Academics
Well-balanced study of three categories, namely, “understanding the mechanisms of drugs,” “using drugs correctly,” and “developing new drugs”
The complex field of pharmaceutical sciences can be broadly divided into three categories - “understanding the mechanisms of drugs,” “using drugs correctly,” and “developing new drugs.” The College of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ritsumeikan University has designed a curriculum that will allow students to study these three categories in a well-balanced manner, in line with their future plans, and to grow into professionals who are able to contribute to human health and well-being through pharmaceuticals.
Two-department structure that allows students to study in line with their future goals
In April 2006, pharmaceutical sciences education in Japan was restructured into two bachelor programs, namely, a six-year program that produces pharmacists who can work actively in actual healthcare settings and a four-year program to cultivate researchers who will develop new drugs. At that time, many universities made the transition to a six-year course to cultivate pharmacists, but Ritsumeikan University’s College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, believing in the importance of also cultivating professionals who are able to contribute to society through new drug development, established the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2015.
With a common sense of mission, namely “to contribute to human well-being and health through pharmaceuticals,” the 6-year and 4-year programs have been rolled out in an integrated manner, and Ritsumeikan University now provides an education in pharmaceutical science with a two-department structure that aims to contribute to the future development of the field.
Department of Pharmacy
(6-year Program)
Cultivate pharmacists who can play leading roles in the increasingly sophisticated field of medicine
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
(4-year Program)
Cultivate researchers who study pharmaceutical sciences from the basics, leading to the discovery and development of new drugs