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M-PHARM in Pharmacognosy at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Pharmacognosy at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Chennai?
This Pharmacognosy program at Sri Ramachandra Institute 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. With India''''s rich biodiversity and a growing herbal medicine market, this specialization is vital for developing safe and effective phytopharmaceuticals to meet global and local health demands.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for B.Pharm graduates passionate about natural medicine, phytochemistry, and drug discovery from traditional sources. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into the herbal and pharmaceutical industries, and working professionals aiming to specialize in natural product research, quality assurance, or regulatory affairs. Candidates with a strong foundation in pharmacology, botany, or chemistry are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as natural product scientists, herbal formulation specialists, quality control analysts, and regulatory affairs associates in Ayurvedic, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical companies. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in R&D, manufacturing, and academia, aligning with certifications in herbal drug technology.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Basic Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly understand the fundamental principles of plant anatomy, secondary metabolites, and basic extraction techniques. Utilize textbooks, reference books, and online resources to build a strong theoretical base. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and prepare for internal assessments.
Tools & Resources
Standard Pharmacognosy textbooks (e.g., Trease and Evans, Kokate), Online botanical databases, SRIHER Library resources
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects and research, directly impacting success in R&D roles in herbal industries.
Excel in Laboratory Skills and Documentation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions, focusing on precise execution of experiments like phytochemical screening, microscopy, and basic chromatography. Maintain meticulous lab records and proactively seek feedback from lab instructors to refine techniques and data interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory manuals, MS Excel for data recording, Institutional lab facilities
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab techniques is essential for quality control, research, and analytical roles in any pharmaceutical or herbal manufacturing unit.
Engage with Peer Learning and Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly attend and actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and student-led presentations. Form peer learning groups to discuss complex topics, prepare for presentations, and collectively solve problems. This enhances understanding and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Presentation software (PowerPoint), Peer discussion forums
Career Connection
Improves presentation and critical thinking skills, valuable for scientific communication, team projects, and leadership roles in industry.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Analytical Techniques- (Semester 3-4)
Gain hands-on expertise in advanced analytical instruments like HPLC, HPTLC, GC, and spectroscopy. Seek opportunities for extra lab hours or workshops to practice sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis. Understand method validation principles.
Tools & Resources
HPLC, HPTLC, GC-MS instruments, Analytical software, Online tutorials for instrument operation
Career Connection
Directly prepares for roles as analytical scientists, quality assurance specialists, and research associates in high-tech pharmaceutical labs.
Initiate Mini-Projects and Literature Reviews- (Semester 3-4)
Take initiative to conduct small research projects, even if not formally part of the curriculum. Focus on a specific plant, extract, or compound. Conduct thorough literature reviews using PubMed, Scopus, and institutional databases to identify research gaps.
Tools & Resources
SRIHER e-library access, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Research journals in pharmacognosy
Career Connection
Develops research aptitude, problem-solving skills, and a strong publication profile, enhancing prospects for higher studies or R&D positions.
Network with Industry Professionals and Academicians- (Semester 3-4)
Attend conferences, workshops, and guest lectures to meet and interact with experts from the herbal and pharmaceutical industries. Leverage institutional alumni networks and professional platforms like LinkedIn to build valuable contacts. Seek mentorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences (e.g., IPC), Alumni association events
Career Connection
Crucial for identifying internship opportunities, gaining insights into industry trends, and securing future placements.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Project Work and Dissertation Excellence- (Semester 3-4 (Project Part I & II))
Dedicate significant effort to your M.Pharm project work. Choose a research topic aligned with current industry needs or significant scientific gaps. Ensure robust experimental design, meticulous data analysis, and high-quality thesis writing and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Plagiarism checker tools, Thesis writing guides
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a key differentiator for R&D roles, often leading to publications and showcasing advanced research capabilities.
Prepare for Placements and Interviews- (Semester 4)
Regularly update your resume with research experience, publications, and skills. Practice mock interviews, focusing on both technical knowledge in pharmacognosy and soft skills. Research target companies and understand their product portfolios and values.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Mock interview platforms, Company websites for job descriptions
Career Connection
Directly enhances chances of securing desirable placements in top pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and herbal companies.
