M. Pharm in Pharmaceutics – an advanced Pharmaceutical Course in West Bengal

Good news for students who are interested in the science of drug development, formulation, manufacturing and delivery systems! An advanced post graduate program is designed and launched in form of the Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm.) in Pharmaceuticals which focuses on the study of dosage forms, drug manufacturing processes and delivery systems. The innovatively designed course curriculum equips graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to build up a satisfactory career in the pharmaceutical industry. After successfully completing the course, the students not only earn a degree but are also capable to take up different roles related to research, development, manufacturing and even regulation of pharmaceuticals.

This carefully designed course is surely one of the top programs in the field of pharmaceutics. It provides in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical science as well as hands-on experience in modern laboratories. The M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics is thoroughly a job-oriented program with significant opportunities of building a prosperous and satisfactory career in both private and public sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and regulatory bodies.

Eligibility for Admission in M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics

A candidate has to meet the following criteria to satisfy the admission eligibility for the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program.

Academic qualification – A candidate must obtain a Bachelor of Pharmacy or B. Pharm. Degree with a minimum aggregate of 55% from any recognized institution. The cut off minimum aggregate is 50% for candidates belonging to reserved categories.

Entrance clearance – In addition to the academic qualification mentioned above a candidate must clear an entrance examination (either national or university level) like GPAT. Alternatively the candidate may also clear the entrance test conducted by the institution.

Age Bar

Currently, there is no specific age limit for candidates to seek admission to the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program.

Norms and Curriculum

The curriculum of the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics is strictly based on the guidelines set by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education). The curriculum covers detailed coursework on advanced pharmaceutical technologies, research methodology, drug formulation and regulatory affairs.

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Career growth and Employment options

The M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program is carefully designed to cater to the various requirements of the pharmaceutical sector. The PG program opens up diverse career options within the domain of pharmaceutical industry. Successful candidates after achieving the Master’s Degree can explore opportunities in:

Pharmaceutical companies – They can shoulder responsibilities in formulation of drugs, research, manufacturing and production, quality control and other areas. They can take up the roles of Formulation Scientist, Quality Assurance Manager, Regulatory Affairs Specialist and Production Manager, etc.

Research and Development (R&D) – They may join various research labs and institutions and work on discovering and formulation of brand new drugs. They may even contribute with their knowledge and effort in improving drug delivery systems. Moreover, they also have the option of pursuing career in clinical trials and research on biopharmaceutical products.

Academics and education – After completing post graduation in Pharmaceutics one may also opt for a career in academics, working as professor or lecturer in pharmacy colleges and universities. While serving in the capacity of an academician one can also devote to teaching and research.

Government and Regulatory Bodies – On completing an M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics candidates can seek job opportunities in various government organizations like the FDA and regulatory bodies where they can ensure compliance on pharmaceutical regulations and drug safety standards.

Career opportunities overseas – The demand for pharmaceutical expertise is growing at a steady rate across the world. As a result candidates after achieving the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics degree can find themselves in excellent positions in multinational pharmaceutical companies and research organizations busy flourish their international careers.

FAQs:

How does the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics vary from other specialization programs in pharmacy?

The primary focus of the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program is on formulation and development of drugs and the relevant delivery systems. It particularly deals with the science behind creating brand new medicines. In addition to that it also deals with other relevant aspects like optimizing dosage forms, improving the efficacy as well as stability of drugs and others. In contrast to these aspects other specialization programs like Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology focus on complete different aspects like chemical properties of drugs, mechanisms of various drugs and biochemical interactions, etc.

After completing the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program successfully, can I pursue a Ph. D.?

Yes, it is possible to pursue a Ph. D. after successful completion of the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics provided one chooses a relevant field to work in – like pharmaceutical sciences, drug delivery and pharmaceutics, etc. A Ph. D. further strengthens one’s claim to opportunities in advanced research, better academic careers and higher positions in the pharmaceutical industry.

Usually what types of research projects are undertaken during the course?

As far as the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program is concerned varied research projects based on varieties of topics are undertaken and the examples include nanotechnology in drug formulation, stability testing of pharmaceutical products, development of novel drug delivery systems and bioavailability enhancement to name a few. These types of projects enable students apply their theoretical knowledge to the challenges of the real world faced in drug formulation and delivery.

How does the curriculum of the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program syncs with the present-day? 

The curriculum is carefully designed with help of experts from the pharmaceutical industry and covers the latest breakthroughs in pharmaceutical technology as well as the ongoing regulatory standards and manufacturing practices. In order to provide students with hands on experience about the industry the curriculum stresses on internships, workshops and practical sessions that are designed as per the latest requirements of the industry. 

Does this Master’s program offer opportunities for international internships or collaborations? 

There are several institutions that offer students with opportunities for global exposure and this is mostly done through internships with multinational pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. In addition to that the institutions get into collaboration with research labs in foreign countries and student exchange programs with foreign universities. Each of these measures helps students get a firsthand feel of various aspects related to pharmaceuticals and drug development around the world.

Armed with an M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics how can one contribute to regulatory affairs?

This M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program is designed in a way so as to cover a number of key topics critical for roles in regulatory affairs. Some of these topics include GMP or Good Manufacturing Practices, FDA guidelines and ICH guidelines, etc. Post graduates who are armed with this specialization found themselves properly equipped to navigate the challenging landscape of complex regulations and norms that exist across both domestic and international drug markets.

Is it possible to launch my own pharmaceutical manufacturing unit after completion of this Master’s degree program?

Yes, it is possible for start up your own pharmaceutical manufacturing business after successfully completing this M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program. The carefully tailored program develops one’s abilities in drug formulation, manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements. Armed with the specific knowledge and skills it is possible for one to set up a small scale manufacturing unit or contract manufacturing business although it is necessary to obtain the necessary licenses and comply with the relevant regulations imposed by the government in order to float one’s own business.

How is the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics effective in preparing students to take part and contribute to clinical trials?

The M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program is designed cautiously to include elements of clinical trial and its designing. The course also covers other critical and relevant aspects like pharmacokinetics, and bioequivalence studies to prepare students for roles in clinical research organizations (or CROs) and pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials. In depth knowledge of the regulatory requirements involved in clinical trials also makes these post graduates a valuable asset in the said field. 

Does the course cover nanotechnology and is there any scope at all for nanotechnology in pharmaceutics?

Nanotechnology has immense scope in the domain of pharmaceutics; in fact it is supposed to be an emerging field when the world of pharmaceutics is concerned. As of now the focus is mostly on creating nano particles to facilitate targeted drug delivery. Moreover the ongoing researches on nanotechnology involve enhancement of drug solubility and bioavailability. The M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program covers specific modules on nano drug delivery systems. Thus the students after successful completing of the post graduate program can get into research on the cutting-edge subject.

What about various skill developments through the M. Pharm. in Pharmaceutics program that will prove helpful in the pharmaceutical industry? 

The post graduate program is tailored with the aim to help students develop the key skill sets that will take them miles along their career in pharmaceutical industry. The key skills that are given the utmost priority include formulation development, analytical techniques, quality control, problem-solving and research methodologies. Along with that a clear understanding of regulatory affairs, communication, project management and leadership skills are also honed among students through collaborative research and real time exposure to the industry.