D Pharma syllabus is divided into four semesters for the two-year course curriculum. Throughout the entire D Pharma course, students receive academic and practical training related to the pharmaceutical sciences. According to the D Pharma Syllabus, the course curriculum covers the fundamentals of pharmacy education that includes D Pharma subjects such as biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, and chemistry applications in the pharmaceutical sector.
In India, Diploma in Pharmacy (commonly abbreviated as D Pharm or D Pharma) is a credential awarded to students entering tertiary pharmacy education. The Pharma Council of India has introduced the D Pharma course to train individuals as professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. A detailed insight into the D Pharmacy Syllabus and Subjects has been mentioned below.
Mentioned below in the table is a detailed insight into the D Pharmacy Syllabus and Subjects:
Parameters | Details |
---|---|
Course Name | Diploma in Pharmacy |
Also Known As | D Pharma |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Course Duration | 2 Years |
Total No. of Semesters | 4 Semesters |
D Pharma Syllabus Structure | Core Subjects, Projects Submission, Practical Classes, Internal Examinations |
Major D Pharma Subjects | Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology, Drugstore and Business Management, Health Education & Community Pharmacy, Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology & Toxicology. |
Important Books | Human Anatomy and Physiology by V N Raje, Pharmaceutics by R M Mehta, Fundamentals of Pharmacology by Dr K K Bothara and Dr K G Bothara, etc. |
The D Pharmacy subjects according to the 1st Year D Pharma syllabus, introduces students to fundamental/core pharmaceutical aspects that remain common to all. The D Pharmacy subjects in the 2nd Year D Pharma syllabus, provide in-depth study and understanding of particular chemistry, toxicology, etc. principles. Additionally, the application and implementation of concepts learnt during theory sessions are further facilitated through practical lab work. The D Pharma syllabus course structure is as follows:
It must be noted that there are no elective D Pharmacy subjects available to students in the D Pharmacy syllabus since the course offers no specialisations. The course structure is wholly designed to include core subjects.
D Pharma subjects are intended to improve students' knowledge and comprehension of the pharmaceuticals and medications used in medical science. The D Pharmacy syllabus curriculum involves project/dissertation work and theoretical classroom-based instruction to help students better understand the concepts. Common subjects make up the D Pharma syllabus; while they may differ slightly from one college to another, they are all nearly the same. Also, there are only core D Pharmacy subjects as no elective D Pharma subjects are offered in this course. Listed below are the D Pharmacy subjects that will be taught to students over the whole two-year study programme:
The list of D Pharmacy Core Subjects are mentioned below in the table:
Human Anatomy & Physiology | Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology |
---|---|
Pharmacognosy | Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy | Pharmaceutics |
The list of D Pharmacy Elective Subjects are mentioned below in the table:
Pharmacology & Toxicology | Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence |
---|---|
Health Education & Community Pharmacy | Drug store and Business Management |
A semester-wise detailed D Pharmacy Syllabus and Subjects has been mentioned below for students to refer to:
The following table includes the Semester-Wise D Pharma Syllabus for 1st Year that are subdivided into theory and practical. Columns 2 and 3 of the table below show the number of hours devoted to each subject's teaching.
Semester Wise D Pharma Syllabus | Theory Hours | Practical Hours | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Weekly | Yearly | Weekly | Yearly | |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry-I | 3 | 75 | 3 | 75 |
Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology | 2 | 50 | 3 | 75 |
Health Education & Community Pharmacy | 2 | 50 | - | - |
Pharmaceutics-I | 3 | 75 | 4 | 100 |
Pharmacognosy | 3 | 75 | 3 | 75 |
Human Anatomy & Physiology | 3 | 75 | 2 | 50 |
Total Hours | 16 | 400 | 15 | 375 |
The following table includes the Semester-Wise D Pharma Syllabus for 2nd Year that are subdivided into theory and practical. Columns 2 and 3 of the table below show the number of hours devoted to each subject's teaching.
