Pharmaceutics Syllabus & Subjects 2023: Semester-wise List, Top Colleges Syllabus PDF

Updated on Oct 4, 2024 03:37 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

Defined as the process of preparing, using, and delivering medicines, pharmaceutics is a rapidly growing industry. It is sometimes referred to as 'the science of dosage design.' The subject usually involves testing the drugs and studying their interactions with complex biological systems. In order to understand the importance of Pharmaceutics, we must first know how non-chemical entities are turned into consumable dosage forms.

There are multiple UG and PG courses available across colleges in India. Interestingly, you can pursue a doctorate or certification in the subject to further build your expertise. The following sections will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to pursue a career in this field.

Important Facts: Pharmaceutics Syllabus

  • Scope of Pharmaceutical industry in India: India is the biggest provider of generic drugs across the globe. The Indian pharmaceutical industry supplies nearly 50% of the world’s total vaccines, ranking third in global production. The industry offers ample growth opportunities to aspirants with over 3,000 drug research companies and nearly 10,500 development centres.

  • BPharma in Pharmaceutical Chemistry: This is a four-year full-time degree programme distributed across eight semesters. Candidates with PCB as their core subjects at the +12 level can apply for this course. One can apply for job roles like an organometallic scientist, common item scientist and computational physicist.

  • BPharma in Pharmaceutics: A four-year full-time course, it offers admission based on the candidate's +12 scores, alongside an entrance exam in most cases. Concepts covered in the course usually include:

  1. Basics of Pharmaceutical engineering
  2. Foundations of Organic Chemistry
  3. Physical pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical management

MPharma in Pharmaceutics at University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences: This is a two-year postgraduate course that requires candidates to have a relevant BPharma degree. They also need to clear the GPAT exam to be eligible for admission.

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Quality Control at JSS (Deemed-to-be) University: Designed with support from the USP education system, this PG diploma course helps professionals in the pharmaceutical industry learn about the different evaluation methods and quality control measures for pharmaceutical drugs.

They'll get hands-on knowledge of the following:

  • Develop knowledge of different quality control measures in the pharmaceutical industry.

  • Learn about the technical and managerial aspects of quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.

  • General Examination Pattern: The general examination pattern of a course in pharmaceutical science is focused on hands-on, practical learning. Regular lab sessions and practicals are conducted, with internal assessments and viva alongside mid-semester and end-semester exams.

List of Pharmaceutics Subjects

There are a plethora of subjects in this course that you need to know about.

Typical Core Subjects in BPharma (Pharmaceutics)

There are various compulsory subjects one needs to pursue as part of the BPharma (Pharmaceutics) course and some of them are:

Subject Title

Subject Description

Pharmaceutical Analysis

This course will give you an overview of Analytical Chemistry and how to perform electrochemical analysis of certain drugs.

You will learn the difference between volumetric and electrochemical analysis.

If you wish to learn about different types of titrations, this subject is a good start.

Topics covered here include

  • Definition of Pharmaceutical analysis

  • Scope of Pharmaceutical analysis

  • Methods of expressing concentrations

Remedial Mathematical Biology

This subject introduces students to mathematical concepts such as logarithms, matrices and calculus.

Students will further learn about applying these concepts to the plant and animal kingdom.

You'll get to learn the following:

  • Characteristics of living organisms

  • Binomial nomenclature

  • Logarithms

  • Study of the cell & its inclusions

Computer Applications in Pharmacy

This subject talks about concepts related to databases & database management in the context of clinical studies. It will further analyse how computers are used in the field.

Topics covered here include

  • Mathematical models in drug design

  • Electronic prescription systems

  • Automated drug dispensing

Pharmaceutical Microbiology

This subject is focused on studying microorganisms, especially for producing alcohol, antibiotics and vitamin enzymes.

It further discusses different methods used to identify, cultivate and preserve microorganisms.

