
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Degrees offered: B.E /B.Tech, B.Sc., B.Sc.(Hons), B.Voc., BS, Diploma, Dual Degree
What is Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a branch of chemistry which deals with the study of organic chemistry (molecules and compounds) in combination with structural & chemical biology and pharmacology for producing pharmaceutical drugs and medicines. The design, structure and synthesis of pharmaceuticals and biologically active molecules are a part of this branch.
M.Sc. (Master of Science) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a postgraduate course of two years in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. The course of four semesters revolves around the development and in-depth study of drugs and medicines.
It includes the various methods, techniques and analysis for the synthesis and development of drugs which can be remedial for different types of diseases. Most of the activity in this course is lab-based. The course aims to enhance the speed with which new medicines are made and delivered to the market.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The general eligibility criteria for getting admission into M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) is as follows:
B.Sc. from a reputed institute
At least 50% aggregate in B.Sc.
Please note that the eligibility criteria can differ from college to college depending upon the latest trends.
Entrance Exams for Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Many colleges do not have any entrance exams for admission into M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry). They take suitable candidates based on their past merit record of B.Sc. However, some colleges do take entrance exams for admissions, like:
Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test (IIT JAM)- Joint Admission Test (JAT) is conducted for M.Sc. courses by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). The IIT JAM scores are considered by many colleges.
Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test (BHU PET)-Banaras Hindu University, formerly known as Central Hindu College, is based in Varanasi. BHU PET is conducted for admission into various postgraduate courses like M.Sc.
Calicut University PG Entrance Exam- Calicut University is located in Kerala. It is a state university that conducts Postgraduate Entrance Exam for admission into M.Sc. program.
Kerala University M.Sc. Chemistry Entrance Exam- Kerala University is also a state university located in Kerala. For M.Sc., it considers the CSS PG exam.
Cochin University of Science and Technology Common Admission Test (CUSAT CAT)- A common entrance test, called Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted by Cochin University of Science and Technology of Cochin for admission into M.Sc. and other PG programs.
Madurai Kamraj University Entrance Test- Madurai Kamraj University is a public university in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It conducts a separate entrance exam and offers two kinds of postgraduate courses – national level and state level.
Osmania University Common Entrance Test (OUCET)- Located in Telangana, Osmania University is a public state university which conducts a Common PG Entrance Test (CPGET) also called OUCET for admission into PG courses.
Mahatma Gandhi University Common Admission Test (MGUCAT)- Mahatma Gandhi University is a university in New Delhi, India and it conducts an objective type entrance test known as Common Admission Test (CAT) for M.Sc. and other PG course.
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Pharmaceutical Chemistry in India and Abroad
Pharmaceutical Chemistry is the most important branch of Pharmacy. It includes everything about the processes of drug development and distribution. The pharmaceutical industry is expanding day by day with the growth of medical fields worldwide.
The demand for drugs and medicines is increasing with advancements in discoveries, treatments and increasing illnesses. People with a post-graduate degree in M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) have many opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, colleges, universities, biomedical and chemical industries, hospitals, laboratories, and even in the armed forces and defence services.
There are many pharmacy jobs available abroad as well. Countries like the US, Germany, Japan have the best pharmaceutical industry in the world and they provide numerous job opportunities for people from all over the world. With the latest technologies and trends, the opportunities are also increasing with each passing year.
Pharmaceutical experts are generally employed in:
Pharmaceutical companies or factories
Research Centers
Laboratories in schools and government
Manufacturing industries
Food industries
Product marketing agencies
Health Centers
Clinics
Drug Control Administration
Medical Stores
Colleges and Universities
Course Fees Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Private | Government | Private | Government | |
UG | ||||
PG | ||||
DOCTORAL | ||||
DIPLOMA |
Course Subjects
Year – 1
The theory subjects covered in the first year are:
1. Advanced Organic Chemistry
2. Pharmaceutical Chemistry – I
3. Chemical and Instrumental Methods of Drug Analysis
4. Advanced Chromatographic Techniques
5. Pharmaceutical Chemistry – II
6. Bio-Organic Chemistry
7. Phyto-chemistry
8. Communicative English – I
The laboratory subjects in the first year are:
1. Organic Synthesis Lab
2. Medicinal Chemistry Lab
3. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab
Year – 2
The theory subjects covered in the second year are:
1. Process Chemistry in the Pharmaceutical Industry
2. Medicinal Chemistry
3. Analytical Techniques in Chemistry
4. Computer Application/Basics
5. Pharmaceutical Quality Control and Quality Assurance
6. Enzyme Technology
7. Communicative English – II
The laboratory subjects in the second year are:
1. Phyto-chemistry Lab
2. Computer Application/Basics Lab
3. Chemical Methods of Drug Analysis Lab
4. Project Work
At the end of the second year, students are required to submit a unique practical project with its report. The working project is made either in a group or individually.
