Ieg.ignou.ac.in

UNIVERSAL
SYLLABUS
CERTIFICATE
PHARMACY
ASSISTANT
01: Basic Foundation Course

I. Biology: Cell, tissue, organ concept, disease causing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses,
fungi, protozoans, communicable and non-communicable diseases, brief introduction to
biomolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nucleic acids, vitamins, enzymes, nutrients
requirements & diseases related to them. A brief introduction of the organ systems of the human
body. Brief account of immunity, body fluids (blood, lymph).
II. Chemistry: Concepts of atom, molecule, element, compounds, electron, proton, neutron,
atomic number, mass number, isotopes, radioisotopes, bonds (ionic, covalent, coordinate),
periodic table, forces operating between atoms & molecules. A brief introduction about solids,
liquids, gases. Concept of chemical reactions, types, ions, chemical formulae, pH, buffers, anode,
cathode, E.M.F, oxidation-reduction, acids, bases, salts.
III. Physics: Concepts of electric charge, electric field, magnetic field, conductor, insulator,
dipole, electric current, resistance. A brief introduction about light, reflection, refraction, mirrors,
radiations, penetrating power, waves, photoelectric effect (brief), frequency, wavelength, forces
like centrifugal, centripetal, laws of motion (brief).

02: Fundamental Course
A. (English, PDP, Life skills)
1.Essentials of Grammar: Parts of Speech, Punctuation, Vocabulary Building Phonetics
2.Office Management : Types of Correspondence, Receipt and Dispatch of Mail, Filing Systems,
Classification of Mail, Role & Function of Correspondence, MIS, Managing Computer
3.Letter & Resume Writing : Types of Letters-Formal / Informal, Importance and Function,
Drafting the Applications, Elements of Structure, Preparing the Resume, Do’s & Don’ts of
Resume, Helpful Hints.
4.Presentation Skills: Importance of Presentation Skills, Capturing Data, Voice & Picture
Integration, Guidelines to make Presentation Interesting, Body Language, Voice Modulation,
Audience Awareness, Presentation Plan, Visual Aids, Forms of Layout, Styles of Presentation
5.Interview Preparation: Types of Interview, Preparing for the Interviews Attending the
Interview, Interview Process, Employers Expectations, General Etiquette, Dressing Sense,
Posture & Gesture
6.Group Discussion & Presentation: Definition, Process, Guidelines, Helpful Expressions.
B. (Computer literacy and Entrepreneurial skills)
Computer knowledge; Introduction, Characteristics of Computers, History of Computers,
Generations of Computers, Classification of Computers, Computer Applications, Architecture of
Computers, Computer Architecture and I/O Devices, Basic Structure of a Computer, Random
Access Memory (RAM), Flow of Information, Memory Size, Input/Output Units, Description of
Computer input Device, Key to floppy data entry System, Floppy Disk input unit, Magnetic Hard
Disk, Floppy Disk Drive.Familiarising various compenents & connections.
DOS, What is OS, Getting Started With DOS, and Important Terms. System & file commands.
Directories, sub directories. To Start a Program, To Start Windows, To shutdown your
Computer, To find a file or folder, To copy a file or folder To move a file or folder, To delete a
file or folder, To create a Folder, To Change the name of a file or folder, To print a document,
browsing using Internet Explorer, To move an icon, Switching applications, To permanently
display the taskbar & other features. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Internet.
