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PHARM-D in General at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program at Vels Institute focuses on producing highly skilled clinical pharmacists capable of providing patient-centered care. This comprehensive program, aligned with Indian healthcare needs, emphasizes drug therapy management, pharmacotherapeutics, and clinical research. It prepares professionals to be integral members of the healthcare team, ensuring optimal medication outcomes and contributing to public health in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 science graduates or D.Pharm holders aspiring to clinical roles in hospitals, community pharmacies, or pharmaceutical industries. It suits individuals keen on direct patient interaction, drug monitoring, and a career dedicated to improving medication safety and efficacy. Aspiring clinical researchers and those looking to advance pharmaceutical knowledge for better patient care in India will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths as clinical pharmacists, drug information specialists, pharmacovigilance associates, and medical writers. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles in clinical settings and aligning with national healthcare initiatives.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding core subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmaceutics. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, clarify doubts, and prepare for practical examinations, which are crucial for building a strong base.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Anatomy apps/models, Biochemistry lab kits, Online physiology lectures
Career Connection
A strong foundation in these sciences is essential for understanding drug actions and patient conditions, directly impacting future clinical decision-making and diagnostic interpretation.
Develop Effective Study Habits and Time Management- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate a disciplined study routine, prioritizing difficult subjects and allocating sufficient time for both theory and practicals. Practice active recall and spaced repetition, and manage time effectively to balance academic demands with personal well-being.
Tools & Resources
Study planners, Pomodoro technique, Flashcards (Anki, Quizlet)
Career Connection
Efficient learning and time management are critical for managing the extensive curriculum of Pharm.D and future responsibilities in a demanding healthcare profession.
Engage in Early Lab Skill Development- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions for subjects like Human Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmaceutics, and Inorganic Chemistry. Focus on developing precision, observation, and documentation skills, as these are fundamental for future clinical and research work.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Virtual lab simulations, Peer mentorship
Career Connection
Proficiency in basic lab techniques ensures accuracy in future drug preparation, analysis, and understanding of diagnostic tests, which is vital for a clinical pharmacist.
Intermediate Stage
Immerse in Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Problem Solving- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond theoretical knowledge, focus on applying pharmacotherapeutic principles to real-life patient cases. Participate in case discussions, analyze drug interactions, and develop treatment plans for common diseases. Seek opportunities for early hospital visits or observer-ships if available.
Tools & Resources
Clinical case studies, Medical journals (e.g., IJPSR), Drug information databases (e.g., MIMS, CIMS)
Career Connection
This practical application is the core of clinical pharmacy, directly preparing you for patient management roles and improving patient outcomes in hospital settings.
Build Communication and Patient Counseling Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively practice patient counseling techniques, focusing on empathetic communication, explaining medication usage, and addressing patient concerns. Participate in workshops on communication skills and public health campaigns to hone these vital abilities.
Tools & Resources
Role-playing scenarios, Public speaking clubs, Communication skill handbooks
Career Connection
Effective communication is paramount for clinical pharmacists in counseling patients, interacting with other healthcare professionals, and ensuring medication adherence.
Explore Research and Analytical Techniques- (Semester 3-4)
Engage with subjects like Pharmaceutical Analysis, Medicinal Chemistry, and Biopharmaceutics by exploring their practical implications. Attend seminars on drug analysis, volunteer for research projects, or critically evaluate scientific literature to build an analytical mindset.
Tools & Resources
Research papers, Analytical instrument demonstrations, Statistical software tutorials (e.g., R, SPSS)
Career Connection
Developing analytical skills is crucial for drug development, quality control, and understanding research methodologies, opening doors to R&D and clinical research careers.
Advanced Stage
Maximize Learning from Clinical Rotations and Project Work- (Semester 5-6)
Treat clinical rotations as your primary learning environment. Be proactive in ward rounds, ask questions, take detailed patient histories, and actively contribute to case discussions. Dedicate thorough effort to your project work, aiming for a publishable quality output.
Tools & Resources
Clinical preceptors, Hospital EMR systems (if accessible), Research methodology guides, Plagiarism checkers
Career Connection
These experiences are vital for hands-on clinical competence, developing independent research skills, and building a professional network for future employment and higher studies.
Prepare for Licensure and Professional Certifications- (Semester 5-6)
Begin preparing for national licensure exams (e.g., PCI registration) and consider relevant professional certifications that align with your career goals. This includes reviewing all core subjects and understanding regulatory frameworks.
Tools & Resources
PCI guidelines, Review books for licensing exams, Online MCQ platforms
Career Connection
Obtaining necessary licenses and certifications is a mandatory step for practicing as a pharmacist in India and enhances employability in specialized roles.
