Pharmacy is one of the medical specialties that dates back to the early 19th century. Specialists in medicine and drugs used to formulate medications and analgesics from natural substances and chemical compounds to obtain effective drugs that help doctors treat patients and ensure their health conditions. Therefore, pharmacy specialization requires strong research-based studies that rely on scientific research and the study of chemical substances and various elements to provide students with a strong knowledge of drug components, side effects, and lists of medications for chronic, seasonal, and other diseases.
Importance of Studying Pharmacy in Turkey
The importance of this specialization lies in its complementarity to all medical fields. While doctors diagnose patients, prescribe necessary medications, and determine the appropriate dosage considering health conditions, pharmacists play a diverse role. Some pharmacy graduates choose to work in pharmaceutical companies to formulate and improve drugs with more effective substances. In contrast, others opt to work in pharmacies to dispense prescriptions and provide patients with all the necessary medications and other necessities.
Curriculum of Pharmacy Programs
The duration of study in Turkish universities is five years for the Bachelor’s degree. The curriculum in most Turkish universities includes a variety of study programs, although it may vary from one university to another. Students should check the Course Description on the university’s website before enrolling.
First Academic Year
- Physics and Biophysics
- Introduction to Chemistry
- Biology and Molecules and Genes
- First Aid and Basic Medical Skills
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy
Second Academic Year
- Organic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biostatistics
- Public Health
- Pathology and Epidemiology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Drug Structure Basics
- Drug Effectiveness Improvement Basics
Third Academic Year
- Pharmaceutical/Medical Chemistry (Part 1)
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Pharmaceutical Botany
- Pharmacognosy
- Clinical Pharmacy Basics
- Symptoms and Clinical Conditions
Fourth Academic Year
- Clinical Pharmacy
- pharmacotherapy (Part 1)
- General Toxicology
- Self-care, Over-the-Counter Medication
- Pharmacy Management
- Radiopharmacy and Biopharmaceuticals and Biological Pharmaceutical Products
- Pharmaceutical Economics
Fifth and Final Academic Year
- Drug Improvement and Pharmaceutical Renaissance
- Drug Interactions and Patient Safety
- Healthcare Promotion
- Cosmetology
- Medical Data and Biomedical Informatics
- Environmental/Health Issues and Occupational Health and Safety in Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Legislation and Licensing and Patents
- Biomedical/Agricultural and Veterinary Medical Products
Example: Click here to view the subjects taught for the pharmacy major at Istanbul Medipol University
Job Opportunities for Graduates
- Local and international pharmaceutical companies
- Private pharmacies and pharmacies in major hospitals
- Health insurance companies
- Ministry of Health and governmental entities
- Academic work as faculty members
