The course on Microbiology covers the role of microorganism as well as parasites in health and disease. It deals with the structure, classification and virulence factor of specific microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) as well as the pathogenesis of infectious and parasitic diseases. It also covers methods for the laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology and prevention of various infectious diseases. The principles of sterilization, disinfection, and microbial physiology will also be covered. The lifelong learning skills of application of aseptic techniques as well as safety measures while dealing with microorganisms will be imparted. Importance of the judicious and ethical use of antibiotics as a pharmacist will be emphasized.

Students will be introduced to principles of physical pharmacy required in the formulations of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Emphasis will be placed on methods to determine physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical materials. This will help students in rational decision-making on the most appropriate physicochemical properties to be taken into account prior to pre-formulation studies, which in turn provide further development of stable dosage forms.