Network and Strategize Career Pathways- (Semester 5-6)
Attend conferences, workshops, and career fairs to network with industry professionals and alumni. Explore different career pathways within clinical pharmacy, research, regulatory affairs, and the pharmaceutical industry, seeking mentorship and guidance.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional pharmacy associations (e.g., IPA, IPGA), Career counseling services
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and invaluable insights into the Indian pharmaceutical landscape, facilitating a smoother transition from academic to professional life.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in 10+2 examination with Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects along with one of the following subjects: Mathematics or Biology. OR A pass in D.Pharm course from an institution approved by Pharmacy Council of India under section 12 of the Pharmacy Act. OR Any other qualification approved by the Pharmacy Council of India.
Duration: 6 years (5 years academic study + 1 year internship)
Credits: 172 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARMD-1.1T | Human Anatomy and Physiology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Human Body, Skeletal and Muscular Systems, Nervous System, Cardiovascular System, Digestive and Respiratory Systems, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems |
| PHARMD-1.1P | Human Anatomy and Physiology (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Study of Human Skeleton, Identification of Organs, Histological Slides Analysis, Blood Grouping Techniques, Urinalysis Procedures |
| PHARMD-1.2T | Pharmaceutics (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Pharmacy, Dosage Forms, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Prescriptions, Sterilization Techniques, Packaging Materials |
| PHARMD-1.2P | Pharmaceutics (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Preparation of various dosage forms, Aseptic techniques, Sterilization methods, Quality control tests, Pharmaceutical packaging |
| PHARMD-1.3T | Medicinal Biochemistry (Theory) | Core | 4 | Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Enzymes and Coenzymes, Vitamins and Minerals, Metabolism of Biomolecules, Bioenergetics, Organ Function Tests |
| PHARMD-1.3P | Medicinal Biochemistry (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Qualitative tests for carbohydrates, Estimation of proteins, Enzyme activity determination, Clinical diagnostic tests, Urine analysis |
| PHARMD-1.4T | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry (Theory) | Core | 4 | Structure and Bonding, Stereoisomerism, Nomenclature of Organic Compounds, Reactions of Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Aromatic Compounds, Heterocyclic Compounds |
| PHARMD-1.4P | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Qualitative analysis of organic compounds, Synthesis of organic compounds, Recrystallization and melting point determination, Chromatographic techniques |
| PHARMD-1.5T | Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry (Theory) | Core | 4 | Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding, Acids, Bases, Buffers, Radioisotopes, Major Intra- and Extracellular Electrolytes, Dental Products, Gastrointestinal Agents |
| PHARMD-1.5P | Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Tests for cations and anions, Limit tests for impurities, Assay of inorganic compounds, Preparation of inorganic pharmaceuticals |
| PHARMD-1.6T | Remedial Mathematics/Biology (Theory) | Elective | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Matrices, Probability, Set Theory, Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Microbiology |
| PHARMD-1.6P | Remedial Mathematics/Biology (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Mathematical problem solving, Biological slide observation, Microscopic techniques, Plant and animal tissue studies |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARMD-2.1T | Pathophysiology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Basic Principles of Cell Injury, Inflammation and Repair, Cardiovascular System Disorders, Respiratory System Disorders, Renal and Endocrine Disorders, Infectious Diseases |
| PHARMD-2.2T | Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Microbiology, Microbial Growth and Control, Sterilization and Disinfection, Immunology, Antimicrobial Agents, Microbial Contamination |
| PHARMD-2.2P | Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Microscopy and Staining, Culture Media Preparation, Sterilization Techniques, Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing, Isolation of Microorganisms |
| PHARMD-2.3T | Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmaceuticals (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Pharmacognosy, Classification of Crude Drugs, Cultivation and Collection of Drugs, Carbohydrates and Lipids, Alkaloids and Glycosides, Resins and Tannins |
| PHARMD-2.3P | Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmaceuticals (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Microscopic examination of crude drugs, Macroscopic identification, Chemical tests for various constituents, Extraction and isolation of phytoconstituents |
| PHARMD-2.4T | Pharmacology – I (Theory) | Core | 4 | General Pharmacology, Autonomic Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, Central Nervous System, Autacoids, Drug Discovery and Development |
| PHARMD-2.5T | Community Pharmacy (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Community Pharmacy, Professional Responsibilities, Patient Counseling, OTC Medications, Pharmacy Management, Public Health Programs |
| PHARMD-2.5P | Community Pharmacy (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Drug dispensing practice, Patient counseling scenarios, Inventory management simulations, Communication skills development, Prescription handling |
