A bachelor of pharmacy (B.Pharm) is an undergraduate academic degree in the field of pharmacy. This degree is a basic prerequisite to practice as a pharmacist in many countries. Pharmacists perform the role of associated health professionals to emphasize the efficient use of medications. Pharmacy links health sciences and medical sciences. A degree in pharmacy imparts comprehensive knowledge about the pharmaceutical industry, which largely deals with the development, production and marketing of drugs/medicines.

Pharmacy is a combination of various subjects of pure and applied science, therefore the subjects of first year are devoted in making a strong foundation for students to understand and learn the subjects at later stages. B.Pharm is open for students of mathematics as well as biology, and thus the course at first year level includes mathematics and biology so that they are brought in par with each other. It also includes subjects like Chemistry, English, introduction to Pharmacy, Computer applications, biostatistics, anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. In the 2^nd year, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical engineering, microbiology etc are included. Whereas the 3^rd and 4^th year are so designed that all the arts required for Pharmacy profession are covered. The subjects which form the part of the last 2 years of the course are Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Product, Industrial Management, Pharmaceutical Technology, Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutics etc.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHARMACISTS:

• Pharmacist in Drug Store
• Pharmacist in Hospitals
• Health inspector
• Drug inspector
• Drug/Chemical Technician
• Hospital drug coordinators
• Drug Therapist
• In Pathological laboratory
• Food and Drug administration
• Quality assurance and control
• Pharmaceutical sales and Marketing
• Public testing laboratory
• Cultivation of Medicinal plants
• Pharma trading and Maintenance Service
• Research and Development
• Pharma Education
• Clinical Research
• Pharma industries
• Pharma packaging
• Scientists
• Contract/Clinical Research Organization
• Cosmetic industry
• Pharmaceutical consultancy
• Pharma Allied Business
• Medical Insurance

THE SCOPE AND FUTURE OF B.PHARM GRADUATES:

The future of Pharmaceutical industry holds a wide range of career opportunities for young aspirants. They can work as a pharmacist in the whole sale pharmaceutical companies, in the drug house or in the hospitals. They are in demand in the field of clinical research, drug testing and documentation, quality control, government health departments etc. Today most of the pharmacists involve in clinical trials worldwide, used to evaluate new drug products and in preparing documentation on the effectiveness and safety of new drugs. Pharmacists are involved extensively in the manufacturing, research, quality control and marketing of Pharmaceuticals. One can also undertake post graduate training for careers as academics or research or in specialized fields such as toxicology.

After the completion of B.Pharm, one who wants to continue his/her education can continue with M.Pharm (Master of Pharmacy) a 2 years’ post graduate degree.

DURATION OF B.PHARM COURSE:

The duration of B.Pharm course is 4 years.

ELIGIBILITY FOR B.PHARM - BACHELOR OF PHARMACY COURSE:

The candidate must have completed 10+2 with science stream in chemistry, physics and mathematics/biology/biotechnology with an aggregate of 45% in the board exams. The candidate must have completed 17 years of age. Candidates who have passed D.Pharm with 50% from recognized institution can directly apply for 2^nd year B.Pharm. Then the duration of this course is 3 years.