The Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy was established in 1987 to provide advanced knowledge and expertise in key areas such as Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, and Natural Product Chemistry, by offering a wide range of courses designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for careers in pharmaceutical sciences and related fields.
At the undergraduate level, the department contributes to the study program by offering core courses in Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, and Natural Product Chemistry. Additionally, students can choose from a variety of elective courses, including Drug Design, Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, Drug Discovery from Nature, Poisonous Plants, and Elemental Analysis of Medicines, among others. These courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the chemical and biological aspects of drug development and natural product research.
In the academic year 2000/2001, the department expanded its academic offerings by introducing a Master's degree program in Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy. This program was later divided into two specialized tracks: Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy. Students pursuing an M.S. degree have two pathways to graduation. Thesis track requires the completion of 25 credit hours of coursework, along with 9 credit hours dedicated to a research project. The non-thesis track involves completing 34 credit hours of coursework and passing a comprehensive exam, which assesses the student's mastery of the subject matter and readiness for advanced research or professional practice. The comprehensive exam is a critical component of the program, ensuring that graduates possess a deep and well-rounded understanding of the field.
Additionally, the department contributes to the BSc program of Pharmaceutical and Biological Manufacturing, introduced by the Faculty of Pharmacy in 2023-2024, by teaching cores courses tailored for the program and focusing on drug stability and drug design of both small drug compounds and for biological compounds.
The department is also actively engaged in cutting-edge research, with faculty members conducting studies in areas such as drug design and synthesis, isolation and characterization of biologically active compounds, and drug analysis. Collaborative research projects and interdisciplinary studies are encouraged, fostering innovation and advancing the field of pharmaceutical sciences.
The department's curriculum covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including:
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry: Focused on the methods of preparation, use, stability, and metabolism of pharmaceutical compounds.
- Medicinal Chemistry: Emphasizing the structure-activity relationships of pharmaceutical organic compounds and the principles of drug design.
- Modern Drug Analysis: Covering advanced spectroscopic methods for the identification and analysis of pharmaceutical entities.
- Natural Products: Exploring the extraction, composition, properties, and pharmacological effects of bioactive natural compounds.
- Phytotherapy: Investigating the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic applications of medicinal plants and herbal remedies.
Through its comprehensive academic programs, cutting-edge research, and commitment to professional development, the Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy continues to play a pivotal role in advancing pharmaceutical education and research, preparing students to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving field of drug discovery and development.