Topics discussed here include

  • Introduction to prokaryotes and eukaryotes

  • Eutectic mixtures

  • Optical rotation and refractive index

Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry - I

This subject delves deep into the basics of pharmacognosy, exploring its scope, identification and evaluation.

It further discusses phytochemicals and their properties.

Students will learn the following concepts:

  • How to produce and cultivate crude drugs?

  • How to evaluate herbal drugs?

  • Factors affecting the cultivation of medicinal plants.

Typical Elective Subjects in BPharma (Pharmaceutics)

Some of the top electives you can choose from are as follows:

Subject title

Subject Description

Pharmaceutical Marketing Management

The pharmaceutical industry needs marketing talent who can help effectively communicate the benefits of different drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are searching for marketers to take the industry forward.

They'll learn the following:

  • Difference between marketing and selling

  • Scope and definition of marketing

  • Consumer profile and market research

  • Product management in Pharmaceutics

Quality Control and Standardisation of Herbals

This course familiarises students with the evaluation and standardisation of herbal drugs.

Students will get hands-on knowledge of basic drug tests, standardisation guidelines and drug safety analysis.

Topics covered here include

  • WHO guidelines for current 'Good Manufacturing Practices'

  • Evaluating crude commercial drugs

  • Regulatory requirements for herbal medicines

Computer-aided drug design

This subject offers detailed knowledge of the role of technology in drug design.

Students will get to learn about the design and discovery of lead molecules.

Topics covered here include:

  • Stages of drug discovery and development

  • Analogue-based drug design

  • Using molecular modelling software

Cell, and Molecular Biology

Cell biology involves the study of cells and their properties. You will learn about cell structure, cell organelles, their division and the cell life cycle.

Upon successful completion, students will:

  • Learn to summarise molecular and cell biology's history

  • Understand cell composition and their functioning

  • Analyse cell DNA and its properties

Cosmetic Science

This subject discusses the basics of cosmeceutical science, covering topics such as its definition, the evolution of cosmeceuticals from cosmetics and the different types of cosmeceuticals applied to the body.

Topics covered include:

  • Principles of formulating skin care products

  • Hair growth cycle

  • Antiperspirants and deodorants

Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals

This subject covers the need for dietary supplements and nutraceuticals among people.

Students will learn about the impact of deficiencies and their classification.

Topics covered here include:

  • Appreciate the regulatory components of dietary supplements

  • Basics of public health nutrition

  • Medicinal properties of different food items consumed as nutraceuticals

Detailed Syllabus for BPharma in Pharmaceutics

Given below is a detailed list of subjects taught as part of the BPharma (Pharmaceutics) course:

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject

Title

Subject Description

1

Core

Communication Skills

This course will help students develop necessary communication skills. It'll acquaint them with knowledge on how to talk to doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.

 

Topics covered in this section will help you:

 

  • Understand both verbal and non-verbal communication

 

 

  • Develop relevant interview skills

 

  • Learn to work cohesively with other individuals

2

Core

Biochemistry - Theory

Biochemistry deals with the chemical processes in living organisms. It studies the different chemical reactions that occur during those biological processes.

 

Topics covered here include:

 

  • Classification of biomolecules

 

  • The biological significance of ATP and AMP

 

 

  • Endergonic and Exergonic reactions

 

3

Core

Pharmaceutical Engineering

This course is created to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the scientific processes adopted in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

 

Topics covered here include

 

  • Type of manometers

 

  • Mechanisms used in size-reduction

 

  • Factors that impact size reduction

 

  • Advantages of using Sieve shakers

4

Elective

Pharmacology - I

The main idea is to understand the impact of different pharmaceutical drugs on living organisms.

 

 

The topics covered here will help you in the following ways:

 

 

 

  • Understand how different drugs impact your body at the molecular, sub-cellular and organ levels.

 

  • Apply principles of pharmacology in curing diseases

 

  • Perform controlled experiments on different animals to analyse drug efficiency

5

Elective

Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence

This course gives a detailed overview of laws and legislation related to the pharmaceutical industry in India.

You will also learn about the different agencies and directorates which govern the implementation of the aforementioned laws.