Careers in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The course of M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) opens the door to a lot of opportunities out there in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The drug development and other pharmaceutical processes become a part of your gained knowledge. You can work as a research scientist, research officer, quality manager, data entry specialist, chemist, professor, patent analyst and so much more. The course helps you to explore domains like hospitals, health centres, research centres, laboratories, and factories, etc. It is a good career option.
Upcoming trends
The pharmaceutical industry is open to new trends in the technologies for a very long time. It has been evolving with the adaption of the latest discoveries and inventions in the field. Here are some of the technologies being used in the pharmaceutical industry:
3D Printing Drugs
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Augmented and Virtual Reality
IoT Integration
Blockchain
Organs on chips
Digitization through apps
Automation
There have been many trends in pharmaceutical industries which have transformed the course of industry in a good way. The latest and upcoming trends include:
Continuous Manufacturing
Faster and cheaper AI Drugs
Patient Involvement in Drug Design
No harm to animals and humans
High-tech distribution – Supply Chain
New drug strategies
Expansion of similar markets for discovery explorations
Use of Big Data and AI for preventive measures
Legalization of medical marijuana for adult use
Targeting RNAs with small molecules
Phenotypic Screening
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Job Profiles for Pharmaceutical Chemistry Graduates
Some top job profiles offered after completion of M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) are:
Job Profile | Description |
Research Scientist | Responsible for analysis, planning and design of drugs. They analyze data obtained from laboratories and research about it. |
Responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative research of medicines and the substances used in pharmacy. | |
Professor or High School Teacher | Responsible for teaching chemistry subjects to school students or college students. |
Research Officer | Responsible for collecting data according to the goals along with team members. |
Quality Control & Quality Assurance Analyst | Responsible for keeping a check on the quality of pharmaceutical products and supervises the processes for quality assurance. |
Scientific Data Entry Specialist | Responsible for entering data into a system and maintaining the data record and reports. |
Pharmaceutical Patent Analyst | Responsible for analyzing and summarizing the key features and areas of the content of a patent. |
Laboratory Assistant | Responsible for taking care of lab equipment – arranging and organizing – and assist in case of any help required during experiments or classes being carried out in the labs. |
Operations or Assistant Manager | Responsible for looking after and helping in the operational functionality of the various activities involved in different processes. |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Top Recruiters
The top recruiters for M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) graduates are as follows:
- Indian Institute of Technology
- Kosher Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd.
- Hygro Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
- Novartis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd
- IMS Health
- Bakson Drugs Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
- Locusera Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
- Value Edge Research
- Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
- Dr Lal Path Laboratories
- Gratis labs Ltd.
- Hemmo Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
- Jubilant
- Biocon
- Syngene International Ltd.
- Parexel
- NCBS
- TIFR
Recruitment is generally in the following areas:
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Research Centers
- Colleges and Universities
- Health Centers
- Laboratories in schools and government
- Food industries
- Product marketing agencies
- Clinics
- Manufacturing industries
- Drug Control Administration
- Medical Stores
Average Salary
The average salaries of a few top-most profiles in Pharmaceutical Chemistry are shown below. These figures are only for reference and the actual salaries might differ.
Job Profile | Average Salary |
Research Scientist | Rs. 7 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Professor | Rs. 8 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Research Officer | Rs. 7.5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Assistant Manager | Rs. 6 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Data Entry Specialist | Rs. 4.5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Required Skillset for Pharmaceutical Chemistry
M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) candidates are expected to have the following skills in them:
Prior knowledge of science subjects on tips
Analytical capabilities for good research work and evaluation
Project management and leadership skills
Soft skills like work ethics, adaptability, problem-solving skills, flexibility, team player attitude, and emotional intelligence
Good knowledge of computers and technology
Course Curriculum for Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The M.Sc. course in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a two-year-long course with four semesters. Every year has three laboratory subjects and many theory subjects. English subject is a part of both the years. At the end of the second year, project work is to be submitted on a compulsory basis.
