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M-PHARM in Pharmacognosy at Dibrugarh University
Dibrugarh, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Pharmacognosy at Dibrugarh University Dibrugarh?
This Pharmacognosy program at Dibrugarh University focuses on the study of medicinal drugs derived from natural sources, encompassing their identification, cultivation, extraction, and standardization. Given India''''s rich biodiversity and a strong tradition of herbal medicine, this specialization is highly relevant to the growing global demand for natural products in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals, emphasizing scientific validation and sustainable resource utilization.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for B.Pharm graduates passionate about natural product research, herbal medicine, and traditional health systems. It also suits working professionals in pharmaceutical research and development, quality control, or manufacturing who aim to specialize in natural product sciences, and individuals aspiring to contribute to India''''s rapidly expanding herbal drug industry and regulatory bodies.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in Indian pharmaceutical companies, herbal drug manufacturers, research organizations, and academic institutions. Potential roles include natural product scientists, R&D executives, quality control analysts, and regulatory affairs specialists in the herbal sector. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals in this specialized domain.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Pharmacognosy & Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently study core subjects like Advanced Pharmacognosy, Industrial Technology, and Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques. Focus on understanding the chemical nature of natural products, extraction methods, and basic analytical instruments to build a strong theoretical and practical base.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory practicals, Textbooks on natural product chemistry and spectroscopy, Online resources for analytical techniques (e.g., NPTEL lectures), Department faculty consultation
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals in these areas are crucial for securing entry-level roles in R&D, quality control, and phytochemistry within the herbal drug and pharmaceutical industries.
Develop Research Aptitude & Scientific Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the Research Methodology & Biostatistics course, focusing on designing experiments and interpreting data. Leverage Journal Club and Seminar/Assignment sessions for practicing critical analysis of scientific literature and enhancing presentation skills for effective scientific communication.
Tools & Resources
Scientific journals (e.g., Phytochemistry, Journal of Natural Products), Academic databases (PubMed, Scopus), Presentation software, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Essential for any research-oriented career, this helps students effectively communicate scientific findings, a key skill for both academic research and industrial R&D positions.
Engage in Early-Stage Laboratory Immersion- (Semester 1-2)
Maximize practical learning in Pharmacognosy Practical – I & II by independently conducting experiments related to phytochemical screening, extraction, and basic analysis. Seek opportunities for extra lab hours or assisting senior researchers to gain more hands-on experience.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Advanced lab equipment available in the department
Career Connection
Hands-on laboratory experience is paramount for roles in R&D labs, quality assurance, and manufacturing, ensuring practical readiness and enhancing employability in the industry.
Intermediate Stage
Initiate and Structure Project Research (Phase I)- (Semester 3)
Begin extensive literature review for the M.Pharm project. Clearly define the research problem, objectives, and methodology. Start preliminary experimental work, meticulously collect data, and maintain a detailed lab notebook for systematic progress.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for reference management, Specialized databases for natural products (e.g., PubChem, SciFinder), Statistical software for initial data analysis (e.g., R, SPSS), Regular consultations with research supervisor
Career Connection
This structured approach to research is vital for future roles as research associates, drug discovery scientists, or pursuing Ph.D. studies, demonstrating independent research capability.
Network with Industry Professionals & Attend Workshops- (Semester 3)
Look for opportunities to attend national or regional conferences, webinars, and workshops related to herbal drug technology, phytochemistry, or natural product development. Network with industry experts and researchers to gain insights and explore potential collaborations and career paths.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Professional pharmacy associations (e.g., IPA, APTI), Online professional networking platforms like LinkedIn
Career Connection
Builds crucial industry contacts, exposes students to current trends, and can lead to valuable internship or placement opportunities, significantly enhancing their professional profile.
Develop Advanced Data Interpretation & Analytical Skills- (Semester 3)
Focus on interpreting complex analytical data (e.g., NMR, Mass Spectrometry, chromatograms) obtained from natural product isolation and characterization. Seek guidance from faculty on advanced data analysis techniques relevant to your project for robust scientific conclusions.
Tools & Resources
Specialized analytical software, Spectral databases, Collaboration with analytical chemistry labs, Peer discussions
Career Connection
Critical for roles in analytical R&D, quality control, and formulation development, where understanding complex data is essential for product validation, troubleshooting, and innovation.
Advanced Stage
Finalize Research, Thesis Writing & Defense Preparation- (Semester 4)
Complete all experimental work, perform comprehensive data analysis, and meticulously write the M.Pharm thesis following university guidelines. Prepare rigorously for the viva-voce examination, anticipating questions and practicing clear articulation of research findings.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, University guidelines for dissertation submission, Presentation tools, Mock viva sessions with peers and mentors
Career Connection
Successfully completing and defending a thesis is a significant achievement, directly demonstrating advanced research and communication skills highly valued in R&D, academia, and regulatory roles.
