Pharmacists must master the principles of biology. A biology course in a pharmacy program will help students understand the major concepts, including cell function and structure, DNA structure, respiration, evolution and photosynthesis. Advanced courses in biology will cover genetics, molecular biology and physiology. Biology courses will include both lectures and laboratories, during which students must apply the knowledge they've acquired.
An anatomy and physiology course helps students gain an understanding of body tissues and systems. Students will also further their knowledge of topics such as muscle contraction, spinal cord and reflexes, the nervous system and the endocrine system. The courses help students to recognize and predict symptoms of diseases and recommend treatments.
Pharmacy students need to complete general, physical and organic chemistry courses. Students in physical chemistry courses focus on thermodynamics and chemical kinetics and how they can be applied to pharmaceutical principles, including drug design. In organic chemistry courses, students study carbon compounds that have pharmaceutical and physiological significance. Laboratory experiments in these courses include synthesis of organic compounds.
In general pathology courses, students delve into diseases and what effects they have on patients. Students become versed in the language of diseases, and further their knowledge of topics such as cell injury, inflammation and genetic disorders.
Students take courses on specific categories of drugs and the functions they provide. For instance, an endocrine and immunopharmacology course covers endocrine drugs and drugs that prevent inflammation. The course focuses on anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamine drugs and treatment of diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and pituitary disorders.
Students will take a number of classes to help them gain an in-depth understanding of the pharmacy field. Such courses may include pharmaceutical calculations. These courses give students an overview of these calculations and how to perform them quickly in a work environment. Students may also take a pharmacy practice course, in which they learn about principles of professional conduct and pharmacy law.