Explore Entrepreneurial Avenues and Regulatory Insights- (Semester 4)
Understand the regulatory landscape for herbal products in India (AYUSH, FSSAI, DCGI). Explore opportunities for developing innovative herbal formulations or starting a small-scale herbal processing unit. Attend workshops on IPR and patenting of natural products.
Tools & Resources
Government regulatory websites, Entrepreneurship development programs, IPR consultation services
Career Connection
Develops a holistic understanding of the industry, potentially leading to entrepreneurial ventures or specialized roles in regulatory affairs and product development.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Pharm degree examination from a PCI recognized university with not less than 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST category).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCG 201 T | Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry I (Theory) | Core | 4 | Recent advances in pharmacognosy, Plant cell culture and biotechnology, Phytopharmaceuticals development, Marine and microbial pharmacognosy, Herbal drug technology principles |
| PCG 202 T | Advanced Pharmacognosy (Theory) | Core | 4 | Biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites, Metabolic engineering in medicinal plants, Modern methods of extraction and isolation, Quality control of natural products, Role of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals |
| PCG 203 T | Phytochemistry (Theory) | Core | 4 | Isolation techniques for phytoconstituents, Structure elucidation by spectroscopy, Chromatographic techniques (HPLC, HPTLC, GC), Bioassay-guided fractionation, Phytochemical screening methods |
| PCG 204 T | Herbal Drug Technology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Herbal formulations and dosage forms, Standardization of herbal raw materials, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for herbals, Regulatory aspects of herbal drugs in India, Novel drug delivery systems for herbal extracts |
| PCG 205 P | Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry I (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of crude drugs, Quantitative microscopy, Phytochemical tests for various classes, Extraction methods for plant materials, Chromatographic separation techniques |
| PCG 206 P | Advanced Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Isolation and purification of active phytoconstituents, Application of UV-Vis, IR, NMR in identification, HPTLC finger printing of herbal extracts, Development of HPLC methods for marker compounds, Bioautography for antimicrobial screening |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCG 207 T | Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Structure elucidation of natural products, Drug discovery from marine and terrestrial sources, Ethnopharmacology and traditional medicine, Analytical techniques for herbal constituents, Role of natural products in drug development |
| PCG 208 T | Phytopharmaceuticals (Theory) | Core | 4 | Development and commercialization of phytomedicines, Clinical evaluation of herbal drugs, Role of adaptogens and immunomodulators, Herb-drug interactions and adverse effects, Patentability of natural product innovations |
| PCG 209 T | Standardization of Herbal Drugs (Theory) | Core | 4 | WHO guidelines for herbal drug standardization, Pharmacopoeial standards for botanicals, Adulteration, substitution and evaluation of crude drugs, Stability testing of herbal formulations, Quality Assurance and Quality Control in herbal industry |
| PCG 210 T | Natural Products in Medicine (Theory) | Core | 4 | Natural products as anticancer agents, Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory natural drugs, Cardioprotective and hepatoprotective compounds, Antimicrobial and antiviral natural products, Future trends in natural product research |
| PCG 211 P | Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry II (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Isolation of specific classes: alkaloids, flavonoids, Isolation of glycosides and terpenoids, Pharmacological screening of plant extracts, Invitro antioxidant assays, Bioactivity guided isolation experiments |
| PCG 212 P | Phytochemical Analysis and Standardization (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Development of analytical methods for markers, Quality control of finished herbal products, Microbial contamination testing of herbals, Stability studies of herbal formulations, Analysis of heavy metals and pesticides |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM – PCG 213 T | Research Methodology and Biostatistics (Theory) | Core | 2 | Research design and methods, Data collection and sampling techniques, Statistical tests (t-test, ANOVA, correlation), Hypothesis formulation and testing, Scientific writing and ethics in research |
| M.PHARM – PCG 214 P | Project Work (Part I) | Project | 12 | Literature review and problem identification, Formulation of research objectives, Designing experimental protocols, Initial experimental work and data collection, Preparation of project proposal |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.PHARM – PCG 215 P | Project Work (Part II) | Project | 16 | Advanced experimentation and data analysis, Interpretation of research findings, Thesis writing and dissertation submission, Oral presentation and defense of project, Preparation for publication of research |
