

B-PHARM in General at Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani


Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is General at Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani Jhunjhunu?
This B.Pharm program at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, encompassing drug discovery, development, and patient care. It is meticulously designed to meet the evolving demands of the Indian pharmaceutical industry, a global leader in generic drug production and vaccine manufacturing. The program stands out for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on practical exposure through its unique Practice School system.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh 10+2 science graduates with a keen interest in healthcare, medicinal chemistry, and drug development, seeking entry into the pharmaceutical sector. It also caters to individuals aspiring to pursue research in pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, or regulatory affairs. Students with a strong aptitude for scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and a desire to contribute to public health would find this program highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse and rewarding career paths in India, including roles in pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, quality control/assurance, regulatory affairs, clinical research, and hospital/community pharmacy. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong foundation prepares them for leadership roles in top Indian and multinational pharmaceutical companies and for advanced studies in India and abroad.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Scientific Principles- (undefined)
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly understand fundamental concepts in Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry. These subjects form the bedrock of pharmaceutical sciences. Utilize BITS Pilani''''s extensive library resources, participate in study groups, and seek clarification from faculty early on to build a strong academic foundation. This ensures clarity in advanced topics.
Tools & Resources
BITS Pilani Library resources, Academic support centers, Peer study groups, Online conceptual learning platforms like NPTEL
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for understanding advanced pharmaceutical concepts, excelling in competitive exams like GPAT, and succeeding in industry research and development roles.
Develop Programming and Data Analysis Skills- (undefined)
Actively engage with the Computer Programming course and seek opportunities to apply these skills. Basic programming is increasingly important for data analysis in pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, and bioinformatics. Learn to use statistical software and tools effectively from early semesters.
Tools & Resources
CS F111 course exercises and projects, Introduction to R/Python for data science workshops, Online platforms for coding practice
Career Connection
Proficiency in programming and data analysis can open doors to specialized roles in pharmacoinformatics, clinical data management, and research & development, providing a competitive edge in the Indian job market.
Engage with Departmental Activities and Guest Lectures- (undefined)
Actively participate in pharmacy department seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by industry experts. This provides early exposure to current trends, emerging technologies, and diverse career paths within the Indian pharmaceutical landscape. It also helps in identifying areas of interest for future specialization and networking.
Tools & Resources
Department of Pharmacy announcements, BITS Pilani student clubs related to science and research, Industry association webinars
Career Connection
Early exposure helps in making informed career decisions, understanding industry needs, and building a preliminary professional network, which is invaluable for future internships and placements.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Mini-Projects and Summer Research- (undefined)
Seek out faculty for opportunities to work on mini-projects during semesters or undertake summer research internships (SRIs) at BITS Pilani or other institutions. This hands-on experience in research methodology, lab techniques, and data interpretation is vital for understanding practical applications of theoretical knowledge and building a research portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research interest pages, BITS Pilani SRI program, Inter-institutional collaboration opportunities, Lab manuals and protocols
Career Connection
Practical research experience significantly enhances your resume, provides clarity on research careers, and builds skills crucial for R&D roles in pharmaceutical companies and for higher studies.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (undefined)
Actively participate in industry-academia interaction events, conferences, and utilize the robust BITS Pilani alumni network. Connecting with professionals working in various segments of the pharmaceutical industry can offer mentorship, provide valuable insights into Indian market dynamics, and generate potential internship leads. Attend workshops focused on career development.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Professional Network, BITS Pilani Alumni Association events and portals, Industry conferences and job fairs, Mentorship programs
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for identifying job opportunities, gaining insider industry insights, and securing referrals for placements in India''''s competitive pharma sector, which values connections and industry understanding.
