The formulation part of this module will provide the student with the knowledge of bulk properties of pharmaceutical materials including particle characterisation, crystallinity, polymorphism and use of excipients. In addition, the student will gain an understanding of the steps involved in the manufacture of pharmaceutical formulations and the key concepts associated with each step.
The medicinal chemistry part of this module aims to build on the first and second year syllabus and involves a study of pharmacokinetics.
Formulation
Review the bulk properties of pharmaceutical materials including particle characterisation, crystallinity, polymorphism, and stability.Particle characterisation: review particle characterisation techniques; microscopy, sieving, Coulter counter and laser light scattering methods.Polymorphism: define polymorphism, pseudopolymorphism and amorphous forms. Discuss examples of drugs that contain polymorphs that have had a significant on bioavailability, drug development, and marketed products.Excipients: role of key tablet and oral liquid excipients. Examine the potential for drug-excipient interactions.Determine the appropriate excipients to use in a variety of dosage forms.Solids handling and operations involving particulate solids including size reduction and mixing.Formulation processes for drug tablet and capsule manufacture Including: dispense, blending, milling granulation (wet and dry), compression, coating and packaging.
Medicinal chemistry
The alimentary and renal systems, methods of administration, physicochemical properties of drugs and effect on administration and pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetic processes: ADME, penetration of membranes (active and passive transport), blood brain barrier, factors effecting distribution, drug metabolism (cytochrome P450, first pass, transformations). Pharmacokinetic parameters: Volume of distribution, half life, clearance, therapeutic window. Drug delivery (an introduction).
Laboratory component
5 x 3 hour laboratory / workshop sessions. Laboratory work is sourced from the School of Chemical and BioPharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory Manuals.
The module is delivered through a series of lectures (20 hours), tutorials (4 hours), laboratory practical classes (15 hours) and self-study (61 hours). Online resources to encourage pre-laboratory and pre-lecture preparation may be hosted via Brightspace.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |