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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 plants, natural product chemistry, and herbal drug technology. It addresses the growing Indian and global demand for natural product research, blending traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches. The program emphasizes advanced phytochemistry, quality control, and biological evaluation of herbal drugs, crucial for India''''s thriving Ayurvedic and nutraceutical sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for B.Pharm graduates passionate about natural medicine, phytochemistry, and drug discovery from plant sources. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into R&D, quality assurance, or manufacturing in herbal and pharmaceutical industries. Working professionals aiming to specialize in natural products or traditional medicine systems will also find immense value, equipping them for advanced roles in a rapidly expanding Indian market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including R&D scientist, quality control analyst, production manager in herbal drug companies, or academic researcher. Entry-level salaries typically range from 3-6 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals in firms like Himalaya, Dabur, and Patanjali. The program also prepares students for higher studies (PhD) and roles in regulatory affairs or product development within the burgeoning Indian natural product industry.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Pharmacognosy and Lab Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on foundational subjects like Modern Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, and Herbal Drug Technology. Diligently engage in lab sessions (PPCN21105, PPCN21106) to gain hands-on expertise in extraction, isolation, and analysis of natural products using SRMIST''''s advanced instrumentation facilities. Supplement learning with comprehensive textbooks and NPTEL courses.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks on Pharmacognosy, Lab Manuals, NPTEL videos on Phytochemistry, SRMIST advanced instrumentation labs
Career Connection
Builds a robust theoretical and practical base essential for all subsequent research and industry applications, particularly in QC and R&D roles.
Develop Critical Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Research Methodology and Biostatistics (PPCN21104) to understand research design, data interpretation, and ethical considerations. Begin reading scientific journals and review articles in natural products to grasp current trends and identify potential research gaps, preparing for your thesis.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, Google Scholar, SRMIST Library access to scientific journals, Biostatistics software (e.g., SPSS, R)
Career Connection
Establishes a strong analytical mindset crucial for independent research and problem-solving in R&D roles, making you a competent scientific investigator.
Engage in Academic and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in class discussions, form study groups for challenging topics, and seek clarifications from faculty. Attend departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden perspectives. Explore online platforms like Coursera for supplementary learning in specialized areas of phytochemistry or analytical methods.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, Faculty mentorship, Departmental seminars, Coursera/edX courses
Career Connection
Fosters a collaborative learning environment, strengthens understanding of complex concepts, and builds a professional network valuable for future opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Initiate and Structure Your Research Project- (Semester 3)
This semester is crucial for conceptualizing and designing your Master''''s Dissertation (PPCN21303). Focus on ''''Research Design & Synopses'''' (PPCN21302) to formulate a clear research question, conduct a thorough literature review, and plan experiments meticulously. Seek early mentorship from faculty supervisors at SRMIST.
Tools & Resources
Research proposal templates, EndNote/Mendeley for citation management, Supervisor consultations, SRMIST ethics committee guidelines
Career Connection
Lays the critical groundwork for a successful dissertation and develops independent scientific inquiry skills vital for R&D careers, enhancing your problem-solving abilities.
Enhance Scientific Communication Skills- (Semester 3)
Leverage the Journal Club (PPCN21301) and Seminar/Review (PPCN21304) opportunities to refine your scientific writing and oral presentation abilities. Practice articulating complex research findings clearly and concisely, and actively solicit constructive feedback from faculty and peers. Attend workshops on academic presentation.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote), Scientific writing guides, Peer feedback sessions, University communication workshops
Career Connection
Essential for disseminating research, attending conferences, and excelling in professional presentations and interviews, positioning you as a clear communicator.
Explore Internship and Industry Exposure- (Semester 3)
Proactively seek out short-term internships or project opportunities at herbal pharmaceutical companies, research institutions (e.g., CSIR-CIMAP), or quality control labs during semester breaks. Network with industry professionals and SRMIST alumni to gain insights and potential connections.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell, LinkedIn, Industry contacts, Professional networking events
Career Connection
Provides valuable real-world experience, helps in identifying career interests, and strengthens your resume for future placements by bridging academic knowledge with practical application.
Advanced Stage
Execute and Conclude Your Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate this semester entirely to Dissertation-II (PPCN21401), focusing on robust experimental execution, comprehensive data analysis, and meticulous thesis writing. Ensure all ethical guidelines are met, and aim for high-quality, publishable research outcomes worthy of national and international recognition.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism), Academic writing support, Thesis formatting guidelines, Faculty review meetings
Career Connection
A strong, well-executed dissertation is the cornerstone of your M.Pharm degree, demonstrating advanced research capability and significantly enhancing career and higher education prospects.
Intensive Placement and Career Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with SRMIST''''s Career Development Centre for resume building, mock interviews, and placement drives targeting pharmaceutical, herbal, and nutraceutical industries. Attend workshops on career planning and explore options for PhD studies if interested in academia or advanced research roles.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Career Development Centre, Online job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn), Mock interview sessions, Alumni network for guidance
Career Connection
Crucial for securing a desirable entry-level position or advancing into specialized academic research, ensuring a smooth transition into your chosen career path.
