.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-PHARM in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Pharmaceutical Chemistry at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Pharmaceutical Chemistry program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on the design, synthesis, and development of new drug molecules. It delves into advanced analytical techniques, medicinal chemistry principles, and the chemistry of natural and synthetic drugs. The program prepares students for cutting-edge research and development roles in India''''s rapidly growing pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing innovation in drug discovery.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Pharmacy graduates seeking to specialize in the core science of drug development. It caters to aspiring researchers interested in synthetic chemistry, analytical techniques, and drug design. Working professionals in related fields looking to deepen their expertise and secure advanced R&D positions in Indian pharma companies or research institutions will also find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as R&D scientists, medicinal chemists, analytical scientists, or quality control/assurance specialists in India''''s vast pharmaceutical industry. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities also exist in academia, contract research organizations (CROs), and specialized drug discovery startups, aligning with India''''s ''''Make in India'''' and healthcare innovation goals.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Chemical and Analytical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding advanced organic chemistry, spectral analysis, and pharmaceutical analytical techniques. Actively participate in lab sessions to gain hands-on proficiency in operating instruments like NMR, Mass Spec, and HPLC. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses for deeper conceptual clarity and practice problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Spectroscopy/Organic Chemistry, Lab manuals and practical sessions, Online chemistry problem sets
Career Connection
A strong foundation in these core areas is crucial for excelling in drug discovery, synthesis, and quality control roles, making you a competent candidate for R&D positions in pharma.
Develop Scientific Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly attend and actively participate in journal clubs and seminars. Focus on improving your presentation skills, critical analysis of research papers, and scientific writing. Seek feedback from professors and peers on your technical reports and presentations. This skill is vital for conveying complex research findings.
Tools & Resources
Journal Club sessions, Departmental seminars, Grammarly for writing review, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
Effective communication is essential for collaborative research, presenting project outcomes, and publishing research, directly impacting career progression in R&D.
Network with Peers and Faculty- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts. Engage with faculty members during office hours to discuss research interests, project ideas, and career guidance. Attend departmental events and workshops to build a strong academic network. Peer learning fosters a supportive environment.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, Faculty office hours, Departmental workshops/events
Career Connection
Strong academic networks can lead to research collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and valuable professional connections, aiding in future job searches and career growth.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Elective Specialization and Mini-Projects- (Semester 3)
Choose electives strategically based on your career interests, such as Computer Aided Drug Design or Chemistry of Natural Products. Actively seek out opportunities for mini-projects or short research assignments with faculty members. This allows for early exposure to specialized research areas and builds a focused skill set.
Tools & Resources
Elective course offerings, Faculty research profiles, Departmental research labs
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge and early research experience enhance your resume, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in drug design, synthesis, or natural product chemistry.
Utilize Advanced Software and Databases- (Semester 3)
Become proficient in relevant software for molecular modeling, cheminformatics, and statistical analysis (e.g., Schrodinger, MarvinSketch, R/Python for statistics). Explore scientific databases like SciFinder, Reaxys, and PubChem for literature review and compound information. Practical skills with these tools are highly valued by the industry.
Tools & Resources
Schrodinger/Maestro suite, ChemDraw, SciFinder, Reaxys, PubChem databases, Statistical software (R, SPSS)
Career Connection
Proficiency in these tools is a direct requirement for roles in computational chemistry, drug design, and data analysis in pharma R&D.
Seek Industry Internships and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively look for summer internships or industrial training programs in pharmaceutical companies, CROs, or research institutions. Participate in industry-sponsored workshops, webinars, and conferences to understand current trends and technologies. This provides invaluable practical experience and industry exposure.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell, Industry internship portals, Professional society events (IPA, OPPI)
Career Connection
Internships offer real-world experience, build industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting your employability.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Project and Publication- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate yourself to your M.Pharm project (Phase I and II), ensuring thorough experimentation, data analysis, and critical interpretation. Aim to publish your research findings in a reputable peer-reviewed journal or present at national/international conferences. A strong publication record sets you apart.
Tools & Resources
Research labs and equipment, Statistical analysis software, Journal submission platforms, Conference portals
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation and publications demonstrate research capability, critical thinking, and innovation, which are key for R&D roles and academic careers.
Prepare for Placements and Interviews- (Semester 4)
Start preparing for campus placements and job interviews well in advance. Brush up on core concepts, practice technical questions, and work on soft skills like communication and problem-solving. Attend mock interviews and career counseling sessions provided by the institution. Tailor your resume to specific job requirements.
Tools & Resources
Placement Cell services, Mock interview sessions, Online interview preparation platforms, Resume building workshops
Career Connection
Effective preparation ensures you successfully convert interview opportunities into job offers, securing your desired career path in the pharmaceutical industry.
