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M-PHARM in Pharmacognosy at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Pharmacognosy at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research Mysuru?
This M.Pharm Pharmacognosy program at JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research focuses on the study of medicinal plants and natural products. It delves into the identification, cultivation, extraction, standardization, and quality control of herbal drugs, crucial for India''''s vast traditional medicine market and growing herbal industry. The program emphasizes both traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation techniques.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for B.Pharm graduates passionate about natural products and herbal medicine seeking advanced knowledge in pharmacognosy. It attracts fresh graduates aspiring to research and development roles in pharmaceutical or nutraceutical companies, and professionals looking to specialize in quality assurance, standardization, or herbal drug manufacturing within the Indian healthcare sector.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including R&D scientist, quality control analyst, herbal formulation expert, and regulatory affairs specialist in Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, and modern pharmaceutical industries. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5-6 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in specialized roles. Opportunities exist in academia, research institutions, and government regulatory bodies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Foundation in Phytochemistry and Analytical Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core concepts of phytochemistry, biosynthesis, and modern analytical techniques like spectroscopy and chromatography. Regularly review lecture notes, practice analytical problems, and thoroughly understand laboratory procedures for isolation and identification of natural products.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Spectroscopy/Chromatography, Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry textbooks, Laboratory manuals, JSSU digital library resources
Career Connection
A solid theoretical and practical foundation is crucial for roles in quality control, R&D, and standardization of herbal drugs in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
Develop Robust Practical Skills in Herbal Extraction and Screening- (Semester 1-2)
Maximize hands-on learning in practical sessions for herbal extraction, purification, and pharmacological screening methods. Document experiments meticulously, analyze results critically, and seek opportunities to work on additional lab projects or assist faculty with research, focusing on traditional Indian medicinal plants.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory equipment, Standard operating procedures, Research journals like Journal of Ethnopharmacology, In-house departmental research
Career Connection
Proficiency in practical techniques is directly applicable to research scientist, process development, and manufacturing roles in herbal drug industries.
Cultivate Scientific Writing and Presentation Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in journal clubs and classroom presentations. Focus on critically evaluating scientific literature and presenting findings clearly and concisely. Start drafting small review articles or project reports based on literature surveys to enhance scientific communication.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Scientific journal databases (PubMed, Scopus), University writing center workshops
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are essential for publishing research, presenting project outcomes, and securing funding or employment in R&D and academic positions.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Focused Research Project Development- (Semester 3)
Begin identifying a specific research problem early in Semester 3, aligning with faculty expertise and industry relevance, particularly focusing on Indian medicinal plant resources. Develop a robust research proposal, conduct a thorough literature review, and present your proposed work effectively for peer and faculty feedback.
Tools & Resources
Research supervisors, JSSU research portals, Scopus, Web of Science, Specific pharmacognosy research databases
Career Connection
A well-defined and executed research project forms the backbone of your dissertation, significantly enhancing your profile for R&D roles and doctoral studies.
Master Advanced Data Analysis and Biostatistics- (Semester 3)
Apply the principles learned in Research Methodology and Biostatistics directly to your project data. Seek additional training or workshops on statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) to analyze experimental results rigorously, ensuring scientific validity of your findings.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Statistical workshops, Online courses from Coursera/edX, Biostatistics textbooks
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are highly valued in research, clinical trials, and data science roles within pharmaceutical companies and research organizations.
Network with Industry Experts and Attend Conferences- (Semester 3)
Actively seek opportunities to attend national/international conferences, workshops, and seminars related to pharmacognosy and natural products, especially those held in India. Network with researchers, industry professionals, and potential employers. Present preliminary research findings if opportunities arise.
Tools & Resources
Professional organizations (IPA, APTI), Conference websites, LinkedIn for professional connections
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, collaborations, job opportunities, and staying updated with industry trends, crucial for career advancement.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Research Execution and Dissertation Completion- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to conducting rigorous experimental work, meticulously collecting and analyzing data, and synthesizing findings into a high-quality dissertation. Regularly communicate with your supervisor, address feedback promptly, and aim for completion well before deadlines.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory facilities, Statistical software, Academic writing tools, EndNote/Mendeley for citation management, JSSU library resources
Career Connection
A well-executed and articulated dissertation is a testament to your research capabilities, critically important for securing R&D positions or pursuing further doctoral studies in India or abroad.
Prepare for Industry Placements and Professional Interviews- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, refine your resume and cover letter, and practice interview skills, especially for roles in quality assurance, research, or product development within the Indian pharmaceutical and herbal sectors. Seek guidance from career services and alumni.