Build Specialized Skill Sets through Certifications- (undefined)
Beyond the core curriculum, identify niche areas like regulatory affairs, clinical trials management, quality control, or specific analytical techniques (e.g., advanced chromatography) and pursue relevant online courses or certifications. This adds specialized skills that are highly valued by Indian pharmaceutical companies seeking specific expertise.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, NPTEL, edX for specialized courses, Industry-recognized certifications (e.g., in Pharmacovigilance, Clinical Research), Workshops on advanced analytical instruments
Career Connection
Specialized certifications make candidates more attractive for specific roles in R&D, QA/QC, clinical research organizations (CROs), and regulatory bodies, leading to better job prospects and salary packages.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Practice School (PS) Assignments- (undefined)
Treat the Practice School as an extended job interview. Proactively engage with industry mentors, take initiative on assigned projects, and demonstrate strong problem-solving and teamwork skills. The PS experience is a hallmark of BITS Pilani education and critical for securing placements and gaining practical industrial exposure. Document all learnings thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Practice School department guidance, Industry project reports and documentation, Mentors within the host company, Professional development workshops
Career Connection
Strong performance in Practice School directly leads to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and provides a significant advantage in securing coveted roles in leading pharmaceutical companies across India and globally.
Targeted Preparation for Placements and Higher Studies- (undefined)
Begin focused preparation for campus placements, national-level entrance exams like GPAT, or international graduate exams like GRE/TOEFL if aiming for international higher studies. This includes practicing mock interviews, aptitude tests, technical rounds, and meticulously building a professional resume/CV. Leverage BITS Pilani''''s Career Services for comprehensive guidance.
Tools & Resources
BITS Pilani Placement Unit services, Online aptitude and technical test platforms, GPAT/GRE study materials and coaching, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Dedicated preparation is key to securing top placements in Indian pharmaceutical giants, reputable hospitals, or gaining admission to prestigious M.Pharm/Ph.D. programs globally, accelerating your career growth.
Develop Leadership and Communication Skills- (undefined)
Actively participate in student organizations, lead academic or extracurricular projects, and consistently practice presentation and scientific communication skills. Effective verbal and written communication is essential for collaborating in research teams, presenting findings to diverse audiences, and advancing into leadership and managerial roles within the pharmaceutical industry.
Tools & Resources
Student clubs and societies, Public speaking groups (e.g., Toastmasters), Presentation design and delivery workshops, Technical writing courses
Career Connection
Strong leadership and communication skills are highly sought after by employers for managerial, project lead, and client-facing roles, facilitating faster career progression and greater impact in the pharmaceutical sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed 12th examination (10+2 system) from a recognized Central or State board or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics subjects, and adequate proficiency in English. A minimum aggregate of 75% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Mathematics subjects (Biology marks are considered if both Biology and Mathematics were taken) in the 12th examination, with at least 60% marks in each of the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics subjects.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 197 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Integrated continuous assessment (quizzes, assignments, mid-semester exams, lab work, projects), External: Integrated continuous assessment (comprehensive examination, final project/practice school evaluation)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH F111 | Mathematics I | Core | 4 | Functions of one variable, Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Integration and applications, Sequences and series, Complex numbers, Matrices |
| BIOL F110 | General Biology | Core | 4 | Cell structure and function, Genetics and molecular biology basics, Human physiology overview, Biodiversity and classification, Ecology and evolution fundamentals |
| CHEM F111 | General Chemistry | Core | 4 | Atomic structure and bonding, Chemical thermodynamics and kinetics, Electrochemistry principles, Basic organic chemistry concepts, States of matter and solutions |
| PHARM F111 | Introduction to Pharmacy | Core | 2 | History and scope of Pharmacy, Branches of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Role and responsibilities of a Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical ethics and professionalism, Overview of regulatory bodies (e.g., PCI) |
| PHARM F112 | Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry | Core | 4 | Quality control of inorganic pharmaceuticals, Major intra and extracellular electrolytes, Essential trace elements, Pharmaceutical aids, Chemistry of radiopharmaceuticals |