This PG course has subjects which revolve around the following:
Various chemical reactions involved in drug development
Different specialities of Chemistry like organic, physical and analytical
Understanding the action of drugs and their medium
Building the foundation of many manufacturing and synthesis processes
Popular Pharmaceutical Chemistry Entrance Exams in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How can I be eligible for this course?
Answer :
To be eligible for M.Sc. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry), you need to hold a B.Sc. degree in any speciality and have at least 50% aggregate in the general category. (45% or lower for other categories like SC, ST, OBC, etc.)
Question: How is the scope like in pharmaceutical chemistry?
Answer :
The scope is quite good and promising in terms of exposure, salary and knowledge. There are many new technologies and trends like 3D printing, AI, and ML, etc. which have widened the scope of pharmaceutical chemistry and industry immensely.
Question: Can I do M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry after doing B.Sc. in Pharmacy?
Answer :
Yes, you can. But all colleges and universities do not offer this facility. So, it depends on which college you are looking up to and their eligibility criteria.
Question: How much salary can one expect after completing M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry?
Answer :
As a fresher, you can expect a starting salary of INR 3 to 4 Lakhs. Based on your merit, it can also be as high as INR 12 Lakhs. With time, experience, and improved skillset, you can expect much higher salaries.
Question: What is pharmaceutical chemistry?
Answer :
It is the branch of Chemistry which involves the study of drugs, various chemical substances and processes involved in drug development and manufacturing.
Questions related to Pharmaceutical Chemistry
colleges for MSc in pharmaceutical chemistry in Karnataka
Hey aspirant
Here is a list of top pharmaceutical chemistry colleges in Karnataka:
1. JSS COLLEGE of Pharmacy, Mysore
2. Dayanand Sagar University, Bangalore
3. Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science, Manipal
4. Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bangalore
5. Government Pharmacy College, Bangalore
6. KLE College of Pharmacy, Belgium
7. PES COLLEGE of Pharmacy, Bangalore
8. Bharathi College of Pharmacy, Mandy
You can get details of these colleges here https://pharmacy.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-pharmaceutical-chemistry-colleges-in-karnataka
Hope this helps
mac pharmaceutical chemistry degree is eligible to apply medical store licence
Hello Student
MSc pharmaceutical chemistry degree holder can open a medical store as a chemist and go on with his business. But he is not eligible to get medical store licence as pharmacist.
To get the medical store licence candidate has to complete diploma in pharmacy& be a 12 science passed candidates..
Hope this helps.
Does VIT vellore offers 100% for msc drug chemistry and msc pharmaceutical chemistry
Hello student,
I hope you are doing well.
We are here to help but I request you to please add some more specification in your question. You wrote 100% but haven't mentioned what (like placement, scholarship, etc.). Please add this info to your question this will help us answer your question in a better manner.
Further I will recommend you to visit the official website of the institute and have a look at the their scholarship or placement norms or whatever your question is about. As the information provided there will be authentic and up-to-date.
Thank You!
does VIT vellore offer 100% placement in reputed companies for msc drug chemistry and msc pharmaceutical chemistry through campus interview
Hello
Talking about placement in vit vellore than it is around 80 to 90% in msc drug and pharmaceutical branch . Average salary package offer in vit vellore is around 5 to 7 lakh per annum. Top companies visiting are Dr reddy's laboratories, Hindustan unilever,biocon etc .
Good Luck
M.pharm pharmaceutical chemistry course offered or not ?
There are many institutes which offer this course of course. I'll enlist some names..
- Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai
- Bombay College of Pharmacy Mumbai
- Birla institute of technology Ranchi
- University of Pharmaceutical Science Chandigarh
- Indian Institute of Technology Varanasi
M.Pharm. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a 2-year postgraduate course in pharmacy, spread over 4 semesters. The eligibility for this course is bachelors degree in pharmacy with minimum aggregate marks as required by the institute.
There are lots of career options and scopes also available for the postgradhates of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Refer to our site for further detailed information..
https://pharmacy.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-pharmaceutical-chemistry-colleges-in-india
Best wishes. Thank you.