Introduction of hardware and software equipment

The sixth floor of the College of Medicine serves as the primary teaching and administrative hub for the School of Pharmacy. While financial and space constraints mean we do not have a large, standalone building, our single-floor “department home” is modest yet welcoming. In this limited space, we are committed to maximizing every inch with thoughtful design and functionality — embracing the philosophy that even small spaces can be fully equipped and highly capable. With this spirit, we strive to provide the best possible learning environment for our students.

Currently, as the sixth floor undergoes renovation, the administrative office — the administrative center of the School of Pharmacy — is gradually taking shape. During the reconstruction process, the previously cold-toned metal gates have been replaced with elegant wooden doors, setting a warmer and more inviting tone for the space. Inside the administrative office, a small coffee room offers a simple yet cozy environment where department members and students often gather — not only to relax, but also to exchange ideas, discuss academic directions, and explore research topics. On the right side of the office, mailboxes are set up for faculty members to receive letters, official documents, invitations to events, and occasionally even student assignments. Snacks are often found on the front desk, adding a casual and welcoming touch to the atmosphere. Further inside are the administrative offices, where staff members support both faculty and students in a wide range of academic and administrative matters. The neatly stacked documents offer a glimpse into the steady rhythm and bustling nature of daily operations. Though the administrative office isn’t large overall, it’s full of thoughtful touches throughout.

The administrative office, meeting rooms, classrooms, and two laboratories are situated along both sides of this corridor, making it the busiest “hub” of the School of Pharmacy on class days—almost like the main artery connecting the entire school. Since the renovation, the walls have become much more vibrant and informative. On the left side, you’ll find course schedules, scholarship announcements, and congratulatory posters from the School of Pharmacy. On the right side, there are alumni graduation photos spanning from 1995 to 2020. These photos, displayed on a wall rich with a sense of history, symbolize the unity and shared heritage of everyone in the School of Pharmacy.

The first meeting room can fit about one graduating class—around 30 people. Besides hosting meetings of all kinds, it’s also often used for various department events. When new students first join, they usually sit in the audience, listening to seniors explain how events work or give presentations. As they gain experience, they start spending more time on stage—whether organizing events, working in labs, or giving class reports. With a microphone in one hand and controlling the computer with the other, they gradually go from feeling nervous to becoming confident. Through practice, students learn to clearly and effectively share well-prepared information and their own ideas. This skill is an important part of being a pharmacy student.

Compared to the first meeting room, the second meeting room is much smaller, accommodating only about 10 people. However, it is fully equipped with everything needed. As soon as you step inside, a large table takes up most of the room, with a projector and whiteboard ready to use whenever needed. The compact space makes meetings feel more intimate and collaborative. In the senior year, many courses are conducted in the form of presentations, and students eagerly reserve the meeting room for discussions. The room is almost fully booked every week, and if you hesitate, you might miss the chance to reserve it.

Due to space limitations in the College of Medicine, the School of Pharmacy has several laboratories located across the street at the Ching-Yeh Campus. These labs, originally converted from dormitories, primarily focus on drug synthesis. Undergraduate thesis students and master’s students conduct their research here, performing reactions, column chromatography, concentration, and more. After sending samples for analysis, they use software to review the results and consider adjustments to experimental procedures or reagent design. Continuously, they dedicate themselves to studying the relationship between chemical structure and drug efficacy. Students interested in drug development can join a professor’s lab during the summer break to get involved in academic research and gain hands-on experience. However, due to limited equipment and lab space, the number of students who can participate in research is restricted. Interested students are encouraged to discuss opportunities with their professors early.

The sixth-floor laboratories of the School of Pharmacy are a hidden treasure trove, surrounded by rows of sophisticated instruments that create an almost jungle-like atmosphere. Complex academic terms and research methods are rigorously presented and debated, while experiments are conducted with intense focus and enthusiasm. This place serves as a sanctuary for professors dedicated to advancing various research fields, as well as a battleground where master's and doctoral students nurture their dreams and prove their worth. Although the atmosphere might sound serious and solemn, during breaks the lab is filled with laughter and relaxed conversations. Beyond occasional gatherings over meals, lab members often organize outings on weekends. While each person works hard in their own research direction, they maintain a comfortable and harmonious relationship.

The cell laboratory is located inside the core facility, which houses various advanced and sophisticated instruments. Access is controlled by a glass door requiring an ID card for entry. Due to the strict contamination prevention standards in cell culture, there is an additional sterile isolation area that must be passed through before entering the cell laboratory, which is so small it can barely fit one person. Before and during operation, both hands and equipment must be regularly sterilized with alcohol and ultraviolet light. The lab primarily conducts cell passaging and freezing, providing essential experimental materials for various research projects.

The Pharmaceutics Laboratory Course is a required subject in the third year, where students bring to life the dosage forms and preparation procedures they learn in class. The underlying principles are no longer just abstract concepts—they become tangible, helping students gain a deeper understanding of various pharmaceutical dosage forms. The Pharmaceutics Laboratory was completed in 2015, equipped with newly purchased instruments and equipment. Unlike the earlier general and organic chemistry labs, each group in this course is assigned their own set of basic tools to manage throughout the semester. Cleanliness is strictly maintained at all times, reflecting the importance of purity in drug preparation—no contamination from other compounds or bacteria is allowed, in line with the precision and discipline expected of pharmacists. Beyond fulfilling course requirements, the lab also inspires students to develop an interest in dosage form research.

Inside the administrative office, there’s a magical snack cabinet that never seems to run out. It constantly draws in passing teachers and students alike—though the frequency with which it’s opened remains a well-kept secret. This snack stash was thoughtfully created by the office’s administrative assistant, Mr. Tzu-Yang Chao (affectionately known as Yang-Yang). His goal was to give everyone a little place to grab a treat between classes and, at the same time, encourage casual chats with department members or with Yang-Yang himself. It’s a small but meaningful way to strengthen the bonds between students and staff in the School of Pharmacy.

Located inside the School of Pharmacy’s department office are the so-called “Shrine” and “Zoo,” filled with plush toys donated by both teachers and students. Many students stop by to visit these little mascots while waiting for Yang-Yang to process documents—it’s a fun and relaxing way to pass the time. The tiny shrine has received countless wishes from senior students over the years. Before licensing exams, it’s become a bit of a tradition to come by and pray for good luck—and who knows, your wishes just might come true!