Course Structure Overview
The Pharmacy program at Monark University Ahmedabad is structured over 8 semesters with a balanced mix of theoretical and practical components. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the sciences, followed by specialized knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences and clinical applications.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHM101 | Introduction to Pharmacy | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 1 | PHM102 | Organic Chemistry I | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | PHM103 | Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | PHM104 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | PHM201 | Organic Chemistry II | 3-0-0-3 | PHM102 |
| 2 | PHM202 | Physiology and Anatomy | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | PHM203 | Pharmacokinetics | 3-0-0-3 | PHM104 |
| 2 | PHM204 | Pharmaceutical Analysis I | 3-0-0-3 | PHM102 |
| 3 | PHM301 | Medicinal Chemistry I | 3-0-0-3 | PHM201 |
| 3 | PHM302 | Clinical Pharmacy | 3-0-0-3 | PHM204 |
| 3 | PHM303 | Pharmacodynamics | 3-0-0-3 | PHM104 |
| 3 | PHM304 | Pharmaceutical Formulation | 3-0-0-3 | PHM204 |
| 4 | PHM401 | Medicinal Chemistry II | 3-0-0-3 | PHM301 |
| 4 | PHM402 | Drug Delivery Systems | 3-0-0-3 | PHM304 |
| 4 | PHM403 | Pharmacogenomics | 3-0-0-3 | PHM204 |
| 4 | PHM404 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | PHM103 |
| 5 | PHM501 | Regulatory Affairs | 3-0-0-3 | PHM401 |
| 5 | PHM502 | Natural Product Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | PHM201 |
| 5 | PHM503 | Pharmaceutical Microbiology | 3-0-0-3 | PHM103 |
| 5 | PHM504 | Pharmacology Lab | 0-0-2-2 | PHM104 |
| 6 | PHM601 | Advanced Formulation Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | PHM304 |
| 6 | PHM602 | Clinical Pharmacotherapy | 3-0-0-3 | PHM302 |
| 6 | PHM603 | Pharmaceutical Analysis II | 3-0-0-3 | PHM204 |
| 6 | PHM604 | Research Methodology | 2-0-0-2 | PHM104 |
| 7 | PHM701 | Mini Project I | 0-0-3-3 | PHM604 |
| 7 | PHM702 | Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurship | 2-0-0-2 | PHM501 |
| 7 | PHM703 | Advanced Clinical Pharmacy | 3-0-0-3 | PHM302 |
| 7 | PHM704 | Internship | 0-0-6-6 | PHM501 |
| 8 | PHM801 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 0-0-6-6 | PHM701 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The advanced departmental electives offered in the Pharmacy program are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and research experience in various domains of pharmaceutical sciences.
- Pharmacogenomics: This course explores how genetic variations influence drug metabolism and response, preparing students for careers in personalized medicine. Students will learn about genomic data analysis, bioinformatics tools, and ethical considerations in genetic testing.
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: This elective delves into the use of biotechnology in drug development and manufacturing. Topics include recombinant DNA technology, protein engineering, and biosimilar development. Students will engage in research projects involving monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy vectors, and stem cell-based therapeutics.
- Drug Delivery Systems: This course focuses on innovative approaches to delivering drugs to target sites within the body. Students learn about controlled release systems, transdermal delivery, and inhalation therapies through laboratory-based coursework and research projects.
- Natural Product Chemistry: This elective emphasizes the identification and isolation of bioactive compounds from natural sources. Students will study plant-derived pharmaceuticals, traditional Ayurvedic formulations, and methods for standardizing herbal extracts.
- Regulatory Affairs: This course provides an in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks governing drug development and marketing. Students learn about FDA guidelines, international regulatory standards, and the process of submitting new drug applications.
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology: This elective explores the role of microorganisms in pharmaceuticals, including antibiotic production, fermentation processes, and quality control in microbial drug manufacturing.
- Pharmacology Lab: Students engage in hands-on laboratory experiments to study drug mechanisms, toxicity testing, and pharmacokinetic analysis. This lab component reinforces theoretical concepts taught in lectures.
- Clinical Pharmacotherapy: This course focuses on the clinical application of pharmacological principles. Students learn about therapeutic decision-making, adverse drug reactions, and patient counseling techniques.
- Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurship: This elective introduces students to the business aspects of pharmaceutical sciences, including intellectual property rights, venture capital funding, and startup development in the healthcare sector.
- Advanced Formulation Techniques: Students explore cutting-edge formulation technologies such as nanotechnology, sustained-release systems, and targeted drug delivery. Practical sessions involve designing and testing novel formulations under supervision.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The Department of Pharmacy at Monark University Ahmedabad believes in fostering a culture of inquiry-based learning through project-based education. The curriculum integrates mini-projects and capstone projects that encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. These projects are designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaborative abilities essential for professional success.
Mini Projects
Mini projects are introduced in the seventh semester, allowing students to work on focused research or applied problems under faculty mentorship. Each project spans 12 weeks and requires students to submit a detailed report along with a presentation. The evaluation criteria include:
- Research methodology (20%)
- Technical execution (30%)
- Report quality (25%)
- Presentation skills (25%)
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that spans the entire eighth semester. Students select a topic aligned with their interests and career goals, working closely with a faculty advisor. The project involves literature review, experimental design, data analysis, and a final presentation before an expert panel.
Project Selection Process
Students are encouraged to propose topics based on current trends in pharmaceutical sciences or industry needs. Faculty members provide guidance during the proposal stage, ensuring that projects are feasible and align with academic standards. Projects may be individual or team-based, depending on complexity and scope.