03: PHARMACEUTICS-I
1. Introduction of different dosage forms. Their classification with examplestheir relative applications. Familiarisation with new drug delivery systems. 2. Introduction to Pharmacopoeias with special reference to the Indian Pharmacopoeia. 3. Metrology-Systems of weights and measures. Calculations including conversion from one to another system. Percentage calculations and adjustments of products. Use of alligation method in calculations, Isotonic solutions. 4. Packing of Pharmaceuticals–Desirable features of container-types of containers. Study of glass and plastics as materials for containers and rubber as material for closures-their merits and demerits. Introduction to aerosol packaging. 5. Size reduction Objectives and factors affecting size reduction, methods of size reduction- Study of Hammer mill, Ball mill, Fluid Energy Mill and Disintegrator. 6. Size separation-Size separation by sifting. Official Standard for powders. Sedimentation methods of size separation. Construction and working of cyclone separator. 7. Mixing and Homogenisation-Liquid mixing and powder mixing, Mixing of semisolids, Study of Silverson Mixer-Homogeniser, Planetary Mixer; Agitated powder mixer; Triple Roller Mill; Propeller Mixer, Colloid Mill and Hand Homogeniser. Double cone mixer. 8. Clarification and Filtration -Theory of filtration, Filter media; Filter aids and selection of filters. Study of the following filtration equipments-Filter Press, Sintered Filters, Filter Candles, and Metafilter. 9. Extraction and Galenicals-(a) Study of percolation and maceration and their modification, continuous hot extraction-Applications in the preparation of tinctures and extracts. (b) Introduction to Ayurvedic dosage forms. 10. Heat processes Evaporation-Definition Factors affecting evaporation-Study of evaporating still and evaporating Pan. 11. Distillation–Simple distillation and Fractional distillation; Steam distillation and vacuum distillation. Study of vacuum still, preparation of Purified Water I.P. and water for injection I.P. Construction and working of the still used for the same. 12. Introduction to drying processes-Study of Tray Dryers: Fluidized Bed Dryer, Vacuum Dryer and Freeze Dryer. 13. Sterilization-Concept of sterilization and its differences from disinfection- Thermal resistance of micro-organisms. Detailed study of the sterilization processes . Aseptic techniques-Application of sterilization processes in hospitals particularly with reference to surgical dressings and intravenous fluids. Precautions for safe and effective handling of sterilization equipment. 14. Processing of Tablets-Definition; Different types of compressed tablets and their properties. Processes involved in the production of tablets; Tablets excipients; Defects in tablets. Evaluation of Tablets; Physical Standards including Disintegration and Dissolution. Tablet coating-sugar coating; film coating, enteric coating and microencapsulation (Tablet coating may be dealt in an elementary manner. 15. Processing of Capsules-Hard and soft gelatin capsules; different sizes capsules; filling of capsules; handling and storage of capsules, Special applications of capsules. 16. Study of immunological products like sera vaccines, toxoids & their preparations. 04: PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY & PHARMACOGNOSY
1. General discussion on the following inorganic compounds including important physical and chemical properties, medicinal and Pharmaceutical uses, storage conditions and chemical incompatibility. A. Acids, bases and buffers Boric acid*, Hydrochloric acid, strong ammonium hydroxide, Calcium hydroxide, Sodium hydroxide and official buffers. B. Antioxidants-Hypophosphorous acid, Sulphur dioxide, Sodium bisulphite, Sodium metabisulphite, Sodium thiosulphate, Nitrogen and Sodium Nitrite. i) Acidifying agents Dilute hydrochloric acid. ii) Antacids-Sodium bicarbonate, Aluminium hydroxide gel, Aluminium Phosphate, Calcium carbonate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium trisilicate, Magnesium oxide, Combinations of antacid preparations. iii) Protectives and Adsorbents -Bismuth subcarbonate and Kaolin. iv) Saline Cathartics-Sodium potassium tartarate and Magnesium sulphate. i. Protectives-Talc, Zinc Oxide, Calamine, Zinc stearate, Titanium dioxide, Silicone polymers. ii. Antimicrobials and Astringents-Hydrogen peroxide*, Potassium permanganate, Chlorinated lime, Iodine, Solutions of Iodine, Povidone-iodine, Boric acid, Borax. Silver nitrate, Mild silver protein, Mercury, Yellow mercuric oxide, Ammoniated mercury. iii. Sulphur and its compounds-Sublimed sulphur precipitated sulphur, selenium sulphide. iv. Astringents:-Alum and Zinc Sulphate. Sodiummetaphosphate, Dicalcium phosphate, Strontium chloride, Zinc chloride. F. Inhalants-Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Nitrous oxide. G. Respiratory stimulants-Ammonium Carbonate. H. Expectorants and Emetics-Ammonium chloride, *Potassium iodide, Antimony Potassium tartarate. 