Drug & Medicinal Product Analysis - BSc (Hons)

What modules will I study?

• Year 1

  Title: Biology

  Credits: 15

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  This module is an introduction to the fundamental principles and concepts underlying how biological systems function. It is intended to introduce students to key concepts in biochemistry, cellular reproduction, genetics, cellular metabolism, photosynthesis, and human physiology. A core element of this module is practical laboratory experience where students will learn scientific techniques relevant to biochemical analyses.  

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  Title: Chemistry

  Credits: 15

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  This module is an introduction to the fundamentals of modern chemistry. It is divided into Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. The module includes lectures, tutorials and important laboratory techniques and practices, the latter making up a large portion of the module.

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  Title: Introduction to Drug and Medicinal Products

  Credits: 10

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  This module introduces students to how scientists work and communicate. It provides a broad introduction to the drug and medicinal products industry, with an overview of manufacturing practises and environmental considerations. Students also learn about health and disease and study various methods of formulating medicines.

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  Title: Introductory Physics Concepts

  Credits: 10

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  This algebra-based physics module is designed to introduce students to the concepts in fundamental physics that are necessary to support other core modules and to provide a comprehensive grounding in physics that is relevant to chemical and biochemical analysis. Lectures, practicals, and tutorials are relevant, interactive and student-focused to ensure deep learning. 

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  Title: Science Mathematics

  Credits: 10

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  This mathematics module will provide students with the necessary mathematical skills, problem solving skills and computer application proficiency required by the analytical scientist. Lectures, computer practicals, and tutorials are applied, interactive and student-focused to ensure students can transfer their mathematical knowledge across other modules.

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• Year 2 - Semester 1

  Title: Introduction to Analytical Techniques

  Credits: 5

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  This module introduces students to laboratory based analytical techniques, e.g. standard calibration, using spectroscopic, chromatographic and electroanalytical instruments.  Learners are giving a grounding in spectroscopic and chromatographic methods and are introduced to instruments, e.g. Molecular UV-Visible spectrophotometers, in lectures. They are then given hands-on experience of using these instruments in laboratory practicals which they report on.

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  Title: Drug and Medicinal Product Technology I

  Credits: 10

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  This module develops the students' knowledge of the drug and medicinal product industries, discussing areas like production (Chemical and Biological processing methods), plant structure and layout and waste disposal processes. It also introduces topics including formulation, drug delivery systems, materials and packaging relevant to those industries. It includes a weekly laboratory practical in the organic chemistry, bioprocessing, drug extractions, synthesis, purification, formulation and analysis.

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  Title: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry 1

  Credits: 5

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  This module builds on the fundamentals of general chemistry already covered allowing the student to form a deeper understanding of the basic principles of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry.  The module gives the student an opportunity to develop their practical skills and enhance their ability to problem solve scientifically with direct emphasis on application to the drug industry.

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  Title: Pharmaceutical Biochemistry

  Credits: 5

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  This module provides students with an understanding of the biochemical structure and function of biomolecules. There will be an emphasis on their industrial applications associated with the healthcare sector, both pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical/biologics. This module focuses on the biochemical basis of health and disease, and consequent medical treatments. In the practical component, students will learn laboratory techniques relevant to the biochemical analysis and application of biomolecules.

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  Title: Introduction to Statistics

  Credits: 5

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  This module introduces basic statistical concepts. It examines the practice of collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. Students will develop the necessary skills to undertake preliminary statistical analysis.  This module will also enhance students’ proficiency in Microsoft Office packages. 

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• Year 2 - Semester 2

  Title: Analytical Techniques

  Credits: 5

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  This module follows on from the theory covered and builds on the skills developed in the Introduction to Analytical Techniques module. Learners get exposed to more chromatographic, and spectrophotometric instruments, e.g. FAAS & IR and techniques used to carry out analysis. More emphasis is put on comparing instruments. The module still has a substantial practical component where learners utilise alternative techniques, e.g. standard addition & internal standards.

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  Title: Drug and Medicinal Product Technology II

  Credits: 10

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  This module develops the students' knowledge of the drug and medicinal product industries, discussing areas like production (Chemical and Biological processing methods), plant structure and layout and waste disposal processes. It also introduces topics including formulation, drug delivery systems, materials and packaging relevant to those industries. It includes a weekly laboratory practical in the organic chemistry, bioprocessing, drug extractions, synthesis, purification, formulation and analysis.

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  Title: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry II

  Credits: 5

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  This module allows the student to develop their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in synthesis and reaction kinetics of transition metal complexes with relevance to the drug Manufacturing Industry.

