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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Foundations in Medicine Design
Reference PH1136 Version 3
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 7
Approved July 2017 SCQF Points 30
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To provide an introduction to physicochemical properties relevant to pharmaceutics in the context of drug design and dosage forms.

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.
2 Show understanding of the techniques used to generate qualitative and quantitative experimental data and demonstrate data analysis and handling.
3 Demonstrate basic laboratory skills.

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.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture based module supplemented with formative quizzes, tutorials, practical laboratory classes and guided reading.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 107 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 193 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 300 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1
Description: Closed book written examination
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 0% Outcomes Assessed: 2
Description: Completion of the coursework content.
Component 3
Type: Practical Exam Weighting: 0% Outcomes Assessed: 3
Description: Laboratory skills competency test.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The module grade represents Component 1 (EX1) weighted as 100%, the second, Component 2 (CW1) is pass/unsuccessful and Component 3 (PE1) is pass/unsuccessful. A minimum module of grade D or better is required to pass the module. Non-submission of any component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A EX1: a score of 70% or above is required and a Pass in CW1 and PE1.
B EX1: a score of between 60-69% is required and a Pass in CW1 and PE1.
C EX1: a score of between 50-59% is required and a Pass in CW1 and PE1.
D EX1: a score of between 40-49% is required and a Pass in CW1 and PE1.
E EX1: a score of between 35-39% is required and a Pass in CW1 and PE1.
F EX1: a score of less than 35% and/or an unsuccessful attempt (i.e. Fail) in CW1 and/or PE1.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None, in addition to course requirements.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 DENTON, P. and ROSTRON, C. Pharmaceutics: the science of medicine design. Current Edition. 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 ATTWOOD, D. and FLORENCE, A.T. Physical Pharmacy. Current Edition. London: Pharmaceutical Press. (Fasttrack)
6 GAISFORD, S. and SAUNDERS, M. Essentials of Pharmaceutical Preformulation. Current Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781