Explore Publication and Patenting Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Discuss the potential for publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals or filing patents for novel discoveries with your supervisor. Understand the process and requirements for scientific dissemination and intellectual property protection to maximize impact.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, Patent databases (e.g., Indian Patent Office, USPTO), University Intellectual Property cell guidance
Career Connection
Publications enhance academic and industry credibility, open doors to advanced research positions, and demonstrate innovative thinking, which is crucial for leadership roles in R&D and scientific entrepreneurship.
Focus on Career Placement & Industry Readiness- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with the university''''s placement cell. Prepare a tailored resume, practice interview skills, and thoroughly research potential employers in the herbal, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Participate in campus recruitment drives and job fairs.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell resources, Career counseling, Online job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn), Company websites, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Directly leads to securing employment in relevant industries, ensuring a smooth transition from academia to professional life, and launching a successful career in Pharmacognosy or related natural product sciences.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Pharm. degree from an AICTE recognized institution with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC category). GPAT qualification or equivalent entrance examination conducted by the university is required.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (for theory subjects), External: 70% (for theory subjects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPR 101T | Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques | Core | 4 | UV-Visible spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, Chromatographic techniques, Electrophoresis |
| MPC 102T | Advanced Pharmacognosy – I | Core | 4 | Secondary metabolites, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Volatile oils, Resins, Tannins and Flavonoids |
| MPC 103T | Industrial Pharmacognostical Technology | Core | 4 | Cultivation and collection of medicinal plants, Adulteration and evaluation of crude drugs, Extraction technologies, Herbal drug standardization, Quality control of herbal drugs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) |
| MPC 104T | Herbal Drug Technology | Core | 4 | Herbal formulations, Nutraceuticals and functional foods, Cosmeceuticals, Intellectual Property Rights, Regulatory aspects of herbal drugs, Good Agricultural and Collection Practices |
| MPC 105P | Pharmacognosy Practical – I | Core Lab | 4 | Phytochemical screening tests, Chromatographic techniques for natural products, Extraction methods, Microscopy of crude drugs, Preparation of herbal formulations |
| MPC 106R | Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Core | 2 | Research design, Data collection methods, Statistical methods, Hypothesis testing, Report writing, Ethical considerations in research |
| MPC 107S | Seminar/Assignment | Project/Seminar | 3 | Literature review, Scientific presentation skills, Critical evaluation of research papers, Scientific communication |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPR 201T | Advanced Pharmacognosy – II | Core | 4 | Marine pharmacognosy, Medicinal plants biotechnology, Biosynthetic pathways of natural products, Enzyme immobilization, Genetic engineering of medicinal plants, Plant tissue culture |
| MPR 202T | Phytochemistry | Core | 4 | Isolation of natural products, Characterization of phytoconstituents, Spectroscopic techniques (NMR, Mass, IR, UV), Chromatography for phytoconstituents, Structure elucidation of bioactive compounds, Bioactive compounds from natural sources |
| MPR 203T | Pharmacological Screening and Assay of Herbal Drugs | Core | 4 | Preclinical screening models, In vitro pharmacological assays, In vivo pharmacological assays, Toxicity studies of herbal drugs, Bioassay-guided fractionation, Clinical trials of herbal drugs |
| MPR 204T | Quality Control and Standardization of Herbal Drugs | Core | 4 | WHO guidelines for herbal drugs, ICH guidelines for stability testing, Limits tests for heavy metals and pesticides, Stability testing of herbal products, Adulteration and substitution of crude drugs, Analytical methods for quality control |
| MPR 205P | Pharmacognosy Practical – II | Core Lab | 4 | Isolation of specific phytoconstituents, Chromatographic purification techniques, Spectroscopic analysis of isolated compounds, Bioactivity screening of herbal extracts, Standardization of herbal extracts |
| MPR 206S | Journal Club | Project/Seminar | 2 | Scientific paper evaluation, Critical analysis of research articles, Presentation of scientific findings, Discussion of current research trends |
| MPR 207D | Discussion / Presentation (on project work) | Project | 4 | Project planning and execution, Data interpretation and visualization, Scientific communication through presentations, Feedback and refinement of research ideas |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPC 300P | Project Work and Dissertation (Phase-I) | Project | 21 | Extensive literature review, Formulation of research proposal, Experimental design and planning, Preliminary data collection, Initial data analysis and interpretation, Methodology development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPC 400P | Project Work and Dissertation (Phase-II) | Project | 18 | Advanced experimental work, Comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing and formatting, Viva-voce preparation, Scientific publication strategies, Final presentation of research findings |