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  Title: Pharmaceutical Microbiology

  Credits: 5

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  This module will provide an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills of microbiology pertaining to classification, culture and control of microorganisms in the pharmaceutical environment and products of pharmaceutical industries.

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  Title: Statistical Process Control

  Credits: 5

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  This module introduces students to important quality control concepts. It will provide students with the necessary skills required to create and analyse statistical process control charts.  In this way, students will learn to apply statistical methods for quality control & improvement. 

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• Year 3 - Semester 1

  Title: Drug and Medicinal Products & Good Manufacturing Practices

  Credits: 10

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  This module enhances the learners' awareness of regulatory and good manufacturing requirements in the Drug and Medicinal Product industries. It prepares learners for work in this sector, through practical, lecture and workshop experiences.

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  Title: Instrumental Analysis

  Credits: 5

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  This module builds on the chromatographic, spectrophotometric and electrochemical instruments and techniques developed in second year. It deepens and broadens that knowledge and set of skills.

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  Title: Molecular Techniques & Immunobiology

  Credits: 5

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  This module will provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in molecular techniques used in areas of diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals. It also gives students an overview of the production and applications of antibodies and their role in the Biopharmaceutical industry.

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  Title: Molecules in Medicine

  Credits: 5

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  This module studies pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical processes. It teaches the principles for formulation of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, and the associated manufacturing technologies.

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  Title: Quality Assurance

  Credits: 5

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  This module seeks to enhance the learners knowledge of working within regulated scientific environments with a focus on fundamental concepts of quality assurance.

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• Year 3 - Semester 2

  Title: Work Placement

  Credits: 30

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  This module is an exciting opportunity for students to get paid placement (up to 9 months) with science companies in Ireland or internationally.  TUS staff support and work with students preparing professional CV’s and obtaining valuable interview experience. Students gain placement typically in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device sector. They put into practice the skillsets developed in college and find out about the exceptional career opportunities in these thriving sectors.

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• Year 4 - Semester 1

  Title: Advanced Drug and Medicinal Product Analysis

  Credits: 15

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  This module is a problem, lab-based subject that mimics operations within a pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical company. Students work in teams to manufacture and analysis pharmaceutical components using international pharmacopeia’s as well as creating all relevant documentation (batch books, SOP's, test specifications, tests reports, certificates of analysis). Another aspect involves examining dissolution profiles of a range of medicinal product formulations.

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  Title: Data Analysis

  Credits: 5

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  This module seeks to develop key statistical techniques and concepts that are invaluable tools in data driven analytic environments. The emphasis is on synthesising information to draw appropriate conclusions while also developing communication skills to present information in a clear and precise way.

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  Title: GMP and Chromatographic Methods

  Credits: 5

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  This module builds on the earlier good manufacturing practice (GMP) modules in the course which is highly relevant to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device sectors. It helps students to be prepared to slot seamlessly into highly regulated companies in the medicinal product sector.  Critical advanced chromatographic methods for research development and testing in the industry are examined and looked at also in this section.

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  Title: Spectroscopic and Complementary Methods I

  Credits: 5

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  This module involves in-depth examination of useful spectroscopic techniques such as IR, Raman, ATR, fluorescence, phosphorescence etc. that are widely used in industry. The emphasis is on developing good understanding and problem-solving skills that should be useful for later on. 

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• Year 4 - Semester 2

  Title: Chromatographic Methods and Validation

  Credits: 5

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  This module examines the most up to date chromatographic methods and technologies, mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis and looks at these techniques as applied in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, chemical and environmental sectors. Validation of processes, systems, and methods are examined and detailed to ensure compliance with the regulatory authorities such as the FDA and the European Medicines Agency. 

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  Title: Research Project

  Credits: 10

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  This module is very exciting in that it gives students the opportunity to examine and research a topic of interest or indeed work on a project related to their previous years’ work experience. The project allows for students to work independently in a state-of-the-art laboratory and develop their knowledge and understanding of complex problems. This subject is blocked with 12 hours weekly supervised laboratory time available for students to develop their skillset.

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  Title: Quality Management

  Credits: 5

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  This module will provide the learner with a detailed knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques employed in quality management.

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  Title: Special Topics

  Credits: 5

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  This module provides final year science students with the opportunity to study a range of specialist areas in which they can apply the knowledge they have gained from their course to date to specific industrial contexts.

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  Title: Spectroscopic and Complementary Methods II

  Credits: 5

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  This module involves an in-depth examination of NMR, thermal methods, atomic absorption (AA) and X-ray methods that are widely used in analysis and characterization. There is an emphasis on good understanding and in the development of problem-solving skills throughout.

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