| PHARM F113 | Pharmaceutical Analysis I | Core | 4 | Introduction to pharmaceutical analysis, Sources of errors and data handling, Acid-base titrations, Precipitation and complexometric titrations, Redox titrations and gravimetry |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH F112 | Mathematics II | Core | 4 | Multivariable calculus, Partial derivatives and gradients, Multiple integrals, Vector calculus, First-order differential equations |
| CS F111 | Computer Programming | Core | 4 | Programming fundamentals (C/C++), Data types, operators, expressions, Control flow statements (loops, conditionals), Functions, arrays, pointers, Structures and file handling |
| PHARM F211 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | Core | 4 | Cell and tissue organization, Skeletal system and joints, Muscular system, Nervous system fundamentals, Cardiovascular system |
| PHARM F212 | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry I | Core | 4 | Classification and nomenclature of organic compounds, Isomerism in organic molecules, Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromaticity, Reactions of haloalkanes and alcohols, Stereochemistry basics |
| PHARM F213 | Pharmacognosy I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Pharmacognosy, Classification of crude drugs, Cultivation, collection, and processing of crude drugs, Quality control and standardization of herbal drugs, Adulteration and evaluation methods |
| PHARM F214 | Dispensing Pharmacy | Core | 4 | Prescription handling and interpretation, Posology and dosage calculations, Common types of dosage forms, Pharmaceutical calculations, Good dispensing practices and labeling |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSS F221 | Logic and Language | Humanities Elective | 3 | Introduction to critical thinking, Argument analysis and evaluation, Deductive and inductive reasoning, Common logical fallacies, Functions of language and rhetoric |
| PHARM F241 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | Core | 4 | Respiratory system, Digestive system, Urinary system, Endocrine system, Reproductive system and special senses |
| PHARM F242 | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry II | Core | 4 | Phenols, Ethers, Epoxides, Aldehydes and Ketones, Carboxylic acids and derivatives, Amines and nitrogen-containing compounds, Introduction to heterocyclic compounds |
| PHARM F243 | Physical Pharmacy I | Core | 4 | States of matter and phase equilibria, Thermodynamics in pharmaceutical systems, Surface and interfacial phenomena, Micromeritics and powder properties, Rheology of pharmaceutical dispersions |
| PHARM F244 | Microbiology | Core | 4 | Introduction to microbiology and its scope, Classification of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses), Sterilization and disinfection methods, Culture media and techniques for microbial growth, Basic immunology and microbial genetics |
| PHARM F245 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Principles of genetic engineering, Recombinant DNA technology, Production of biopharmaceuticals (e.g., insulin, vaccines), Gene therapy and its applications, Role of biotechnology in drug discovery |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARM F261 | Pharmaceutical Analysis II | Core | 4 | UV-Visible spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy (IR), NMR spectroscopy principles, Mass spectrometry techniques, Chromatography (HPLC, GC, TLC) |
| PHARM F262 | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry III | Core | 4 | Advanced stereochemistry of organic compounds, Reaction mechanisms (SN1, SN2, E1, E2), Pericyclic reactions, Photochemistry of organic molecules, Chemistry of selected natural products |
| PHARM F263 | Physical Pharmacy II | Core | 4 | Colloidal dispersions, Emulsions and suspensions, Drug dissolution and solubility, Reaction kinetics and drug stability, Degradation pathways of pharmaceutical products |
| PHARM F264 | Pharmacology I | Core | 4 | General principles of pharmacology, Drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system, Cardiovascular pharmacology, Drugs affecting the renal system, Pharmacology of blood and haemopoietic system |
| PHARM F265 | Pharmaceutical Engineering | Core | 4 | Fluid flow operations, Heat transfer mechanisms, Mass transfer operations, Size reduction and separation techniques, Filtration, drying, and evaporation processes |
| PHARM F266 | Industrial Pharmacy | Core | 4 | Preformulation studies, Tablet manufacturing technology, Capsule manufacturing, Liquid orals and semi-solids production, Parenteral preparations and packaging science |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARM F311 | Pharmacology II | Core | 4 | Central nervous system pharmacology, Endocrine system pharmacology, Respiratory and gastrointestinal pharmacology, Chemotherapy of infectious diseases, Anticancer drugs |
| PHARM F312 | Medicinal Chemistry I | Core | 4 | Principles of medicinal chemistry, Drug discovery and development process, Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR), Receptor theory and drug action, Physicochemical properties in drug design |
| PHARM F313 | Pharmacognosy II | Core | 4 | Chemistry of carbohydrates and glycosides, Alkaloids and their properties, Volatile oils and resins, Tannins and lipids, Herbal drug technology and phytochemistry |
