Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Knowledge and Understanding:

• • Explain the chemical mechanisms of drug action, metabolism, and toxic effects.
  • Apply principles of stereochemistry to understand medicinal effects and reactions.
  • Describe advanced methodologies in drug design aimed at increasing efficacy and reducing toxicity.
  • Understand the theoretical and experimental aspects of reaction kinetics and their relationship to drug mechanisms.

Intellectual & Cognitive Skills:

• • Critically analyze and interpret complex data from spectroscopic and chromatographic sources.
  • Develop creative strategies for the synthesis of novel drug molecules.
  • Evaluate environmental pollutants and their impact on health through specialized chemical analysis.

Professional and Practical Skills:

• • Master advanced laboratory techniques, including HPLC, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Mass Spectrometry.
  • Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of pharmaceutical compounds and their mixtures.
  • Isolate and identify active substances from both natural and synthetic origins.
  • Conduct independent research projects and effectively present findings in scientific seminars.

Degree: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from KSU or an equivalent accredited institution.

GPA Requirements:
A minimum overall grade of “Very Good” is generally required.
Alternatively, an overall grade of “Good High” may be accepted, provided the applicant earned a “Very Good” (at least 3.75/5) in their specialized pharmaceutical chemistry courses.

Equivalency: Certificates obtained outside Saudi Arabia must be officially equalized by the Ministry of Education.

English Proficiency: A minimum score of 5 on the IELTS or an equivalent score on the TOEFL (approximately 475 PBT or higher).

Departmental Exam: Applicants must successfully pass a written entrance examination conducted by the department.

Recommendations: Two academic letters of recommendation from professors who have previously taught the applicant.

Identification: Proof of Saudi nationality or an official scholarship for non-Saudis.

Medical Fitness: Evidence of good conduct and being medically fit.

Employer Approval: Official written approval from the employer if the applicant is currently employed.

First Year – First Semester

PHCH601 – Advanced Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical Chemistry – 3 Credit Hours
PHCH602 – Advanced Analytical Separation Techniques – 3 Credit Hours
PHCH603 – Modern Synthetic Reactions in Drug Chemistry – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

PHCH604 – Drug Analysis Techniques – 3 Credit Hours
PHCH605 – Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry Seminar – 2 Credit Hours
PHCH606 – Advanced Instrumental Analysis – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester (Elective Courses)
(Choose 9 Credit Hours)

PHCH701 – Drug Design and Discovery – 3 Credit Hours
PHCH702 – Drug Metabolism and Biotransformation – 3 Credit Hours
PHCH703 – Synthesis of Complex Pharmaceutical Compounds – 3 Credit Hours

Program Academic Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 33 Credit Hours

Core Courses: 24 Credit Hours
Elective Courses: 9 Credit Hours

Additional Requirements:

• Passing a Comprehensive Examination (Written and Oral).

• This course-based Master’s program does not require a research thesis.

• The curriculum focuses on chemical aspects of drug development and pharmaceutical analysis.