Pharmacognosy

The physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of medicines which have natural sources as an origin.

study of crude drugs
study of drugs from natural sources

knowledge

sector-specific

Pharmacognosy is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Industrial pharmacist: Industrial pharmacists are involved in the research and creation of medications. They develop new medicines, perform tests, assure quality and ensure that medication complies with regulations.
Hospital pharmacist: Hospital pharmacists prepare, dispense and provide medication to patients in hospitals. They collaborate with healthcare personnel such as doctors and nurses to treat patients and also offer advice and information on medications.
Pharmacist: Pharmacists prepare, dispense, and provide prescriptions for, over the counter medication. They offer clinical information on medicines, report suspected adverse reactions, and provide personalised support to patients. Pharmacists formulate and test medications in laboratories, and store, preserve, and distribute them.
Specialist pharmacist: Specialist pharmacists provide specialist services for companies in the pharmacy industry and in hospital pharmacies.  The role of the specialist pharmacist varies throughout Europe, subject to national rules and training.
 

Pharmacognosy is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Pharmacy lecturer: Pharmacy lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, pharmacy, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants
for the preparation of lectures and of exams, for leading laboratory practices, grading papers and exams and for leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their field of pharmacy, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.

References

1. Pharmacognosy – ESCO