Project-based learning is a modern method of developing students' professional competencies

The modern higher education system requires future specialists to master not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to conduct research, apply their findings in practice, and independently solve professional problems. Therefore, project-based learning is widely used as an effective mechanism for improving the educational process at leading universities worldwide.
This academic year, the Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry implemented a project-based learning approach within the Pharmaceutical Chemistry course for students in Group B-FK-03-21 of the Pharmacy educational program. The main goal of the project is to develop students' practical and research skills in quality control and standardization of medicinal products. The research project was titled "Pharmaceutical Analysis and Standardization of Dental Films Based on Hypericum Perforatum Extract."
During the project, the students were divided into small groups (PharmaLab, Vitapharm, Pharmpower), with specific research areas assigned to each group. Group leaders were appointed, and Senior Lecturer A. Sh. Karakulova served as the facilitator.
In the early stages of the project, the students worked with international scientific databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed, and conducted a systematic literature review of Russian and international literature on the topic.

During the second stage, research methods were developed and experimental studies were conducted. Specifically, the quality indicators of dental films made from Hypericum Perforatum extract were determined. Qualitative reactions, thin-layer chromatography, titrimetric analysis, IR spectroscopy, and UV spectrophotometry were used to identify and quantify the biologically active substances. Additionally, pharmacopoeial quality indicators for the dental films were determined. All research was conducted in the academic and research classroom of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry.

Based on the obtained research results, a draft temporary analytical regulatory document was developed.

To effectively organize and monitor the project work process, students used the Trello platform. This platform allowed them to plan research stages, distribute tasks, and visualize completed work.

Based on the results of the research, copyright certificates were obtained for the pharmaceutical analysis methods and the quality of dental films. These copyright certificates demonstrate the scientific novelty and practical significance of the project, and the fact that the results obtained are registered as intellectual property.

The project's results have been validated internationally. Specifically, the students participated in the 4th scientific and practical conference of the Student Scientific Society of the Pharmaceutical Research and Educational Institute (Tashkent) and presented a scientific report.

In addition, Myrzabek A. D., Akberdieva U. E. and Konys A. were awarded for active participation in the international scientific conference “Prospects for the Development of Biology, Medicine and Pharmacy” within the framework of the III International Forum of Young Scientists and Students.

During the final report, the head of the department, Professor S.K. Ordabaeva, the faculty of the department, the chairman and members of the Pharmacy Academic Council noted the development of students' skills in working with scientific literature, analytical thinking skills, skills in conducting pharmacopoeial analysis and critical evaluation of the results obtained.

Thus, project-oriented learning is an effective modern method for developing the professional competencies of future pharmacist-analysts, facilitating students' mastery of scientific research, search, and analysis methods.