Faculty of Pharmacy - Pharmacology & Toxicology
The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, British International University (BIU), is dedicated to exploring the effects of drugs and chemicals on biological systems. This department plays a crucial role in educating future pharmacy professionals about the therapeutic and adverse effects of pharmacological agents, as well as the principles of toxicology that are vital for ensuring patient safety and public health.
Duration: The courses offered by the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry are integrated into the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) program, extending throughout the program’s duration. This ensures that students build a strong foundation in both pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical chemistry as they progress in their studies.
Language of Instruction: All courses in this department are conducted in English, enabling students to access a broad range of scientific literature and participate effectively in international pharmacy practice.
The curriculum in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry covers the following key areas:
Pharmacognosy: This area focuses on the study of medicinal plants and natural products. Students learn about the identification, extraction, and characterization of bioactive compounds from natural sources, as well as their therapeutic applications. The department emphasizes the significance of traditional medicine and herbal remedies in contemporary healthcare.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Students explore the chemical properties, synthesis, and analysis of pharmaceutical compounds. This includes understanding structure-activity relationships (SAR), drug design, and formulation chemistry. The curriculum provides students with the tools to develop new medications and assess their quality and efficacy.
Analytical Chemistry: A critical component of the program, this area involves the techniques used to analyze and quantify pharmaceutical compounds. Students gain hands-on experience with chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, which are essential for ensuring drug purity and quality control.
Natural Product Chemistry: This aspect of the curriculum focuses on the chemistry of natural products, including the study of their biosynthesis and pharmacological effects. Students learn how to isolate, purify, and characterize these compounds, contributing to the discovery of new drugs.
The Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry actively encourages student participation in research activities. Students can engage in projects related to the discovery and development of new pharmaceutical agents from natural sources, as well as the synthesis and analysis of novel compounds. This research experience enhances their understanding of the scientific process and prepares them for future careers in research and development.
The knowledge gained in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry is vital for the development of safe and effective medications. By understanding the chemical basis of drugs and the potential of natural products, pharmacy students are equipped to contribute to pharmaceutical innovation, ensure quality control, and advocate for evidence-based therapeutic practices. This foundation is essential for addressing the evolving challenges in the pharmaceutical field and improving patient health outcomes.