Develop Niche Expertise and Professional Networking- (Semester 4)
Deepen your expertise in a specific area of pharmacognosy related to your dissertation or elective. Attend national/international conferences to present your research and network with peers and leaders in the field. Stay updated on the latest regulatory changes and advancements in herbal medicine and natural products.
Tools & Resources
Conference attendance (e.g., Indian Pharmacological Society, Phytochemical Society of Europe), Professional associations, Industry magazines/journals, Online professional communities
Career Connection
Builds a specialized professional profile, fostering long-term career growth and opening doors to leadership opportunities in the natural products sector, making you a recognized expert.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade. GPAT qualified candidates are preferred. Age limit as per regulatory bodies.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPCN21101 | Modern Pharmacognosy | Core | 4 | Recent advances in pharmacognosy, Marine drugs and natural products, Plant tissue culture and biotechnology, Biotransformation of natural compounds, Analytical techniques for herbals, Regulatory aspects of herbal drugs |
| PPCN21102 | Phytochemistry | Core | 4 | Primary and secondary metabolites, Isolation and purification techniques, Characterization using spectroscopic methods, Biosynthesis pathways of natural compounds, Industrial production of phytoconstituents |
| PPCN21103 | Herbal Drug Technology | Core | 4 | Herbal formulations and dosage forms, Standardization of herbal raw materials, Quality control of finished herbal products, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for herbals, Extraction and purification technologies, Regulatory issues in herbal industry |
| PPCN21104 | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of research design, Data collection and sampling methods, Statistical methods for data analysis, Hypothesis testing and regression analysis, Interpretation of research findings, Ethical considerations in research |
| PPCN21105 | Modern Pharmacognosy Lab | Practical | 2 | Macroscopy and microscopy of crude drugs, Chemical tests for phytoconstituents, Chromatographic techniques (TLC, HPTLC), Spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis), Plant tissue culture techniques |
| PPCN21106 | Phytochemistry Lab | Practical | 2 | Extraction of plant materials, Isolation of active principles, Purification techniques (column chromatography), Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Preparation of derivatives |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPCN21201 | Quality Control and Standardization of Herbals | Core | 4 | Quality parameters for herbal raw materials, Analytical methods for herbal quality control, Detection of adulteration and substitution, Stability testing of herbal formulations, Regulatory guidelines for herbal products, Heavy metals and pesticide residue analysis |
| PPCN21202 | Biological Evaluation of Herbal Drugs | Core | 4 | In vitro pharmacological screening methods, In vivo animal models for efficacy testing, Toxicity studies of herbal extracts, Clinical trials for herbal drugs, Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies, Molecular mechanisms of herbal action |
| PPCN21203 | Cultivation, Collection & Processing of Medicinal Plants | Core | 4 | Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Methods of cultivation and propagation, Sustainable harvesting and collection, Post-harvest processing and storage, Drying and extraction technologies, Value addition to medicinal plants |
| PPCN212XX | Elective I | Elective | 4 | Drug Discovery Processes from Natural Sources, Advanced Natural Product Chemistry, Industrial Production of Herbal Extracts, Advanced Analytical Techniques for Herbals, IPR and Regulatory Affairs for Herbal Products, Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals Formulation |
| PPCN21204 | Quality Control & Standardization of Herbals Lab | Practical | 2 | Physicochemical analysis of herbal drugs, Chromatographic fingerprinting, Quantitative analysis of markers, Microbial contamination testing, Ash values and extractive values |
| PPCN21205 | Biological Evaluation of Herbal Drugs Lab | Practical | 2 | In vitro antioxidant assays, Anti-inflammatory activity screening, Antimicrobial activity testing, Toxicity assessment in animal models, Evaluation of wound healing activity |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPCN21301 | Journal Club | Seminar | 2 | Critical appraisal of scientific literature, Effective presentation skills, Formulation of research questions, Discussion of contemporary research, Interpretation of experimental data |
| PPCN21302 | Research Design & Synopses | Project | 4 | Formulation of research proposals, Comprehensive literature survey, Selection of appropriate methodology, Experimental design and statistical considerations, Ethical clearance procedures, Preparation of research synopsis |
| PPCN21303 | Dissertation - I | Project | 8 | Initiation of research project, Preliminary experimental work, Data collection and record keeping, Troubleshooting experimental procedures, Regular progress report submission |
| PPCN21304 | Seminar/Review | Project | 2 | Presentation of research progress, Review of relevant literature, Discussion with faculty and peers, Refinement of research direction, Preparation of scientific slides |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPCN21401 | Dissertation - II | Project | 18 | Extensive experimental investigation, Advanced data analysis and interpretation, Scientific writing of thesis, Thesis submission and defense preparation, Addressing viva-voce questions, Contribution to scientific knowledge |
