Reform and exploration of the experimental teaching mode of teaching assistant and group rotation system: taking pharmaceutical analysis experiment course as an example

Experimental courses in pharmaceutical analysis are an important part of the training process for pharmaceutical talent. These courses focus on applying theoretical knowledge in practice and using large instruments, with the aim of inspiring innovative thinking and cultivating student development. Currently, several issues impede the success of experimental pharmaceutical analysis courses both in China and abroad. In domestic colleges and universities, the content of these courses varies significantly and is relatively unsophisticated. Owing to economic and human resource limitations, students lack training in the operation and use of large analytical instruments. In foreign universities, the range of professional instruments is not comprehensive, experimental class hours are limited, and the availability of large instruments for experimental teaching is insufficient. The School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, explored the teaching assistant system with group rotation for the delivery of experimental pharmaceutical analysis courses. In combination with the large instrument sharing platform of the school, this approach resulted in a relatively comprehensive teaching model. This model reduced the demand for experimental instruments at a certain time by extending the time axis, thereby relieving the pressure on large instrument allocation. Furthermore, a complete pharmaceutical analysis teaching program was designed according to the curriculum requirements, covering common analytical methods and instruments used in pharmaceutical analysis. With guidance from experimental teaching assistants, students consolidated their theoretical knowledge, mastered key techniques for drug quality control and the drug research process, and laid a foundation for developing new drug analysis methods. Over years of continuous exploration, this model has matured to achieve good teaching outcomes. This work can provide a reference for the development of experimental pharmaceutical analysis courses in domestic universities.