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M-PHARM in Pharmacognosy at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Pharmacognosy at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Pharm Pharmacognosy program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on the study of medicinal drugs derived from natural sources, primarily plants. It delves into the identification, cultivation, extraction, standardization, and pharmacological evaluation of herbal drugs. Given India''''s rich biodiversity and ancient traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda, this specialization is highly relevant, catering to the growing demand for natural and evidence-based herbal remedies in the pharmaceutical and wellness industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Pharmacy graduates passionate about natural products, herbal medicine, and traditional health systems. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into herbal drug manufacturing, research and development, or quality control. Working professionals in the pharmaceutical or allied industries looking to specialize in phytopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or cosmeceuticals can also significantly benefit from this advanced knowledge base, enhancing their career progression.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as phytochemists, herbal quality control managers, research scientists in natural product discovery, and regulatory affairs specialists for herbal products. With a strong emphasis on Indian traditional medicine integration, they can command competitive salaries ranging from INR 4-8 lakhs per annum for entry-level positions, growing significantly with experience in leading pharmaceutical and herbal companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Phytochemistry Base- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding the biosynthesis, chemical structures, and properties of major classes of natural products (alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, flavonoids). Utilize recommended textbooks like ''''Trease and Evans'''' Pharmacognosy'''' and online resources such as PubChem for compound structures. This foundational knowledge is crucial for future drug discovery and quality control roles.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks (e.g., Trease and Evans), PubChem, NPTEL courses on organic chemistry
Career Connection
Mastery of phytochemistry is fundamental for roles in natural product research, extraction, and quality control, enabling graduates to identify and characterize active compounds effectively.
Master Laboratory Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extra time to perfecting practical skills in extraction, isolation, purification, and basic chromatographic methods like TLC and paper chromatography. Engage actively in all practical sessions and volunteer for additional lab work. Consistent practice will build confidence and precision.
Tools & Resources
University laboratories, Standard operating procedures (SOPs), Mentorship from lab instructors
Career Connection
Proficiency in these practical skills directly translates to competence in research and development, and quality control departments within herbal and pharmaceutical industries, making students readily employable.
Engage with Traditional Knowledge Systems- (Semester 1-2)
Explore India''''s rich heritage in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine by reading relevant texts, attending workshops, or visiting local practitioners and traditional healers. This contextual understanding of traditional drug uses and formulations enhances the appreciation and application of modern pharmacognostic principles.
Tools & Resources
AYUSH Ministry publications, Traditional medicine texts, Local herbal workshops
Career Connection
Understanding traditional systems positions graduates uniquely in the Indian market, facilitating roles in bridging traditional and modern medicine, and developing innovative herbal products.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Analytical Skills- (Semester 3)
Focus on instrumental techniques like HPLC, HPTLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, and basic spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, NMR). Seek opportunities to operate these instruments independently under supervision. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL for analytical chemistry courses and instrument manufacturer tutorials for practical guidance.
Tools & Resources
University analytical labs, NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning), Instrument manuals
Career Connection
Expertise in advanced analytical techniques is highly sought after in research, quality assurance, and standardization roles within the pharmaceutical and herbal industries.
Participate in Research and Journal Clubs- (Semester 3)
Actively contribute to the Journal Club by critically analyzing research papers and presenting findings. Look for opportunities to assist faculty in their ongoing research projects, even if it involves literature review or data entry. This practice builds research acumen and scientific communication skills.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Departmental Journal Club
Career Connection
Strong research participation and critical analysis skills are vital for successful project work, future R&D careers, and for understanding emerging trends in natural product science.
Explore Internship Opportunities- (Semester 3)
Proactively search for internships during semester breaks in herbal drug manufacturing units, phytopharmaceutical R&D labs, or quality control departments. Companies like Himalaya Drug Company, Dabur India, Sami-Sabinsa Group, or contract research organizations (CROs) in India can offer valuable exposure.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Company career pages, Internshala
Career Connection
Practical industry experience gained through internships is paramount for securing good placements and provides a competitive edge in the job market, aligning academic knowledge with industry demands.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work and Thesis Development- (Semester 3-4)
Treat the M.Pharm project (Phase I and II) as a miniature research endeavor. Select a relevant topic, conduct thorough experimentation, analyze data rigorously, and write a high-quality thesis. This demonstrates comprehensive research capability and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued by employers.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Reference management tools (e.g., Mendeley), Faculty mentors
Career Connection
A strong project and thesis showcase independent research ability and critical thinking, making candidates attractive to R&D roles, academic positions, and for pursuing higher studies like Ph.D.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3-4)
Attend national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops in pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and natural product sciences (e.g., events organized by IPA, APTI). Network with speakers, attendees, and industry representatives. LinkedIn is also a powerful tool for connecting with professionals in the field.
