Bombay College of Pharmacy, Associate Professor (Pharmaceutical Analysis): Dr. Dipti Gatne Interview

Dr. Dipti Gatne is currently serving as Associate Professor (Pharmaceutical Analysis) at Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai. Having 12 years of academics and 1.5 years of industrial experience, her areas of interest include Angiogenic and antimalarial activity of molecules of synthetic and natural origin. With major teaching disciplines in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, she has worked on several government-sponsored and industry-sponsored research projects as well. 

What are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

“Development of good analytical skills and laboratory techniques'’

Being a faculty, I teach theory subjects and conduct practicals of Pharmaceutical Analysis for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Also, I guide the PG students for their research projects and dissertation. The development of good analytical skills and laboratory techniques for the students are my main aims and responsibilities. 

How do you tend to establish a healthy environment within your college?

“Mentoring and Collaboration”

Mentoring students in a friendly manner, sessions with class mentors, organizing curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities for the students as well as faculty help establish a healthy environment on the college campus. Collaborative spirit and mutual growth assist in establishing great networks with colleagues. 

What best practices do you offer that help students gain necessary skills?

“Innovative and timely assessment of student’s learning and research activities”

Formative assessments in the form of polls, quizzes, tutorials, practice exams, etc. throughout the semester are conducted to help students retain the knowledge. Feedback process for realizing students’ understanding of the subject followed by immediate action for improvements is followed. Also, use of technology for delivery of curriculum, and structuring of own research projects by the undergraduate and postgraduate students with proper mentoring are a part of our curriculum. 

How do you strategize the curriculum to make it befitting for the students?

“Regular and industry-centric refinement of the syllabus”

The institute has adopted a choice-based credit system for optimized learning experience by the students in some of the semesters. The curriculum delivery ensures a thorough understanding of topics and their applications through the most efficient pedagogy. The syllabus is modified within the purview every year with inputs from all stakeholders like faculty, students, industry personnel and alumni. The department, Board of studies and Academic Council play major roles in updating the syllabus and curriculum and making it industry-oriented more practical. 

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How does your department prepare students for higher education?

“Developing skills and professional development”

We primarily focus on building basic concepts in Pharmaceutical Analysis beginning from undergraduate courses. Exposure to recent developments in the Pharma industry during theory lectures and practical sessions is given to the students through various seminars and workshops. Inclusion of advanced topics in the syllabus with the involvement of industry experts and professionals, and the development of good laboratory skills especially during laboratory meetings is how we prepare them. With strong basic knowledge, good technical skills, exposure to different facets of Pharmacy and comprehensive training, students at Bombay College of Pharmacy stand out in the outside world with confidence.

How does your college enhance the skills of the faculty as per the industry standards?

“Supporting faculty development and training”

Our college motivates the faculty to participate in and organization of seminars, webinars, conferences, workshops every year. They give opportunities to continue education and knowledge enhancement like attending short-term training programs, faculty development programs, online courses under MOOCs, Swayam, Coursera, etc. Attending Hands-on training workshops and AICTE Internshala training programs and other courses are also promoted by the college for the skill development of faculty. 

What approaches do you bring in apart from curriculum to train the students?

“Various practical and technology-based approaches”

Application-based teaching and assessment, and practical training for improving hands-on skills are utilized to aid learning and skill enhancement. Also, the use of Flip classroom and formative assessment techniques for better understanding of topics is employed. Conduction of seminars and presentations by students for improving technical and communication skills, organization of group discussions and participation in training programs for students to complement syllabus learning. 

What do you see as the department’s greatest strengths?

“Highly qualified staff, lab infrastructure and industry networking”

The Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis possesses dynamic faculty with doctoral degrees and wide experience in the field of Pharmacy. Good industry connections for curriculum enhancement, infrastructure, research projects and mentoring are our key strengths. Also, the presence of excellent laboratory facilities for undergraduate and postgraduate training adds a plus point to our college. 

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What valuable advice would you give to the students for a prosperous career?

“Hard work, attitude and inquisitive minds”

Hard work, patience, a healthy attitude and inquisitive minds help to achieve practically anything in life. Students should always choose career paths as per their own interests. Upgrade your knowledge and make use of advances in technology for professional development.