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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Foundations in Medicine Design
Reference PL1002 Version 2
Created March 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 7
Approved July 2022 SCQF Points 30
Amended March 2023 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.
2 Apply mathematical expressions in relation to chemical and pharmaceutical systems.
3 Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques used to generate qualitative and quantitative experimental data and demonstrate data analysis and handling.

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 70 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 230 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: 60% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2
Description: Closed book written examination
Component 2
Type: Examination Weighting: 40% Outcomes Assessed: 3
Description: Assessment of practical work

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (EX1) which is weighted as major; a minimum of grade D is required to pass this component of assessment. The second, Component 2 (PE1) is weighted as minor; a minimum of grade D is required to pass this component of assessment. A minimum of Module Grade D is required to pass the module. Non-submission of either component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A AA, AB
B AC, AD, AE, BA, BB, BC, CA
C BD, BE, CB, CC, CD, DA, DB
D CE, DC, DD, DE, EA, EB, EC
E AF, BF, CF, DF, ED, EE, EF, FA, FB, FC, FD
F FE, FF
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., 2013. Pharmaceutics: the science of medicine design. First Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
2 FLORENCE, A.T. and ATTWOOD, D., 2016. Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy. Sixth Edition. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
3 AULTON, M.E. ed., 2022. Aulton's Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines. Sixth Edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
4 CAIRNS, D., 2012. Essentials of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Fourth Edition. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
5 ATTWOOD, D. and FLORENCE, A.T., 2012. Physical Pharmacy. Second Edition. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
6 GAISFORD, S. and SAUNDERS, M., 2012. Essentials of Pharmaceutical Preformulation. First Edition. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell.

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