Drug Development Chain and Professional Curriculum Chain Integrated Pharmacy Courses

Background: The disjointed problem of pharmacy education training and research in the pharmaceutical industry has become increasingly prominent, restricting the "professional idea or competency transfusion" ability from pharmacy colleges and universities to the pharmaceutical industry in China. This study we proposed an integrated double-chain consisting of the "professional curriculum chain" and the "drug development chain" for successful solving this problem. Objectives: To develop the combination of pharmacy training and scientific research. Methods: Taking the feature of one student, one new lead compound as the key point, a "drug development chain" and a "professional curriculum chain" were integrated into a double-chain by a series of course and experiment redesign. Evaluation was conducted and feedback was obtained to refine the course design. Results: According to the results of a survey of recent graduates, the five years of the doublechain integration operation significantly not only promoted the professional knowledge and skills and the enthusiasm of undergraduates to participate in scientific research and innovation activities, but also optimized the teaching management mechanism in our college. Conclusion: The double-chain integration approach to pharmacy curriculum development shows convincing evidence of enhancement to the curriculum and students’ research ability. Such an approach should be considered when implementing or revising pharmacy curricula.