 3 | PH304 | Toxicology | 3-1-0-4 | PH203 |
| 4 | PH401 | Clinical Pharmacy | 3-1-0-4 | PH301, PH302 |
| 4 | PH402 | Industrial Pharmacy | 3-1-0-4 | PH302 |
| 4 | PH403 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | PH202, PH301 |
| 4 | PH404 | Regulatory Affairs | 3-1-0-4 | PH301, PH302 |
| 5 | PH501 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3-1-0-4 | PH401 |
| 5 | PH502 | Drug Delivery Systems | 3-1-0-4 | PH402 |
| 5 | PH503 | Pharmaceutical Analysis | 3-1-0-4 | PH302, PH402 |
| 5 | PH504 | Research Methodology | 3-1-0-4 | PH104 |
| 6 | PH601 | Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance | 3-1-0-4 | PH503 |
| 6 | PH602 | Pharmacogenomics | 3-1-0-4 | PH501 |
| 6 | PH603 | Advanced Formulation Techniques | 3-1-0-4 | PH502 |
| 6 | PH604 | Capstone Project I | 0-0-3-3 | PH504 |
| 7 | PH701 | Pharmaceutical Marketing | 3-1-0-4 | PH601 |
| 7 | PH702 | Global Health Policy | 3-1-0-4 | PH501 |
| 7 | PH703 | Capstone Project II | 0-0-3-3 | PH604 |
| 7 | PH704 | Industry Internship | 0-0-12-12 | PH603 |
| 8 | PH801 | Pharmaceutical Ethics | 3-1-0-4 | PH702 |
| 8 | PH802 | Final Year Thesis | 0-0-6-6 | PH703 |
Detailed Departmental Elective Courses
Departmental electives allow students to specialize further in areas of interest. Here are descriptions of several advanced courses:
Advanced Pharmacology
This course delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying drug actions and their interactions with biological systems. Students explore topics like receptor theory, signal transduction pathways, and pharmacokinetic models. The course includes laboratory sessions on in vitro and in silico techniques for evaluating drug efficacy.
Drug Delivery Systems
This course focuses on innovative methods for improving drug delivery efficiency and reducing side effects. Topics include controlled release formulations, targeted therapies, nanosystems, and biodegradable polymers. Students conduct experiments to design and test novel delivery systems.
Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance
Students learn about quality control measures in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The course covers Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regulatory compliance, batch documentation, and risk assessment techniques. Practical training includes audits of manufacturing facilities and laboratory inspections.
Pharmacogenomics
This course explores how genetic variations influence individual responses to drugs. Students study genotyping methods, pharmacogenetic testing protocols, and personalized medicine approaches. The curriculum includes case studies from clinical trials and real-world applications in drug development.
Advanced Formulation Techniques
This elective provides advanced knowledge of formulation science including microencapsulation, liposomal systems, and sustained-release matrices. Students engage in hands-on lab work to prepare various dosage forms and evaluate their performance using analytical methods.
Research Methodology
This course teaches students how to design, conduct, and report scientific research effectively. It covers hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data analysis, and literature review techniques. Students also learn about ethical considerations in research and the importance of reproducibility.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
At Martin Luther Christian University Shillong, project-based learning is central to our approach to education. We believe that students learn best when they are actively engaged in solving real-world problems. Mini-projects begin in the second year and evolve into capstone projects in the final year.
The mini-projects involve small teams of 3-5 students working under faculty supervision on specific research or practical tasks. These projects can range from analyzing drug stability to developing a new formulation method. Evaluation criteria include technical competency, creativity, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Final-year thesis/capstone projects are more extensive and require students to conduct independent research or collaborate with industry partners. Projects are selected based on student interests, faculty expertise, and current trends in the field. Faculty mentors guide students through every stage from proposal development to final documentation and defense.