Module Title
Physicochemical Principles Of Pharmacy
Keywords
Physicochemical properties, solutions, solubility, surfactants, ionisation, stability. |
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Prerequisites for Module
None, in addition to course entry requirements.
Corequisite Modules
None.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
To gain an understanding of the physicochemical properties relevant to the stability and functioning of drugs and medicines.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical materials and apply mathematical expressions in relation to chemical and pharmaceutical systems
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| 2. |
Show understanding of the techniques used to generate qualitative and quantitative experimental data, its analysis and handling.
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| 3. |
Demonstrate basic laboratory skills used to generate, manipulate and interpret experimental data.
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Indicative Module Content
The application of physicochemical principles in a quantitative way to engage with practical pharmaceutical issues such as medicine formulation, design, manufacture and delivery to the patient.
Topics will include:
Thermodynamics – energetics: processes of change such as drug dissolution or transfer of drugs across membranes.
Drug solubility – concentrations; ideal and non−ideal solutions; colligative properties; colloids, solutions and dissolution rates.
Physical properties of drugs and excipients – gases (aerosols), liquids, crystalline and amorphous solids.
Ionisation of drugs in solution – equilibrium constants; acids, bases and salts; pH; buffer solutions; partitioning. Preformulation – the importance of determining drug and excipient properties and compatibilities prior to their formulation into a medicine.
| Surface activity and surfactants – the role of surfactants in medicines and adsorption in pharmaceutical products.
Rheological flow characteristics (performance) of liquids and semi−solids.
Drug stability and degradation – reaction kinetics, rate constants; effect of environmental factors; shelf-life.
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Full Time | Coursework
| 42 | Lectures
| 46 | Supervised Assessment
| 4 |
Directed Study
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| 144 |
Private Study
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| 214 |
Mode of Delivery
Lectures, coursework sessions (both practical experiments and problem solving tutorials) and directed study.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 1
| | Component 2 | 2
| | Component 3 | 3
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Component 1 is a written 2 hour examination.
Component 3 is a competency based laboratory skills test.
Component 2 is PASS/Fail and is based on successful completion of all coursework content.
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | DENTON, P. AND ROSTRON, C. Pharmaceutics: the science of medicine design. Current edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
| | 2. | FLORENCE, A.T. AND ATTWOOD, D. Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy. Current edition. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
| | 3. | AULTON, M.E., ed. Aulton's Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines. Current edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
| | 4. | CAIRNS, D. Essentials of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Current edition. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
| | 5. | SINKO, P.J., ed. Martin's Physical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Physical, Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Principles in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. Current edition. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
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