Topics covered here include:

  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

  • Prohibitions on manufacturing and sale of certain drugs

  • Drug labelling and packing

  • Pharmacy Act, 1948 - Objectives, Definition, Education Regulations, Pharmacist registration

6

Core

Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance - Theory

This course discusses various aspects of quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.

Students will learn about different quality control measures such as cGMP, QA tests and quality assurance certifications.

Topics discussed in this subject are:

  • Total Quality Management (TQM)

  • Definition of Quality Control

  • ISO9000, and ISO14000: Benefits, Characteristics, and how to register

7

Elective

Industrial Pharmacy - II

This course will help you understand the pharmaceutical product development process.

You'll get detailed knowledge about the laboratory-to-market process.

Topics covered here include

  • Historical overview of regulatory affairs

  • Drug metebolism and toxicology

  • Approval procedures

8

Elective

Pharmacovigilance

This course offers an in-depth overview of pharmacovigilance as a science, apart from learning about the basic terminologies and setting up a pharmacovigilance centre in an organisation.

Students will get to learn the following:

  • History and development of Pharmacovigilance

  • WHO International Drug Monitoring Programme

  • Importance of medicine safety analysis

Specialisations Offered Under BPharma in Pharmaceutics:

There are various specialisations you can pursue after completing your BPharma in Pharmaceutics. Some of them are:

Specialisation

Subjects

Description

Pharmacology

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

  • Pharmaceutical Analysis

  • Remedial Biology

  • Pathophysiology

This specialisation focuses on studying the effect of different drugs on the biological systems of the human body.

It discusses the sources, chemical properties and therapeutic uses of drugs.

Pharmaceutical Engineering

  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • Herbal Drug Technology

  • Medical Chemistry and Drug Discovery

  • Mathematics

Pharmaceutical engineering is focused on the discovery, formulation and manufacturing of different medications.

You will also learn about different quality control processes and improving manufacturing facilities.

Molecular Biology

  • Genomics

  • Gene Therapy

  • Molecular Genetics

  • Pharmacogenomics

Molecular biology is a specialisation that studies the structure, interactions and properties of cellular molecules.

It dives deep into essential cell functions and their maintenance.

Biochemistry

  • Enzymology

  • Cell Biology

  • Bioinformatics

  • Stem Cell Reproduction

Biochemistry applies the principles of Chemistry to study different biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels.

Books and Authors Related to Pharmaceutics

There are some really good books for students pursuing their BPharma in Pharmaceutics. You can refer to the following books for the same:

Subjects

Book Title

Name of Author(s)

Description of book

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Essentials of Medical Physiology

K. Sembulingam & P. Sembulingam

This book covers a 360-degree overview of medical physiology. It contains various tables, diagrams and updated information about physiology, apart from various pathophysiological facts.

Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry

Textbook of Quantitative Inorganic Analysis

AI Vogel

This book offers a closer look into the current trends and techniques in the Analytical Chemistry field.

Suitable for UG and PG programmes, it offers a comprehensive explanation for every topic.

Remedial Biology

Remedial Biology (Pharmaceutical Biology)

SB Gokhale

This book is usually taught in the first semester. It covers concepts related to different living organisms and their reactions.

You'll learn about different organisms' respiratory, excretory and reproductive systems.

Pathophysiology

Basic Pathology

V. Kumar, R. S. Cotran and S. L. Robbins

This book is the best resource for Pathology students and professors. It provides a comprehensive, illustrated overview of Pathology concepts, such as pathogenesis, disease clinic features, and radiological illustrations.

Entrance Exams for Pharmaceutics in India

While there are no specific entrance exams for Pharmaceutics, students looking to pursue a career in Pharmaceutical Engineering or Pharmacy can appear for their respective entrance exams.

They can then choose to pursue a BTech/MTech in Pharmaceutical Engineering or a BPharma and MPharma degree in Pharmaceutics.

