About Remedial Mathematics
Subject Code
BP106RMT
Semester
Semester 1
Credits
2 Credits
Remedial Mathematics (BP106RMT) is an introductory course for students who joined B.Pharmacy from a Biology background (PCB). Mathematics is the language of science, and its application in Pharmacy is vast—from calculating drug dosages and pharmacokinetics to analyzing stability data. This course covers essential mathematical concepts like Calculus, Matrices, and Logarithms to equip you for numerical challenges in higher semesters.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand Algebra: Solve problems using Partial Fractions, Logarithms, and Matrices.
- Apply Calculus: Perform Differentiation and Integration for pharmacokinetic equations.
- Analyze Geometry: Understand the equation of a Straight Line and its application in graphs.
- Solve Differential Equations: Learn First-order differential equations used in rate kinetics.
- Master Calculations: Apply mathematical concepts to solve pharmaceutical problems.
Syllabus & Topics Covered
Unit 1: Partial Fraction, Logarithms & Functions
- Partial fraction: Introduction, Polynomial, Rational fractions, Proper and Improper fractions, Partial fraction, Resolving into Partial fraction, Application of Partial Fraction in Chemical Kinetics and Pharmacokinetics.
- Logarithms: Introduction, Definition, Theorems/Properties of logarithms, Common logarithms, Characteristic and Mantissa, worked examples, application of logarithm to solve pharmaceutical problems.
- Function: Real Valued function, Classification of real valued functions.
- Limits and continuity: Introduction, Limit of a function, Definition of limit of a function (ε – δ definition), Standard limits.
Unit 2: Matrices and Determinant
- Matrices: Introduction matrices, Types of matrices, Operation on matrices, Transpose of a matrix, Matrix Multiplication.
- Determinants: Determinants, Properties of determinants, Product of determinants, Minors and co-Factors.
- Matrix Solution: Adjoint or adjugate of a square matrix, Singular and non-singular matrices, Inverse of a matrix, Solution of system of linear of equations using matrix method, Cramer’s rule, Characteristic equation and roots of a square matrix, Cayley–Hamilton theorem, Application of Matrices in solving Pharmacokinetic equations.
Unit 3: Calculus Classification
- Differentiation: Introductions, Derivative of a function, Derivative of a constant, Derivative of a product of a constant and a function, Derivative of the sum or difference of two functions, Derivative of the product of two functions (product formula), Derivative of the quotient of two functions (Quotient formula) – Without Proof.
- Derivatives: Derivative of x^n, e^x, log_e x, a^x, trigonometric functions from first principles (without Proof). Successive Differentiation.
- Application: Conditions for a function to be a maximum or a minimum at a point. Application.
Unit 4: Analytical Geometry & Integration
- Analytical Geometry: Introduction: Signs of the Coordinates, Distance formula. Straight Line: Slope or gradient of a straight line, Conditions for parallelism and perpendicularity of two lines, Slope of a line joining two points, Slope– intercept form of a straight line.
- Integration: Introduction, Definition, Standard formulae, Rules of integration, Method of substitution, Method of Partial fractions, Integration by parts, definite integrals, application.
Unit 5: Differential Equations & Laplace Transform
- Differential Equations: Some basic definitions, Order and degree, Equations in separable form, Homogeneous equations, Linear Differential equations, Exact equations, Application in solving Pharmacokinetic equations.
- Laplace Transform: Introduction, Definition, Properties of Laplace transform, Laplace Transforms of elementary functions, Inverse Laplace transforms, Laplace transform of derivatives, Application to solve Linear differential equations, Application in solving Chemical kinetics and Pharmacokinetics equations.
How to Score High in Remedial Mathematics
- 1
Practice Daily: Math is not a spectator sport. Solve at least 3 problems from each topic daily.
- 2
Focus on Formulae: Create a formula sheet for Differentiation and Integration rules. Memorize standard limits.
- 3
Matrices are Scoring: Matrices and Determinants is the easiest unit to score full marks. Be careful with signs (+/-) during calculations.
- 4
Don’t Skip Logarithms: Logarithms are used extensively in Physical Pharmacy and Analysis. Master standard log values (log 2, log 10, ln x).
- 5
Understand Slope: The concept of ‘Slope of a line’ (y = mx + c) is crucial for plotting graphs in pharmaceutics practicals.
Why it Matters for Career
Mathematics is the foundation of Pharmacokinetics (how drugs move in the body). If you want to work in Clinical Research or Formulation Development, you need to understand graphs, rates of reaction, and basic calculus.
Exam Weightage
Like Biology, this is often a non-university (internal) exam, but check your local regulations. Matrices and Partial Fractions are high-scoring areas. Calculus can be tough for bio students, so focus on standard formulae to get step marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Remedial Math mandatory?
Yes, for students who did not have Mathematics in 12th standard (PCB students). PCM students take Remedial Biology.
Is the syllabus same as 12th grade Math?
It is a simplified version of 11th and 12th-grade Math, focusing only on topics relevant to Pharmacy. It is not as deep as engineering math.
Do I need a scientific calculator?
Usually, simple calculators are allowed in B.Pharm exams, but scientific calculators are strictly prohibited in university theory exams. Learn to calculate manually or using log tables.