Semester Wise D Pharma Subjects | Theory Hours | Practical Hours | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Weekly | Yearly | Weekly | Yearly | |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II | 4 | 100 | 3 | 75 |
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | 2 | 50 | - | - |
Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy | 3 | 75 | 2 | 50 |
Pharmaceutics-II | 3 | 75 | 4 | 100 |
Pharmacology & Toxicology | 3 | 75 | 2 | 50 |
Drug Store and Business Management | 3 | 75 | - | - |
Total Hours | 18 | 450 | 11 | 275 |
As discussed, D Pharma syllabus is broken down into four semesters over the full-time course duration of two years. Given that the curriculum consists only of core subjects, the D Pharm syllabus is devoted to delivering the basis of Pharmacy. It mainly focuses on preparing, dispensing, and using medications for therapeutic purposes. No specialisations are offered, hence the course syllabus is the same throughout with no electives.
The following table shows the D Pharmacy 1st Year Subjects divided separately for theory and practical lectures:
1st Year D Pharma Syllabus | Topics Covered in Theory | Topics Covered in Practical |
---|---|---|
Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology | Enzymes, Carbohydrates, Introduction to biochemistry, Vitamins, Lipids, Therapeutics (Lymphocytes and Erythrocytes) | Amino acids, Detection and identification of proteins, Carbohydrates and lipids, Analysis of normal and abnormal constituents of Blood and Urine like Alkaline Phosphatase acid, Urea, Glucose, Creatinine, Creatine, Cholesterol, SGPT, Bilirubin, SGOT, Diastase, Calcium, Lipase. Practice in injecting drugs by intramuscular, withdrawal of blood samples, examination of sputum and faeces (microscopic & staining), and Subcutaneous and intravenous routes |
Health Education & community pharmacy | Nutrition and Health, Epidemiology, Concept of Health, Environment and Health, First Aid, Fundamental Principles of Microbiology, Respiratory infections, Arthropod-borne infections, Communicable diseases, Intestinal infection, sexually transmitted diseases, surface infection, Non-communicable diseases | - |
Human Anatomy & Physiology | Sensory Organs, Elementary tissues, Reproductive system, Scope of Anatomy and Physiology, Cardiovascular System, Skeletal System, Respiratory system, Muscular System, Urinary System, Central Nervous System, Digestive System, Endocrine System | Blood Pressure and ECG, Cardiac Muscle, Cardiovascular System, Clotting Time of Blood, Connective Tissue and Nervous Tissues, Determination of RBCs, Digestive System, Ear, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and Haemoglobin Value, Examination of Blood Films for TLC, DLC and Malaria Parasite, Heart Rate, Microscopic Examination of Epithelial Tissue, Pulse, Recording of Body Temperature, Reproductive System Eye, Respiratory System, Skeletal Muscle, Smooth Muscle, Study of the Human Skeleton, Study with the Help of Charts and Models of the Following System and Organs, Urinary System |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry-I | Dental Products, Antidotes, Antioxidants, Acids, bases and buffers, Topical Agents, Gastrointestinal agents, Antimicrobials and Astringents, Expectorants and Emetics, Respiratory stimulants, Major Intra and Extracellular electrolytes, Radiopharmaceuticals and contrast media, Inorganic official compounds, Identification tests for cations and anions, Quality control of drugs and pharmaceuticals | Array of inorganic pharmaceuticals involving each of the following methods of compounds marked with (*) under theory - 1. Acid-Base titrations (at least 3), 2. Redox titrations (one each of permanganometry and iodimetry), 3. Precipitation titrations (at least 2), 4. Complexometric titration (Calcium and Magnesium). Identification tests for inorganic compounds particularly drugs and pharmaceuticals. Limit test for chloride, Sulphate, Arsenic, Iron and heavy metals. |
Pharmaceutics-I | Aseptic techniques, Metrology, Introduction of different dosage forms, Packaging of pharmaceuticals, Introduction to the drying process, Mixing and Homogenization, Size separation, Extraction and Galenicals, Clarification and Filtration, Distillation, Sterilization, Processing of Tablets, Study of immunological products, Processing of Capsules | Capsules (2), Cosmetic preparations (3), Creams (2), Extracts (2), Ophthalmic preparations (2), Preparation of Aromatic waters (3), Preparations involving (2), Preparations involving aseptic techniques (2), Solutions (4), Spirits (2), Tables (2), Tinctures (4) |
