The D. Pharma (Diploma in Pharmacy) is an undergraduate program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to work as pharmacists. This course covers the fundamentals of pharmacy, drug formulation, dispensing of medicines, and pharmacology, preparing students for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare sector.
Course Duration:
- Typically, the course lasts for 2 years, divided into four semesters.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates should have completed 12th standard (10+2) with subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics from a recognized board. Some institutions may accept students with a background in Commerce as well.
Course Structure and Subjects:
The curriculum of the D. Pharma course is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, and patient care. Some of the core subjects typically covered in the course include:
Year 1:
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Understanding the composition, structure, and properties of drugs.
- Pharmacognosy: Study of medicinal plants and natural sources of drugs.
- Pharmacology: The science of how drugs interact with the body.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Basic knowledge of the human body’s structure and functions.
- Dispensing Pharmacy: The art and science of preparing and dispensing medications.
- Health Education and Community Pharmacy: The role of pharmacy in healthcare and community health awareness.
Year 2:
- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence: The legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice.
- Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics: Study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
- Medicinal Chemistry: Focus on drugs used to treat various diseases.
- Pharmaceutical Analysis: Techniques for the quality control and analysis of drugs.
- Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy: Understanding the role of pharmacists in hospital settings.
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: The use of biological systems in the development of pharmaceuticals.
- Project/Internship: Practical training in a pharmacy setting, typically in the last semester.