Tools & Resources
Industry conferences, LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., IPA, APTI)
Career Connection
Effective networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, job leads, and collaborations, significantly enhancing career prospects and providing insights into industry needs.
Prepare for Career Advancement- (Semester 4)
Develop a compelling resume and cover letter highlighting research skills, analytical techniques, and any industry experience. Practice interview skills, focusing on technical knowledge in pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and quality control. Consider preparing for competitive exams like UGC-NET/CSIR-NET if pursuing academia or advanced research, or focus on company-specific aptitude tests for industry roles.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Mock interview sessions, Online aptitude test platforms, Professional development workshops
Career Connection
Thorough preparation ensures graduates are well-equipped to secure placements in top pharmaceutical and herbal companies or pursue further academic and research opportunities, aligning with their career aspirations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed B.Pharm. Degree examination from an institution approved by Pharmacy Council of India and recognized by any Indian University or AICTE, Government of India. B.Pharm. candidates should have scored minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. GPAT/GATE qualified candidates will be given preference.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTPCGC101T | Modern Pharmacognosy | Core | 4 | Recent advances in pharmacognosy, Marine natural products, Herbal drug technology, Phytopharmaceuticals, Quality control of herbals |
| MTPCGC102T | Advanced Pharmacognosy | Core | 4 | Biosynthesis of natural products, Metabolic engineering, Plant tissue culture, Ethnopharmacology, Traditional systems of medicine |
| MTPCGC103T | Industrial Pharmacognosy | Core | 4 | Herbal extracts and formulations, Standardization of herbal products, GMP for herbal drugs, Nutraceuticals, Cosmeceuticals |
| MTPCGC104T | Herbal Drug Technology | Core | 4 | Herbal drug extraction techniques, Isolation and purification, Chromatographic techniques, Analytical methods for herbals, Dosage forms of herbal drugs |
| MTPCGC105P | Pharmacognosy Practical I | Lab | 3 | Extraction methods, Qualitative analysis of phytoconstituents, Chromatographic techniques, Herbal formulation preparation |
| MTPCGC106P | Pharmacognosy Practical II | Lab | 3 | Microscopic evaluation of crude drugs, TLC applications, Densitometry, Spectrophotometry, Organoleptic evaluation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTPCGC201T | Phytochemistry | Core | 4 | Chemistry of natural products, Alkaloids, Glycosides, Terpenes, Flavonoids, Tannins |
| MTPCGC202T | Quality Control and Standardization of Herbals | Core | 4 | ICH guidelines, GLP for herbal drugs, Analytical techniques for herbal drugs, Heavy metals and pesticide analysis, Microbial contamination, Adulteration of herbal drugs |
| MTPCGC203T | Cultivation and Utilization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants | Core | 4 | Cultivation practices of MAPs, Harvesting and drying techniques, Storage of medicinal plants, Economics of medicinal plants, Conservation strategies, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) |
| MTPCGC204T | Pharmacological and Toxicological Screening of Herbal Drugs | Core | 4 | Pre-clinical evaluation of herbals, In-vitro and in-vivo models, Acute and chronic toxicity studies, Genotoxicity testing, Clinical trials of herbal drugs |
| MTPCGC205P | Pharmacognosy Practical III | Lab | 3 | Isolation of phytoconstituents, Spectral analysis (UV, IR), HPTLC applications, HPLC analysis |
| MTPCGC206P | Pharmacognosy Practical IV | Lab | 3 | Bioactivity guided fractionation, Animal handling for pharmacological screening, Data interpretation for bioassays |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTPCGE301T | Elective I | Elective | 4 | |
| MTPCGE302T | Elective II | Elective | 4 | |
| MTPCGJ301 | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Core | 4 | Research design principles, Data collection methods, Sampling techniques, Statistical hypothesis testing, Regression analysis, Experimental designs |
| MTPCGV302 | Journal Club | Project Related | 2 | Literature review and analysis, Critical appraisal of research papers, Scientific presentation skills, Scientific communication, Recent advancements in pharmacognosy |
| MTPCGR303 | Project Work (Phase I) | Project | 6 | Extensive literature survey, Research problem identification, Formulation of research proposal, Experimental design and planning, Methodology development, Preliminary data collection |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTPCGR401 | Project Work (Phase II) | Project | 32 | Execution of experimental work, Data analysis and interpretation, Scientific writing and reporting, Thesis preparation and submission, Oral presentation of findings, Viva-voce examination |
