The Faculty of Pharmacy at Astrakhan State Medical University (ASMU) has a long tradition of training highly skilled pharmacists who are prepared to work in pharmacy networks, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare institutions across Russia and internationally. Since its establishment, the faculty has successfully graduated numerous pharmacists with higher pharmaceutical education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required by the modern pharmaceutical market.
During the first three years of study, students build a strong foundation in humanitarian, socio-economic, natural sciences, mathematics, and medical-biological disciplines, including philosophy, bioethics, pedagogy, psychology, pharmacy history, biophysics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, biology, and microbiology. These courses ensure that students develop a broad understanding of the sciences that underpin pharmacy practice.
At the undergraduate level, students focus on professional pharmaceutical disciplines, including pharmaceutical and toxicological chemistry, pharmaceutical technology and biotechnology, pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, and pharmacognosy. The program also emphasizes management, economics of pharmacy, pharmaceutical marketing, medical merchandising, and organizational skills, preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry.
Practical and industrial training is carried out in collaboration with pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and medical institutions. This allows students to gain hands-on experience in pharmaceutical production, analytical work, and business operations, ensuring that they are well-prepared for professional practice. Students also gain medical practical experience through affiliated hospitals and research centers.
The curriculum for the specialty “Pharmacy” is designed as a 5-year full-time program with a total workload of 300 credits, fully compliant with the State Educational Standards of Higher Professional Education (SES HPE). The program includes mandatory and elective courses, final exams, laboratory work, and practical assessments. The university library provides extensive resources, including textbooks, scientific literature, e-databases, and access to the Russian Medicine database for research and study.
The Faculty of Pharmacy is equipped with modern laboratories for physical and colloid chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical technology, and pharmacognosy. Laboratories are furnished with advanced equipment, including microscopes, spectrophotometers, polarography devices, refractometers, and other specialized instruments. These facilities support both theoretical study and hands-on practical training in pharmaceutical processes.
Students actively participate in sports, cultural, and creative activities, while exceptional performers are recognized with awards, certificates, and scholarships. The faculty also encourages scientific research, offering student scientific circles and research opportunities in collaboration with regional health programs and pharmaceutical industry projects.
Over the years, the Faculty of Pharmacy at ASMU has maintained a high standard of education, ensuring that graduates are well-trained, professionally competent, and ready to contribute to the pharmaceutical sector both in Russia and abroad. The faculty continues to develop its curriculum, educational materials, and research programs to meet the evolving standards of the pharmaceutical profession.