Pharmacognosy | Occurrence, distribution, pharmaceutical aids, History and scope of Pharmacognosy, tannins and resins, chemical constituents, Adulteration and drug evaluation, glycosides, various systems of classification of drugs and natural origin, terpenoids, Brief outline of Alkaloids, organoleptic evaluation, volatile oils, and miscellaneous | Gross anatomical studies drugs including, Cinchona, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Datura, Fennel, Ginger, Identification of Fibres and Surgical Dressing, Ipecacuanha, Nux-Vomica, Senna. Identification of drugs by morphological characters. Physical and chemical tests to evaluate drugs wherever required. |
The following table shows the 2nd Year D Pharmacy Subjects divided separately for theory and practical lectures:
D Pharma 2nd Year Syllabus | Topics Covered in Theory | Topics Covered in Practical |
---|---|---|
Pharmacology & Toxicology | Autacoids, Cardiovascular drugs, Chemotherapy of microbial diseases, Disinfectants and antiseptics, Drugs acting on the central Nervous system, Drugs acting on the digestive system, Drugs acting on the respiratory system, Drugs affecting renal function, General mechanism of drugs action, Hormones and hormone antagonists, Introduction to pharmacology, Routes of administration of drugs | Effect of acetylcholine on rectus abdominis muscle of frog and guinea pig ileum. Effect of convulsant and anticonvulsant in mice or rats. Effect of digitalis on frog’s heart. Effect of diphenhydramine in experimentally produced asthma in guinea pigs. Effect of hypnotics in mice. Effect of local anaesthetics on rabbit cornea. Effect of mydriatics and miotics on rabbit’s eye. Effect of potassium and calcium ions, acetylcholine and adrenaline on frog’s heart. Effect of spasmogens and relaxants on rabbit’s intestine. Taming and hypnosis potentiating effect of chlorpromazine in mice/rats. Test for pyrogens. To study the action of strychnine on frogs. |
Pharmaceutics-II | Biphasic Liquid Dosage Forms: Suspensions, Dental and cosmetic preparations, Dispensed Medications, Emulsions, Incompatibilities in prescriptions, Jellies, Liquid oral Dosage forms: Monophasic, Ophthalmic products, Pastes, Posology, Powders, Prescriptions, Semi-Solid Dosage Forms: Ointments, Sterile Dosage forms: Parenteral dosage forms, Sterility testing, Suppositories and pessaries | Dispensing of up to 100 products covering a range of preparations such as solutions, mixtures, emulsions, liniments, and ENT preparations. Ointments, suppositories, powders, incompatible prescriptions, etc. |
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | Latest Drugs (price control) order in force, Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act,1971(as amended to date), Medicinal and Toilet preparations (Excise Duties) Act, 1955 (as amended to date), Narcotic Drugs and psychotropic substances Act,1985, Origin and nature of pharmaceutical legislation in India, Pharmacy Act,1948, Poisons Act, 1919 (as amended to date), Principles and significance of Professional Ethics, The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, 1954 | - |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II | Adrenergic antagonists, Adrenergic drugs, Analgesics and Antipyretics, Antiarrhythmic, Antibiotics, Anticonvulsants, Antidepressant Drugs, Antifungal agents, Antihypertensives & Vitamins, Antileprotic Drugs, Antimalarial Drugs, Antiamoebic and Anthelmintic Drugs, Anti-Neoplastic Drugs, Anti-tubercular Drugs, cardiac glycosides, Cardiovascular Drugs, Cholinergic Antagonists, Coagulants and Anticoagulants, Diagnostic Agents, Diuretic Drugs, General Anaesthetics, Hypnotics, Hypoglycemia Agents, Introduction to the nomenclature of organic chemical systems, Local Anaesthetics, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, Steroidal Drugs, Sulphonamides, The chemistry of pharmaceutical organic compounds (Antiseptics and Disinfectants, Tranquilizers) | Systematic qualitative testing of organic drugs involving solubility determination, detection of elements and functional groups (10 compounds), and melting point and/or boiling point. Official identification tests for certain groups of drugs included in the I.P. like barbiturates, sulphonamides, antibiotics, phenothiazines, etc. (8 compounds). Preparation of three simple organic preparations. |
Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy | Part I: Banking and Finance, Commerce- Introduction, Drug House Management, Recruitment, Sales, training. Part II: Adverse Drug Reactions, Bioavailability of drugs, Clinical Pharmacy- Introduction to Clinical pharmacy practice, Common daily terminology used in the practice of Medicine. Disease, Drug dependencies, Drugs in Clinical Toxicity, manifestation and pathophysiology, Modern dispensing aspects, Physiological parameters with their significance. Drug Interactions | - |
Drug store and Business Management | Part I: Banking and Finance, Commerce- Introduction, Drug House Management, Recruitment, Sales, training. Part II: Accountancy- Introduction to accounting concepts & conventions. | - |
To gain a deeper understanding of the D.Pharma subjects, one must look up to the wide range of important books for D.Pharma syllabus available in both offline and online modes. All aspirants gearing up to pursue a degree in D.Pharma must conduct extensive research on the kinds of books best fitted to aid in comprehending the gist of the subject matter.
The following table mentioned below highlights some of the important books for D.Pharma Syllabus:
Books | Author |
---|---|
Drug Design | V M Kulkarni |
Pharmacognosy I & II | A P Purohit, S B Gokhale and Dr C K Kokate |
Human Anatomy and Physiology | V N Raje |
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | S Chandak |
Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry | Dr K G Bothara |
Pharmaceutics - I | R M Mehta |
Fundamentals of Pharmacology | Dr K K Bothara and Dr K G Bothara |
D Pharm Concise Course in Pharmaceutical Chem -II (second-year) | Dr Jogendra C Hundiwale, MD Usman, Dr MD Rageeb and Ashish B Budhrani |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry - I | A V Kasture |
Compilation of Selected Herbal Drugs | M G Kalaskar and D G Baheti |
Basic Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics | Dr S K Naik |
Health Education & Community Pharmacy | Murugesh |
All students pursuing D Pharm are required to work on a number of projects during their course duration to successfully complete their degree. These mark the practical learning of the theoretical topics as mentioned in the D Pharma syllabus. D Pharm syllabus projects are mandatory to submit towards the end of the fourth semester, and they assist the students in gaining hands-on experience on the fundamentals of the course perspective.
Some popular projects topics included into the D Pharmacy subjects are listed below:
D Pharma syllabus preparations require an unparalleled amount of focus and hard work. The D Pharma syllabus curriculum provides an extensive knowledge of the field, making it a great opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the field. While many are of the opinion that D Pharma Syllabus preparation is somewhat difficult, the overall difficulty of D Pharma Syllabus is moderate.Thus, mentioned below are some tips for D Pharma Syllabus preparations, for students to glance through:
Some of the difficult D Pharmacy subjects as per the course syllabus are Pharmaceutical Calculations, Pharmacology I and II, Pharmacognosy and Plant Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Microbiology and Public Health.
There are six D Pharmacy Subjects in the 1st Year of the course, namely, Pharmaceutics - I, Pharmaceutical Chemistry - I, Pharmacognosy, Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Health Education & community pharmacy.
Some courses might be difficult but it does not mean it is impossible to crack. Every year number of students get through and becomes registered pharmacists.
There are plenty of opportunities in the private and government sectors. They can work in Government hospitals or private hospitals, community health centers, private drug stores, etc.
If you wish to pursue entrepreneurship and work in your own pharmacy then a D Pharma program is best suited for you. On the other hand, if you want to pursue research-based jobs and higher education in pharmaceutical science then a B Pharma is the right program for you.
The core subjects in D Pharmacy are Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology.
One should have an extensive knowledge of the D Pharma syllabus and prepare according to the marking scheme. Practice, self-test and revision is a great way to complete the entire D Pharma syllabus. One should refer to the best text books and reference books available in the market.