| PHARM F314 | Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics | Core | 4 | Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME), Bioavailability and bioequivalence, Pharmacokinetic models (compartmental, non-compartmental), Drug half-life, clearance, volume of distribution, Clinical pharmacokinetics applications |
| PHARM F315 | Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | Core | 3 | Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Pharmacy Act, 1948, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and other relevant acts |
| PHARM F316 | Hospital Pharmacy | Core | 4 | Organization and management of hospital pharmacy, Drug procurement and inventory control, Storage and distribution of drugs, Dispensing to in-patients and out-patients, Patient counseling and Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) monitoring |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARM F341 | Pharmacology III | Core | 4 | Immunopharmacology, Toxicology principles, Chronopharmacology, Gene therapy and pharmacogenomics, Drug interactions and adverse drug reactions |
| PHARM F342 | Medicinal Chemistry II | Core | 4 | Drugs acting on CNS (Sedatives, Hypnotics, Antipsychotics), Drugs acting on ANS (Adrenergic, Cholinergic agents), Cardiovascular drugs (Antihypertensives, Antiarrhythmics), Anti-infective agents (Antibiotics, Antifungals), Antineoplastic agents and their chemistry |
| PHARM F343 | Pharmaceutical Formulations | Core | 4 | Novel drug delivery systems (NDDS), Controlled and sustained release formulations, Microencapsulation and liposomes, Nanoparticles and polymeric drug delivery, Cosmeceuticals and dermaceuticals |
| PHARM F344 | Quality Assurance | Core | 4 | Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Quality control vs. Quality assurance, ICH guidelines and regulatory compliance, Total Quality Management (TQM) in pharma |
| PHARM F345 | Clinical Pharmacy | Core | 4 | Role of a clinical pharmacist, Drug therapy monitoring, Adverse drug reactions and management, Drug information services, Pharmaceutical care and patient counseling |
| PHARM F346 | Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Core | 4 | Research design and methods, Data collection and sampling techniques, Statistical hypothesis testing, ANOVA, regression, correlation analysis, Ethical considerations in pharmaceutical research |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARM F411 | Medicinal Chemistry III | Core | 4 | Antivirals and antifungals, Antiprotozoals and anti-TB drugs, Diagnostic agents and contrast media, Chemistry of steroids and prostaglandins, Vitamins and coenzymes |
| PHARM F412 | Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs | Core | 4 | Major regulatory agencies (FDA, CDSCO, EMA), Drug approval process (IND, NDA, ANDA), Clinical trials regulations and phases, Patents and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Drug labeling and advertising regulations |
| PHARM F413 | Drug Discovery and Development | Core | 4 | Target identification and validation, Lead identification and optimization, Preclinical studies (in vitro, in vivo), Clinical trial phases (I, II, III, IV), Drug repositioning and personalized medicine |
| PHARM F414 | Pharmaceutical Marketing & Management | Core | 4 | Marketing concepts and strategies, Market research and segmentation, Product life cycle and branding, Pricing and promotion strategies, Sales management in pharma industry |
| PHARM F415 | Instrumental Methods of Analysis | Core | 4 | Atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, Electrophoresis techniques, Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), ELISA and Radioimmunoassay |
| PHARM F416 | Project Work | Project | 9 | Research proposal development, Literature review and hypothesis generation, Experimental design and execution, Data analysis and interpretation, Scientific report writing and presentation |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARM F441 | Advanced Pharmaceutical Formulations | Core | 4 | Targeted drug delivery systems, Prodrugs and bioconjugates, Formulations for biologics, Gene delivery systems, Cell therapy and customized delivery |
| PHARM F442 | Pharmacoeconomics and Outcome Research | Core | 4 | Introduction to pharmacoeconomics, Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), Health outcomes research, Decision analysis in healthcare |
| PHARM F443 | Good Manufacturing Practices and Regulatory Aspects | Core | 4 | Advanced GMP regulations and guidelines, Audits and inspections in pharma industry, Validation (process, analytical, cleaning), Documentation and record keeping, Global regulatory harmonization |
| PHARM F444 | Elective | Elective | 4 | Variable based on chosen elective (e.g., Herbal Drug Technology, Cosmeceuticals, Advanced Instrumental Analysis, IPR in Pharma) |
| PHARM F445 | Comprehensive Examination | Assessment | 0 | Overall assessment of B.Pharm curriculum, Integrated knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, Problem-solving and critical thinking |
| PHARM F448 | Practice School II | Internship/Project | 20 | Industrial training in pharmaceutical companies, Application of theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, Professional skill development, Report writing and presentation of industry experience, Exposure to manufacturing, R&D, QC/QA, or clinical settings |