Tools & Resources
JSSU Career Guidance Cell, Online job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn), Mock interview sessions, Industry white papers for current trends
Career Connection
Focused preparation directly enhances your chances of securing desirable job offers upon graduation in a competitive job market.
Explore Publication and Patenting Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Discuss with your supervisor the potential for publishing your research findings in peer-reviewed journals or exploring patenting opportunities, especially if your work involves novel extracts or formulations. Understanding the intellectual property landscape is valuable for innovation-driven roles.
Tools & Resources
Scientific journals in pharmacognosy, Patent databases (Indian Patent Office, Espacenet), IP law workshops
Career Connection
Publications and patents add significant value to your profile, demonstrating innovation and contribution to the scientific community, crucial for leadership roles and advanced research positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed B. Pharm. degree examination from an institution approved by Pharmacy Council of India and has scored not less than 55% of the maximum marks (aggregate of II, III and IV year B. Pharm. scores or the equivalent cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is eligible for admission. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum percentage of marks shall be 50%. All candidates shall have to appear for GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) and secure a valid score. In case of non-availability of GPAT candidates, GPAT qualified candidates will be preferred and followed by B. Pharm. merit based candidates will be admitted.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 78 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG101T | Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques | Core Theory | 4 | UV-Visible Spectroscopy, IR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, NMR Spectroscopy, Chromatographic Techniques |
| MPG102T | Advanced Pharmacognosy I | Core Theory | 4 | Biosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites, Plant Tissue Culture, Extraction Techniques, Phytochemical Screening, Quality Control of Herbal Drugs |
| MPG103T | Advanced Pharmacology | Core Theory | 4 | General Pharmacological Principles, Autonomic Nervous System, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Endocrine Pharmacology, Chemotherapy |
| MPG104T | Pharmacological and Toxicological Screening Methods | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Screening, CNS Screening, Respiratory Screening, Cardiovascular Screening, Toxicity Studies |
| MPG105P | Pharmacognosy Practical I | Core Practical | 3 | Extraction, Isolation, Identification of Phytochemicals, Chromatographic Separations, Microscopic Evaluation of Crude Drugs |
| MPG106P | Pharmacological and Toxicological Screening Methods Practical I | Core Practical | 3 | Animal Handling, Acute Toxicity Studies, Sub-acute Toxicity Studies, In-vitro Pharmacological Experiments, In-vivo Pharmacological Experiments |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG201T | Advanced Pharmacognosy II | Core Theory | 4 | Marine Natural Products, Traditional Systems of Medicine, Herbal Drug Technology, Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals, Intellectual Property Rights |
| MPG202T | Herbal Drug Technology | Core Theory | 4 | Herbal Formulations, Extraction Methods, Standardization of Herbal Drugs, Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Regulatory Aspects of Herbal Drugs |
| MPG203T | Industrial Pharmacognostical Technology | Core Theory | 4 | Large Scale Extraction, Phytochemical Production, Plant Derived Pharmaceuticals, Quality Assurance, Industrial Processing |
| MPG204T | Phytopharmaceuticals | Core Theory | 4 | Discovery and Development of Phytopharmaceuticals, Clinical Trials of Herbal Drugs, Bioactive Compounds, Market Overview, Future Trends |
| MPG205P | Pharmacognosy Practical II | Core Practical | 3 | Advanced Extraction Techniques, Chromatographic Purification, Spectroscopic Analysis, Bioassay Methods, Formulations of Herbal Drugs |
| MPG206P | Herbal Drug Technology Practical | Core Practical | 3 | Preparation of Herbal Extracts, Formulation of Herbal Dosage Forms, Standardization of Polyherbal Formulations, Quality Control Tests, Stability Studies |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG301T | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Core Theory | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection, Statistical Methods, Hypothesis Testing, Report Writing |
| MPG302S | Journal Club | Sessional | 1 | Critical Appraisal of Research Articles, Presentation Skills, Scientific Discussion |
| MPG303S | Discussion / Presentation (on proposed project work) | Sessional | 3 | Project Proposal Development, Literature Review, Research Methodology Presentation, Oral Communication |
| MPG304S | Research Work and Dissertation | Project Work | 10 | Research Problem Identification, Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Project Defense |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG401S | Research Work and Dissertation | Project Work | 16 | Advanced Research Techniques, Data Interpretation, Scientific Publication, Patent Filing, Comprehensive Dissertation |
