Pharmaceutics 1: Physicochemical Science and Medicines Design
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHAR1027 | Pharmacy | 1 | 30 | Full Year Malaysia |
- Code
- PHAR1027
- School
- Pharmacy
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Full Year Malaysia
Summary
Pharmaceutics is the science of medicines. The principal objectives of this module are to (i) teach the basic physical science relevant to the design and performance of different types of dosage forms (ii) to show how they are formulated from their ingredients and manufactured on a small scale, and (iii) to address important scientific principles in their design which ensure stability, applicability and performance, (iv) to expose students to the physicochemical phenomena and the practical aspects related to drugs and the science of medicine formulation.
A. MANUFACTURE, DESIGN AND PACKAGING OF MEDICINES (14 lectures, 2 pre-practical workshops, 3 practical sessions)
1. Introduction to pharmaceutics lectures and practicals.
2. Pre-practical workshops on introduction to basic techniques in lab and how to fill up batch manufacturing record.
3. Practical sessions on formulation of medicinal products (linctus and suspension), cream and ointment.
B. BASIC SCIENCE 1 (6 lectures)
1. Thermodynamics
2. Phase equilibria
C. SOLUTIONS AND STABILITY (10 lectures)
1. Colligative properties of solutions
2. Solubility and solutions
3. Solubility enhancement & solution formulation
4. Stability and decomposition processes
5. Polymers in solution
D. BASIC SCIENCE 2 – DYNAMIC PROCESSES (10 lectures)
1. Kinetics
2. Diffusion
3. Partition
4. Liquid flow and rheology
E. DISPERSE SYSTEMS (6 lectures)
1. Introduction to disperse systems
2. Surface activity and surfactants
3. Colloids
4. Formulation and stability of emulsions and suspensions
F. PRACTICAL SESSIONS associated with Parts B-E (4 practicals)
1. Kinetics of aspirin decomposition
2. Diffusion in creams and gels
3. Critical micelle concentration
4. Phase equilibria in mixed systems
G. Workshops associated with Parts B-E (2 workshops)
H. OPEN FORUM REVISION SESSION (2 hr session)
Target Students
BSc Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences students
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 4 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 6 weeks
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 22 weeks
- One 6-hour laboratory each week for 4 weeks
- One 3-hour laboratory each week for 3 weeks
Assessment
- 20% Practical write-up: In module
- 60% Written Exam (3-hour): 3 hours, end of Spring semester
- 20% ExamSys (1-hour): 1 hour, end of Autumn semester
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The course content aims to:(i) teach students about a wide range of non-sterile medicines that pharmaceutical scientists may need to know as basics and prepare from ingredients on a small-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing area(ii) assist students to learn about the ingredients within each type of medicinal product, the underlying principles of formulation, methods of preparation and their therapeutic application(iii) provides students an understanding of physicochemical science and processes that underpin dosage form behaviour(iv) allow students to gain practical experience in modern small-scale manufacturing techniques and transferable laboratory and acquire organisational skills(v) enable students to develop their understanding of safety procedures, equipment handling, good working practice, professionalism, and the preparation of batch manufacturing documentation and presentation of experimental reports(vi) help students gain familiarity with principal pharmaceutical reference sources(vii) presents students with the opportunity to develop their independent learning skills and widen their knowledge through library work and background readingThis course therefore provides foundation knowledge to several future modules in the degree course, and a knowledge base that is applicable to all future career paths open to pharmaceutical scientists.Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
A. Knowledge and understanding
A3 Principles of design, manufacture and performance of dosage forms
B. Intellectual skills
B1 Critically appraise, analyse and summarise information
B2 Undertake independent, reflective, self-directed learning
B3 Understand principles of experimental and research methodology
B4 Cite and reference work appropriately
C. Professional/practical skills
C2 Undertake practical experimental work using appropriate materials, operating procedures and instruments
D. Transferable/key skills
D1 Effective communication in a variety of forms, including written, verbal and visual
D2 Critically use information resources, including library and electronic sources
D3 Work effectively as an individual or as part of a team
Conveners
- Dr Mohammed Tahir Ansari