2. Major Intra and Extracellular electrolytes- (A) Electrolytes used for replacement therapy-Sodium chloride and its preparations, Potassium chloride and its preparations. (B) Physiological acid-base balance and electrolytes used-Sodium acetate, Potassium acetate, Sodium bicarbonate injection, Sodium citrate, Potassium citrate, Sodium lactate injection, Ammonium chloride and its injection. (C) Combination of oral electrolyte powders and solutions. 3. Inorganic Official compounds of Iron, Iodine, and, Calcium Ferrous Sulfate and Calcium gluconate. 4. Radio pharmaceuticals and Contrast media-Radio activity-Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiations, Biological effects of radiations, Measurement of radioactivity, G. M. Counter Radio isotopes their uses, storage and precautions with special reference to the official preparations. Radio opaque Contrast media-Barium sulfate. 5. Quality control of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals-Importance of quality control, significant errors, methods used for quality control, sources of impurities in Pharmaceuticals, Limit tests for Arsenic, chloride, sulphate, Iron and Heavy metals. 6. Identification tests for cations and anions as per Indian Pharmacopoeia. Pharmacognosy
1. Definition, history and scope of Pharmacognosy including indigenous system of 2. Various systems of classification of drugs of natural origin. 3. Adulteration and drug evaluation; significance of Pharmacopoeial standards. 4. Brief outline of occurrence, distribution, outline of isolation, identification tests, therapeutic effects and pharmaceutical applications of alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, volatile oils, tannins and resins. 5. Occurrence, distribution, organoleptic evaluation, chemical constituents including tests wherever applicable and therapeutic efficacy of following categories of drugs. (a) Laxatives: Aloes, Rhubarb, Castor oil, Ispaghula, Senna. (c) Carminatives & G.I. regulators -Umbelliferous fruits, Coriander, Fennel, Ajawan, Cardamom Ginger, Black pepper, Asafoetida, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Clove. (e) Drugs acting on nervous system-Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, Aconite, Ashwagandha, Ephedra, Opium, Cannabis, Nux vomica. (g) Antitussives-Vasaka, Tolu balsam, Tulsi. (k) Antidiabetics -Pterocarpus, Gymnema sylvestre. (n) Antiseptics and disinfectants Benzoin, Myrrh. Neem, curcuma. (s) Perfumes and flavouring agents-Peppermint Oil, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Lemon grass Oil, Sandalwood. (t) Pharmaceutical aids-Honey, Arachis Oil, Starch, Kaolin, Pectin, Olive oil, Lanolin, Beeswax, Acacia, Tragacanth, Sodium alginate, Agar, Guar gum, Gelatin. (u) Miscellaneous-Liquorice, Garlic, Picrorrhiza, Dioscorea, Linseed, Shatavari, Shankhapusphi, Pyrethrum, Tobacco. 6. Collection and preparation of crude drug for the market as exemplified by Ergot, opium, Rauwolfia, Digitalis, Senna. 7. Study of source, preparation and identification of fibres used in sutures and surgical dressings-cotton, silk, wool and regenerated fibre. 8. Gross anatomical studies of Senna, Datura, Cinnamon, Cinchona, Fennel, Clove, Ginger, Nux vomica & Ipecacuanha. 06: Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology
1. Introduction to biochemistry. 2. Brief chemistry and role of proteins, polypeptides and amino acids, classification, Qualitative tests, Biological value, Deficiency diseases. 3. Brief chemistry and role of Carbohydrates, Classification, qualitative tests, Diseases related to carbohydrate metabolism. 4. Brief chemistry and role of Lipids, Classification, qualitative tests. Diseases related to lipids metabolism. 5. Brief chemistry and role of Vitamins and Coenzymes. 6. Role of minerals and water in life processes. 7. Enzymes: Brief concept of enzymatic action. Factors affecting it. Therapeutic and Pharmaceutical importance. 8. Brief concept of normal and abnormal metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. 9. Introduction to pathology of blood and urine. (a) Leucocytes, Lymphocytes and Platelets, their role in health and disease. (b) Erythrocytes Abnormal cells and their significance. (c) Abnormal constituents of urine and their significance in diseases. 07: Human Anatomy & Physiology
1. Scope of Anatomy and Physiology. Definition of various terms used in Anatomy
2. Structure of cell, function of its components with special reference to mitochondria and
microsomes.
