Andhra University

Andhra University was the second institute in the country to establish a pharmacy programme at the university level, beginning in 1937. Pharmacy programmes were initially provided as part of the B.Sc. Honours degree in chemical technology and as a specialisation at the M.Sc. Chemical Technology level. Recognising the expanding importance of pharmaceutical sciences, a distinct department was created in 1951 under the direction of the late Prof. S. Rangaswamy, who served as the Department's founding Head. This marked the start of the B.Pharm. programme. Following that, in 1954, the M.Pharm. programme was established. In August 2006, the department was raised to the status of a constituent college of Andhra University in appreciation of its accomplishments. Currently, the college offers B.Pharm, Pharm-D, and M.Pharm programmes with specialisations in eight areas: Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy Practise, and Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs. Notably, the department was the first in the country to establish a division devoted to pharmaceutical biotechnology. Prof. S. Rangaswamy and the founding faculty members, including Prof. V. Subba Rao, Prof. N. Viswanadham, Prof. K. Sambamurty, and Prof. E. Venkata Rao, laid a strong foundation and shaped the department into one of the finest in the nation, are responsible for the department's success. Andhra University's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences has made major contributions to pharmacy teaching and research over the years. It has educated and trained numerous students, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the pharmaceutical sector. By providing a comprehensive curriculum, fostering a research-oriented environment, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations, the department has played a critical role in improving pharmaceutical sciences.