Build a Professional Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Create and maintain a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting your academic achievements, research projects, skills, and internships. Connect with industry professionals, alumni, and recruiters. Share relevant scientific articles and insights to establish your expertise and expand your professional network.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, ResearchGate (optional for publishing profiles), Professional networking events
Career Connection
A strong online presence enhances visibility to recruiters and industry leaders, opening doors to advanced career opportunities and collaborations after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Pharm degree from any recognized University with not less than 50% marks in the first attempt. Preference for GPAT/GATE qualified candidates.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 92 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPCC21101 | Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques | Core | 4 | UV-Visible Spectroscopy, IR Spectroscopy, NMR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Chromatographic Techniques |
| MPCC21102 | Advanced Spectral Analysis | Core | 4 | UV, IR, NMR, Mass Spectrometry: Theory and Applications, Complex Spectral Interpretation, 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC, HSQC, HMBC), ORD and CD Spectroscopy, Chiroptical Methods |
| MPCC21103 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | Core | 4 | Stereochemistry and Stereoselective Reactions, Reaction Mechanisms and Name Reactions, Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds, Photochemistry and Pericyclic Reactions, Free Radical Reactions |
| MPCC21104 | Advanced Medicinal Chemistry | Core | 4 | Drug Discovery and Development Process, Drug Targets and Receptor Theories, Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR), Prodrugs and Soft Drugs, Combinatorial Chemistry and High Throughput Screening |
| MPCC21E01 | Computer Aided Drug Design (Elective – I, example subject) | Elective | 4 | Introduction to CADD and Molecular Modelling, Structure-Based Drug Design, Ligand-Based Drug Design, Pharmacophore Modelling, Docking and Virtual Screening |
| MPCC21P01 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab – I | Lab | 2 | Quantitative Analysis of Drugs (UV, IR), Synthesis of Organic Compounds, Chromatographic Separation Techniques, Melting Point and Boiling Point Determination, Spectroscopic Analysis of Organic Compounds |
| MPCC21P02 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab – II | Lab | 2 | Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques (NMR, Mass), HPLC and GC Method Development, Drug Impurity Profiling, Calibration of Analytical Instruments, Spectrophotometric Assays |
| MPCC21P03 | Seminar and Journal Club | Lab | 2 | Scientific Writing and Presentation Skills, Literature Review Techniques, Critique of Research Papers, Effective Communication of Scientific Data, Ethical Considerations in Research |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPCC21201 | Advanced Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics | Core | 4 | Drug Absorption and Distribution, Drug Metabolism and Excretion, Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Studies, Pharmacokinetic Models and Parameters, Clinical Pharmacokinetics |
| MPCC21202 | Chemistry of Synthetic Drugs | Core | 4 | Retrosynthetic Analysis and Synthesis Planning, Synthesis of Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Synthesis of Antibiotics and Antivirals, Synthesis of Cardiovascular Drugs, Synthesis of Anticancer Agents and Antidiabetics |
| MPCC21203 | Bioanalytical Techniques | Core | 4 | Sample Preparation for Bioanalysis, Immunoassays (ELISA, RIA), LC-MS and GC-MS in Bioanalysis, Electrophoresis and Western Blotting, Biosensors and Microfluidics |
| MPCC21204 | Stereochemistry and Asymmetric Synthesis | Core | 4 | Chirality and Stereoisomerism, Prochirality and Stereotopic Faces, Asymmetric Induction and Enantioselective Synthesis, Chiral Catalysis (Organo, Metal, Bio-catalysis), Applications in Drug Synthesis |
| MPCC21E02 | Chemistry of Natural Products (Elective – II, example subject) | Elective | 4 | Isolation and Characterization of Natural Products, Chemistry of Alkaloids, Chemistry of Terpenoids, Chemistry of Flavonoids and Glycosides, Chemistry of Steroids and Lignans |
| MPCC21P04 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab – III | Lab | 2 | Quantitative Estimation of Drugs by various methods, Assay Development and Validation, Formulation Analysis, Stability Studies of Drug Substances, Impurity Identification and Quantification |
| MPCC21P05 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab – IV | Lab | 2 | Advanced Organic Synthesis, Characterization of Novel Chemical Entities, Drug Degradation Studies, Reaction Monitoring Techniques, Green Chemistry Practical Applications |
| MPCC21P06 | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Lab | 2 | Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods and Sampling, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Statistical Software Applications, Scientific Report and Thesis Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPCC21E03 | Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry (Elective – III, example subject) | Elective | 4 | Process Development and Optimization, Scale-up Techniques in Chemical Synthesis, Impurity Profiling and Control Strategies, Crystallization and Polymorphism, Green Chemistry Principles in API Manufacturing |
| MPCC21X01 | Project Work Phase – I | Project | 8 | Extensive Literature Review, Identification of Research Problem, Formulation of Research Objectives, Experimental Design and Methodology Planning, Preliminary Data Collection and Analysis |
| MPCC21S01 | Seminar and Dissertation Phase – I | Project | 3 | Scientific Presentation Skills, Structure and Content of Dissertation, Review of Research Progress, Data Interpretation and Discussion, Academic Writing for Research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPCC21X02 | Project Work Phase – II | Project | 16 | Advanced Data Analysis and Interpretation, Completion of Experimental Work, Scientific Manuscript Preparation, Final Thesis Writing and Submission, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking |
| MPCC21S02 | Seminar and Dissertation Phase – II | Project | 4 | Final Dissertation Defense (Viva Voce), Presentation of Research Findings, Response to Criticisms and Questions, Discussion on Future Scope of Research, Contribution to Scientific Knowledge |
