By the end of the 19^th century, the pharmacy curriculum included courses in zoology, botany, chemistry, physics, mineralogy and pharmacognosy. In 1855, a laboratory for pharmacy students was opened to shift the focus of education from theoretical lectures to practical exercises. From 1858 to 1861, Johann Gottlieb taught students pharmaceutical chemistry. In 1878, a new Chemical Institute was built under the direction of Leopold von Pebal, a student of Bunsen. Pebal also provided modern equipment for the laboratories. His successors were Zdenko Hans Skraup (1887-1906) and Roland Scholl (1907-1914). In the era of Anton Skrabal (1917-1943), the Institute of Chemistry was divided into three institutes. One of them was the Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. The chairman of the Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry was Alois Zinke (1943-1963), followed by Erich Ziegler (1963-1978). In 1964, Pharmaceutical Chemistry became an independent institute with Gustav Zigeuner as head (1964-1990), followed by Werner Korsatko (1991-1995) and Ernst Haslinger (1995-2004).

In the 18^th century, Empress Maria Theresa created a new state education system. Pharmacists were no longer trained only within the guilds, but had to attend newly established courses at university medical faculties. They graduated with the title Magister pharmaciae (Master of Pharmacy).

Franz Hruschauer, a student of Liebig, was the first chairman of the newly established Institute of Chemistry (1850-1858) at the Old University of Graz. Under his direction, the first pharmacy course was held in 1853. Pharmacy education took place in close cooperation with the Joanneum, which had been founded by Archduke Johann in 1811. The Joanneum was a teaching institution and museum that housed large natural science collections that were used for teaching at the university.