PhD Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry
GITAM’s PhD programme in Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry offers a specialised academic journey designed to help graduates enhance their expertise and advance their knowledge within the field. Focusing on key areas such as Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, this programme delves into the study of medicinal plants and natural products, exploring their chemical properties, biological activities, and therapeutic potential. It is an ideal path for those seeking to contribute to groundbreaking research and innovations in pharmaceutical sciences.
By offering advanced coursework, hands-on laboratory experience, and research opportunities, the programme equips students with the skills required to tackle complex challenges in drug discovery and development. Graduates will develop a deep understanding of natural product chemistry, bioactive compounds, and traditional medicine systems, positioning themselves at the forefront of pharmaceutical research. This PhD programme serves as a foundation for aspiring academicians, researchers, and industry leaders in the field of Pharmacy.
Eligibility
The programme is open to applicants with a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree specialising in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, or Pharm D.
Scope of the Programme
The scope of the PhD Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry programme, is expansive and interdisciplinary. It allows students to explore natural products' role in drug discovery, examining how plant-based compounds contribute to modern therapeutics. Students will engage in advanced research, learning to isolate, analyse, and characterise bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. The programme covers areas such as traditional medicine, herbal drug development, and phytochemical analysis, offering broad applications in both academic and industrial research settings.
Graduates of the programme are well-positioned for a range of career paths, from academia and research institutions to pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies. The demand for experts in natural product-based drug discovery and sustainable pharmacological solutions continues to grow globally. This PhD equips students with the tools to contribute to the development of new drugs, dietary supplements, and therapeutic agents, making it a highly relevant and future-oriented programme.
Key Highlights
Application Domain Experience of Faculty
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmacology
Infrastructure
- SAIF Facilities – FACS & Confocal Microscopy
- Electrospinning Equipment
- 500 MHz NMR (Brucker)
- LC MS – Triple Quad and HRMS
Application Centres of Excellence
- Drug Discovery
- Novel Drug Delivery
- Biomedical Devices
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
Research Centres
- MURTI Nanoparticle Drug Delivery
- MURTI Synthesis & Screening of New Drug Molecules
Industry & Academic Collaborations
- Divi's Laboratories
- Botanic Health Care
- Aquity Solutions
- Taylor University Malaysia
- University of North Carolina
Venture Development Centre
- Mandatory 2-credit venture development course
- Transcending disciplinary boundaries
- Hands-on learning
- Innovative product creation with business potential
Syllabus
The curriculum is designed in accordance with the guidelines of the Pharmacy Council of India, ensuring that it meets the requirements of both the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
Standard track course offerings
- Pharmacovigilance
- Regulatory Affairs
- Computer Aided Drug Design
- Drug Analysis
- Biotechnology
- Pharmacological Screening Methods
Specialisation course bundles offered
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
Career Options
After pursuing a PhD in Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, individuals can explore a wide range of career options, particularly in India, due to the growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Graduates may find opportunities in research and development (R&D) within both government and private organisations. They can become researchers or scientists in fields such as drug discovery, pharmacology, or bioinformatics, contributing to the creation of new medicines and therapies.
India’s pharmaceutical sector, one of the largest globally, offers vast opportunities for PhD holders in Pharmaceutics. As a top exporter of pharmaceuticals to over 200 countries, the industry is expected to grow significantly, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10%, reaching $130 billion by 2030.
Moreover, PhD holders can work in regulatory affairs, clinical trials, and quality control, playing critical roles in ensuring that new drugs meet all safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Graduates from this programme can pursue careers in various sectors such as:
- R&D Scientist (Pharmaceutical/Biotech)
- Clinical Research Associate
- Drug Discovery Specialist
- Pharmacovigilance Officer
- Professor/Academic Researcher
- Quality Control/Quality Assurance Specialist
- Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Bioinformatics Expert
- Cell Biologist or Receptor Biologist
- Pharmaceutical Marketing and Sales
Star Recruiters
School Leadership
Notable Alumni
Dr. K. R. Koteswararao
Drugs inspector
Manasa Peddineni
Scientist III
Harika Kotu
Sr. Manager
Chaitanya Swaroop Mata
Senior Projects Engineer
Marri Sai Sudheer
Manager
Shanthi Rekha
Sr Manager
Infrastructure and Facilities
Fee Structure
Ph.D Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry
| PhD Mode of Admission | Duration | Application Fee | Annual Fee | Processing Fee (Only one time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (Indian Nationals) | 3 Years | INR 1,200 | INR 30,000 | NIL |
| Full-Time (Foreign Nationals) | 3 Years | NIL | USD 2,500 | USD 300 |
| Extramural | 4 Years | INR 1,200 | INR 1,00,000 | NIL |