3. Elementary tissues of the body. i.e. epithelial tissue, muscular tissue, connective tissue and
nervous tissue.
4. Structure and function of skeleton. Classification of joints and their function, Joint disorder.
5. Composition of blood, functions of blood elements. Blood group and coagulation of blood.
Brief information regarding disorders of blood.
6. Name and functions of lymph glands.
7. Structure and functions of various parts of the heart. Arterial and venous systems with special
reference to the names and positions of main arteries and veins. Blood pressure and its recording.
Brief information about cardiovascular disorders.
8. Various parts of respiratory system and their functions. Physiology of respiration.
9. Various parts of urinary system and their functions, structure and functions of kidney.
Physiology of Urine formation. Pathophysiology of renal diseases and oedema.
10. Structure of skeletal muscle. Physiology of muscle contraction, Names, position, attachments and functions of various skeletal muscles. Physiology of neuromuscular junction. 11. Various parts of central nervous system, brain and its parts, functions and reflex action. Anatomy and Physiology of autonomic nervous system. 12. Elementary knowledge of structure and functions of the organs of taste, smell, ear, eye and skin. Physiology of pain. 13. Digestive system; names of the various parts of digestive system and their functions. Structure and functions of liver, physiology of digestion and absorption. 14. Endocrine glands and Hormones. Locations of the glands, their hormones and functions. Pituitary, thyroid, Adrenal and Pancreas. 15. Reproductive system -Physiology and Anatomy of Reproductive system. 08: Health Education & Community Pharmacy

1. Concept of health-Definition of physical health, mental health, social health, spiritual health,
determinants of health, indicators of health, concept of disease, natural history of diseases, the
disease agents, concept of prevention of diseases.
2. Nutrition and health- Classification of foods requirements, disease induced due to deficiency
of proteins, Vitamins and minerals-treatment and prevention.
3. Demography and family planning-Demography cycle, fertility, family planning, contraceptive
methods, behavioural methods, natural family planning method, chemical method, mechanical
methods, hormonal contraceptives, population problem of India.
4. First aid-Emergency treatment in shock, snake-bite, burns poisoning, heart disease, fractures
and resuscitation methods. Elements of minor surgery and dressings.
5. Environment and health-Sources of water supply, water pollution, purification of water, health
and air, noise light-solid waste disposal and control-medical entomology, arthropod borne
diseases and their control, rodents, animals and diseases.
6. Fundamental principles of microbiology classification of microbes, isolation, staining
techniques of organisms of common diseases.
7. Communicable diseases-Causative agents, modes of transmission and prevention.
(a) Respiratory infections-Chicken pox, measles, influenza, diphtheria, whooping cough and
tuberculosis.
(b) Intestinal infections: Poliomyelitis. Hepatitis. Cholera. Typhoid, Food poisoning, Hookworm
infection.
(c) Arthropod borne infections -plague, Malaria, Filariasis.
(d) Surface infections -Rabies, Trachoma, Tetanus, and Leprosy.
(e) Sexually transmitted diseases –Syphilis, Gonorrhea, AIDS.
8. Non-communicable diseases-Causative agents, prevention, care and control; Cancer, Diabetes,
Blindness, Cardiovascular diseases.
9. Epidemiology-Its scope, methods, uses, and dynamics of disease transmission, immunity and
immunization: Immunological products and their dose schedule. Principles of disease control and
prevention, hospital acquired infection, prevention and control. Disinfection, types of
disinfection, disinfection procedures, for faeces, urine, sputum, room linen, dead-bodies,
instruments.

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