| PHARMD-2.6T | Pharmacotherapeutics – I (Theory) | Core | 4 | General Principles of Pharmacotherapeutics, Infectious Diseases, Cardiovascular System Disorders, Respiratory System Disorders, Endocrine Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARMD-3.1T | Pharmacology – II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Chemotherapy, Drugs Affecting Blood, Drugs Affecting Renal System, Immunopharmacology, Endocrine Pharmacology, Molecular Pharmacology |
| PHARMD-3.2T | Pharmaceutical Analysis (Theory) | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Analysis, Acid-Base Titrations, Redox Titrations, Spectrophotometry, Chromatography, Electrochemical Methods |
| PHARMD-3.2P | Pharmaceutical Analysis (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Titrimetric analysis, UV-Visible spectrophotometry, HPLC and GC analysis, Quality control of drug samples, Potentiometric titrations |
| PHARMD-3.3T | Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence (Theory) | Core | 4 | Indian Pharmaceutical Legislation, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Pharmacy Act, 1948, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, Patents Act, 1970 |
| PHARMD-3.4T | Medicinal Chemistry (Theory) | Core | 4 | Principles of Drug Design, Structure-Activity Relationships, Anti-infective Agents, Cardiovascular Drugs, CNS Drugs, Anticancer Agents |
| PHARMD-3.4P | Medicinal Chemistry (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Synthesis of selected medicinally important compounds, Qualitative tests for functional groups, Determination of physicochemical properties, Analytical techniques for drug substances |
| PHARMD-3.5T | Pharmaceutical Formulations (Theory) | Core | 4 | Preformulation Studies, Solid Dosage Forms, Liquid Oral Dosage Forms, Parenterals and Ophthalmic Preparations, Semisolid Dosage Forms, Novel Drug Delivery Systems |
| PHARMD-3.5P | Pharmaceutical Formulations (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Preparation of tablets and capsules, Formulation of syrups and suspensions, Sterile product preparation, Quality control tests for dosage forms, Packaging and labeling |
| PHARMD-3.6T | Pharmacotherapeutics – II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Neurological Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders, Rheumatological Disorders, Oncology, Ophthalmic and Dermatological Disorders, Geriatric Pharmacotherapy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARMD-4.1T | Pharmacology – III (Theory) | Core | 4 | Drugs Acting on Respiratory System, Gastrointestinal System, Haemopoietic System, Drug Interactions, Adverse Drug Reactions, Bioassays |
| PHARMD-4.2T | Pharmaceutical Marketing (Theory) | Core | 4 | Marketing Concepts, Product Life Cycle, Marketing Mix, Sales Management, Market Research, Ethical Marketing |
| PHARMD-4.3T | Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics (Theory) | Core | 4 | Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME), Bioavailability and Bioequivalence, Pharmacokinetic Models, Drug Clearance, Protein Binding, Dosage Regimen Design |
| PHARMD-4.4T | Hospital Pharmacy (Theory) | Core | 4 | Organization of Hospital Pharmacy, Drug Procurement and Storage, Inventory Control, Drug Distribution Systems, Sterile Product Preparation, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee |
| PHARMD-4.4P | Hospital Pharmacy (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Drug storage and management, Prescription order processing, Sterile product preparation demonstrations, Medication error identification, Drug information services simulation |
| PHARMD-4.5T | Clinical Pharmacy (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy, Patient Data Collection, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Drug Information Services, Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring, Medication Reconciliation |
| PHARMD-4.5P | Clinical Pharmacy (Practical) | Lab | 1 | Patient case discussion, Drug information query response, ADR reporting and analysis, Patient counseling techniques, Ward round participation simulations |
| PHARMD-4.6T | Pharmacotherapeutics – III (Theory) | Core | 4 | Hepatic and Renal Disorders, Nutritional Disorders, Pediatric Pharmacotherapy, Obstetric and Gynecological Pharmacotherapy, Dental Pharmacotherapy, Surgical Pharmacotherapy |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARMD-5.1T | Clinical Research (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Clinical Research, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Clinical Trial Design, Phases of Clinical Trials, Regulatory Requirements, Ethics in Clinical Research |
| PHARMD-5.2T | Biostatistics and Research Methodology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Biostatistics, Measures of Central Tendency, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression, Research Design, Data Collection and Presentation |
| PHARMD-5.3T | Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacotherapeutic Drug Monitoring (Theory) | Core | 4 | Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Principles, Pharmacokinetic Variability, Dosage Adjustments, Population Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Application of PK/PD, Special Patient Populations |
| PHARMD-5.4T | Clinical Toxicology (Theory) | Core | 4 | General Principles of Toxicology, Management of Poisoning, Drug Overdose, Environmental Toxicology, Food Toxicology, Occupational Toxicology |
| PHARMD-5.5P | Clinical Rotations (Practical) | Practical | 8 | Ward rounds and patient interaction, Case discussions and presentations, Drug therapy review, Patient counseling, Documentation of clinical activities |
| PHARMD-5.6P | Project Work (Practical) | Project | 8 | Research question formulation, Literature review, Methodology design, Data collection and analysis, Thesis writing and presentation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHARMD-6.1P | Internship / Residency (Practical) | Internship | 30 | Hospital Pharmacy Services, Drug Information Center, Clinical Ward Rounds, Pharmacovigilance, Patient Counseling, Research Project Completion |