That said, given below is a list of entrance exams aspiring Pharmaceutics professionals need to appear for:

Among the names mentioned above, GPAT 2022 is a national-level entrance examination organised by National Testing Agency (NTA). The examination is conducted online and offers admission to the MPharma programme.

The other names on the list are state-level examinations. Most of these exams are organised for admission to colleges offering pharmaceutical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences and other associated courses.

They're usually a mix of the online and offline modes of examinations. One must clear these exams to get admission to their desired college.

Syllabus for Distance Learning Programmes in Pharmaceutics

Distance learning programmes have enabled aspiring students to get admitted to their dream college and the course of their choice. Candidates belonging to remote areas and lacking resources can use these programmes to learn whatever they wish at a relatively lower cost.

There are various distance learning programmes for different specialisations in the field of Pharmaceutics. The likes of IMTS Noida offer distance learning BPharma degrees to aspiring candidates. The eligibility criteria remain the same, with the course duration being 4 years.

The syllabus is the same as a full-time, on-campus programme. Exams are usually conducted offline.

Top Colleges for Pharmaceutics in India

Multiple colleges in India offer courses in Pharmaceutics and its related fields. Given below is a list of the top 10 colleges in India offering courses in Pharmaceutics:

S. No.

College/Institute/University Name

Website

1

Jamia Hamdard (Deemed-to-be) University, Delhi

To be uploaded soon

2

Panjab University, Chandigarh

Download Here

3

BITS Pilani

Download Here

4

NIPER Mohali

To be uploaded soon

5

Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai

To be uploaded soon

6

NIPER Hyderabad

To be uploaded soon

7

JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty

To be uploaded soon

8

Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal

To be uploaded soon

9

JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysore

To be uploaded soon

10

NIPER Ahmedabad

To be uploaded soon

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pharmaceutics

Q: Is it a good idea to pursue a course in Pharmaceutical Science?

A: The Indian pharmaceutical industry contributes over 50% of the world’s vaccine and pharmaceutical supplies. With over 3,000 drug companies operating in India currently, it is a good idea to pursue a career in this field.

Q: What are some good books for students pursuing a course in Pharmaceutics?

A: Some good reference books for Pharmaceutics students are:
  • Basic Pathology by V. Kumar, R. S. Cotran and S. L. Robbins

  • Remedial Biology by SB Gokhale

  • Textbook of Qualitative Inorganic Analysis by AI Vogel

Q: Which course can I pursue after completing my B. Pharm in Pharmaceutics?

A:  After completing your UG in the subject, you can pursue an M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics. Other options you can explore include
  • MBA in Pharmaceutical Management

  • M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • PG Diploma in Clinical Trial Management

Q: What are some subjects I need to study for my B. Pharm in Pharmaceutics?

A:  Some common subjects you'll study as part of this course are
  • Pathophysiology

  • Remedial Mathematical Biology

  • Cosmetic Science

  • Pharmaceutical Engineering

Q: Which is a good college offering a B. Pharm in Pharmaceutics via the distance mode?

A:  IMTS Noida is a good college offering a course in B. Pharm (Pharmaceutics) via the distance mode.

Q: Do I need to appear for an entrance exam to pursue a course in Pharmaceutics?

A: Yes, you may need to appear for entrance exams like GPAT, AP EAMCET and MH CET to pursue courses related to Pharmaceutics.

Q: What are the top colleges offering courses in Pharmaceutics?

A: Universities such as the Jamia Hamdard University, NIPER Ahmedabad and JSS College of Pharmacy are some of the top institutions offering UG and PG courses in Pharmaceutics.

Q: Is pursuing a B.Pharma better than a B.Sc.?

A: Both courses are good. While B.Pharma focuses more on the industrial aspect of pharmaceutical science, a B.Sc. is more academically-inclined.

Q: What are some essential skills for pursuing a Pharmaceutics course?

A:  A few essential skills are
  • Research skills

  • Analytical acumen

  • Communication skills

Q: What is the total course duration for a BPharm in Pharmaceutics?

