PHA-20016 - Module Specification
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module provides an integrated and fully contextualised analysis of crucial topics covering the breadth of the pharmaceutical sciences, especially the applied disciplines of pharmaceutics and pharmacology.
The linkages between core topics are highlighted at each Level of the programme and these Level 5 modules (for example, in this module, Applied Pharmaceutical Science 1, and Applied Pharmaceutical Science II, and other modules) provide the fulcrum for the programme.
After a general introduction to pharmaceutics, students will study the properties and applications of solutions, followed by rheology and the flow properties of liquids and semisolids. Interfacial phenomenon and disperse systems, including surface tension, surface active agents, emulsions, and suspensions will be covered in detail since these concepts are of vital importance in the performance of many dosage forms. Chemical kinetics, drug stability, and particle sizing will be introduced towards the end of the module, leading to an in-depth examination of product stability and quality assurance. All of the topics covered will be supported by a comprehensive programme of practical exercises. Alongside and integrated with the concepts in formulation science, the relevant aspects of the pharmacological actions of drugs on molecular targets, cells and physiological systems is covered systematically, including detailed coverage of the mechanisms by which drugs interact with physiological systems to exert therapeutic and adverse effects.
The potential and limitations of drug use will be expounded, including topics in combination therapy, adverse effects, resistance and abuse. Experimentation and data analysis is key to an understanding of pharmacology and an examination of the essential and appropriate techniques for the acquisition and analysis of experimental data will be provided. The application of a systematic understanding of drug-receptor interactions will be used to identify drugs and receptors from pharmacological data.
Woven throughout the module is development of essential team-working and leadership skills: group-based tasks within the laboratory classes and practical skills workshops provide students with a forum to demonstrate their potential to work in and lead interdisciplinary teams.

This module builds on the science content at level 4 and aims to provide an integrated and fully contextualised analysis of crucial topics covering the breadth of the pharmaceutical sciences, especially the applied disciplines of pharmaceutics and pharmacology.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of and apply an integrated approach towards patient care which links pharmaceutical science and pharmaceutical business development: 1,2,3
Explain how physiological patient factors affect the choice of pharmacological agents to treat disease states based upon absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion data: 1,2,3
Explain how drug resistance and drug interactions have consequences for pharmaceutical development and patient care: 2,3
Explain the underpinning concepts in physical chemistry and materials science which underpin drug formulation: 1,2,3
Evaluate and select processes and formulations appropriate to the manufacture of specified drug products: 1,2,3
Describe the relevance of microbiology within healthcare practice, and the challenges presented by infection in the context of pharmaceutical development and patient care: 1,2,3
Describe in detail the metabolic interrelationships of the various tissues and organs of the human body, including the role of hormones in the integration of metabolism and the maintenance of homeostasis: 2,3
Demonstrate competence in pharmaceutical calculations related to pharmacology and pharmaceutics: 1,2,3

Study hours

Large- and small-group teaching sessions: 50 hours
Skills-based practical work: 50 hours
Directed private study, revision and assessment: 200 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment