Prerequisites for Module
Qualifications approved by RPSGB as being acceptable for entry on to an Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme.
Corequisite Modules
None.
Precluded Modules
None.
Aims of Module
To enable the student to critically appraise the processes involved in the discovery, design, analysis, targeting and delivery of drugs and novel therapeutic entities.
To provide the student with the ability to interpret and evaluate scientific data pertaining to the administration, metabolism and degradation of drug products.
To provide the student with the ability to explain and critically evaluate the principles and key steps in the manufacture and packaging of sterile products.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
discuss the principles underlying selected current advances in the pharmaceutical sciences and critically evaluate the application of these advances to drug discovery, development and targeting in selected disease states (e.g. cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular).
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| 2. |
critically evaluate the design of drug delivery systems for various routes of administration.
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| 3. |
discuss current trends in biotechnology products, radiopharmacy, topical drug delivery to wounds and controlled release drug delivery systems.
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| 4. |
appraise the principles of clean work areas, critically evaluate the methods of sterilisation and apply the principles of sterility testing to prepare and test a batch of small volume sterile product.
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| 5. |
work effectively in groups assuming a variety of professional roles and communicate scientific results in written and oral formats.
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Indicative Module Content
Current and future perspectives in drug discovery, design, formulation and analysis. Molecular basis of drug action, drug targeting and new approaches for therapeutics including genomics, proteomics and gene therapy. Routes of administration: gastrointestinal, transdermal, parenteral, ocular, pulmonary, buccal, intranasal. Pharmacokinetics and ADME studies, including effects of formulation, route of administration, dosage regimen, ageing and disease. Quality assurance of pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical production processes, sources of microbiological contamination, methods of sterilisation, environmental control in manufacturing facilities and sterility testing. Aseptic preparation and packaging of sterile drug products.
| Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Full Time | Assessment
| 2 | Coursework
| 45 | Industrial Placement
| 5 | Lectures
| 59 | Tutorials
| 3 | Workshops
| 16 |
Directed Study
| | Directed Study
| 112 |
Private Study
| | Private Study
| 58 |
Mode of Delivery
Lectures, workshops, industrial placement and coursework sessions (to include mini project and problem solving exercises), tutorials and use of student centred learning activities.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 2,3,4
| | Component 2 | 4,5
| | Component 3 | 1
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A one-hour written exam covering the material delivered in lectures on sterile products plus a one-hour exam covering material delivered in lectures on drug delivery systems for various routes of administration.
An essay addressing the principles underlying selected current advances in the pharmaceutical sciences and their application.
This consists of both a coursework test and a mini-project.
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | ANSEL, H.C., ALLEN, L.V. and POPOVICH, N.G., 2005. Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott & Williams.
| | 2. | ARMSTRONG, N.A. and JAMES, K.C., 1996. Pharmaceutical Experimental Design and Interpretation. London: Taylor and Francis.
| | 3. | AULTON, M.E., 2007. Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Churchill Livingstone.
| | 4. | LACHMAN, L., LIEBERMAN, H.A. and KANIG, J.L., 1986. The Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger.
| | 5. | RUSSELL, A.D., HUGO, W.B. and AYLIFFE, G., 1982. Principles and Practice of Preservation, Sterilisation and Disinfection. Blackwell Science.
| | 6. | WINFIELD, A.J. and RICHARDS, R.M.E., 2003. Pharmaceutical Practice. 3 rd Edition. London: Churchill Livingstone.
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