A: The total course duration for a BPharm in Pharmaceutics is 4 years.

Q: Can I pursue a DPharm degree after my 10+2?

A: Yes, a DPharm is the only degree you can pursue after your 10+2. It is a 2-year long course.

Q: How much does a Bpharm (Pharmaceutics) course cost?

A: The average course fee for a B. Pharm in Pharmaceutics ranges between INR 40,000 and INR 1,00,000.

Q: Is pharmaceutics the same as pharmacology?

A: While pharmaceutics is a study of the design and development of different drugs, pharmacology studies their biological impact.

Q: What are some of the top colleges for an MPharm in Pharmaceutics?

A:  Some of the top colleges for an MPharm in Pharmaceutics are
  • Madras Medical College, Chennai

  • IIT- BHU, Varanasi

  • Government College of Pharmacy, Bangalore.

 

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Pharmaceutics. Students interested in pursuing a career on Pharmaceutics, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Mar '25

NEET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

NEET 2025 Application Correction

TENTATIVE

26 Dec ' 24 - 19 Jan ' 25

NEET PG 2024 round-3 counselling registration

12 Jan ' 25 - 20 Jan ' 25

NEET PG 2024 round-3 choice filling

13 Jan ' 25

INI CET 2025 round-2 reporting

8 Jan ' 25

INI CET 2025 round-2 seat allotment result

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

Popular Pharmaceutics Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Pharmaceutics Colleges in India. Learn more about these Pharmaceutics colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3 Courses
4 L - 4.3 L
6.95 LPA

#37 NIRF

2 Courses
1.45 L
5.25 LPA

Top 25 in Maharashtra

3 Courses
64.43 K
6.8 LPA
1 Course
94.62 K
6 LPA
3 Courses
5.13 L - 6.13 L
10.76 LPA

Top 15 in Tamil Nadu

3 Courses
40 K - 6.13 L
10.76 LPA

Popular Private Pharmaceutics Colleges in India

3.6 L - 4.2 L

Pharmaceutical Applications open. Apply Now

4 Courses
1.86 L - 3.93 L

Pharmaceutical Applications open. Apply Now

4 Courses
3 L - 5.1 L
3.0

Top 15 In Pune

Pharmaceutical Applications open. Apply Now

Pharmaceutical Applications open till Jan 21, 2025. Apply Now

12 Courses
2.1 L - 3.34 L
4.0

Top 25 in India

2.43 L - 3.16 L
4 LPA

Popular Pharmaceutics UG Courses

Following are the most popular Pharmaceutics UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Pharmaceutics PG Courses

Following are the most popular Pharmaceutics PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered 3 weeks ago

You are not allowed to start medical stores or pharmacies with only a *Post Graduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sales and Management (PGDPSM)* by IGNOU. The qualifications one will be able to legally open and run his/her medical store/pharmacy in India shall meet the following criteria:
# Qualifying C

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Shejal agrawal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

At the PG level, College of Pharmacy, SRM IST, Chennai, provides a 2-year M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Analysis course to the students. The sanctioned intake in M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Analysis programme of College of Pharmacy, SRM IST, Chennai is 15 students. To get admission to this course, aspirin

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Tanya Tomar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The following is the fees structure for B.Pharma at Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology:-

  1. Tution fees:- Total tution fees for this course is 6.04 lacs. 
  2. Hostel fees:- Hostel fees for total 4 years is 2.93 lacs. 
  3. One time payment:- Amount for one time payments like caution fees

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H

Harsh Vardhan Singh Deora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The placements for M.Pharma in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology are relatively very good. The average domestic package that was commanded by the graduating students was about ?4.08 Lacs per annum and, indeed, the highest reported being also 4.

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divya goel

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

The placements for M. Pharm graduates specializing in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs at the College of Pharmacy, SRM IST, Chennai are mostly positive. The college has well-developed connections with the pharmaceutical industry, allowing students to opt for internships and subsequent placements. M

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KUMKUM BASWAL

Contributor-Level 8

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