PM1PY4-Introduction to Medicines Design

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PM1PY1 Professional Practice 1 and PM1PY2 Fundamentals of Cell Biology and PM1PY3 Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science and PM1PY5 Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Becky Green
Email: rebecca.green@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module builds on the chemical and pharmaceutical science concepts that underpin the design and formulation of medicines covered in the Autumn semester Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science module. This module includes an introduction to aspects affecting the physical and chemical properties of drugs, interfacial phenomena and colloidal systems and links these to appropriate formulation types. Students gain practical skills in the extemporaneous formulation of medicines.

Aims:

To introduce students to the fundamental concepts of science that underpin the discovery, design, development and delivery of drugs. The module will develop students’ understanding of drug development in terms of drug formulation, and the importance of quality and safety in these processes and the dispensing of the final medicinal product to the patient. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be expected to:

1. Discuss the need, and fundamental science, for analysis in quality control of drug formulations.


2. Describe how physicochemical properties of drugs and excipients affect drug formulations.


3. Explain the science behind the preparation of drug formulations.


4. Explain the concepts of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics in relation to medicines design and formulation.


5. Discuss the clinical implications of differences in physicochemical properties of drugs.

Additional outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Demonstrate their independent learning skills.


• Develop their problem-solving skills.


• Consider how the carbon footprint of pharmaceuticals is increasingly being considered in the development of new medicines.

Outline content:

This module builds on the introduction to basic pharmaceutical science concepts and general principles required by pharmacists to understand drug design, formulation and development. The module will outline, drug formulations and their properties in relation to drug delivery to patients. An appropriate range of lectures, tutorials, practical classes and guided individual study will be used to achieve the learning outcomes and also integrate with those of the other Part 1 modules, helping to contextualise relevance to the practice of pharmacy.

Specific topics covered will include physiochemical principles of drug molecules, polymers and pharmaceutical excipients, solutions in formulations and solubility, colloids and interface science, drug licensing, health and safety, and working to standard operating procedures.

Global context:

This module will develop core knowledge and show how this knowledge is relevant to the role of a pharmacist. The student will need to develop independent learning skills within this module to progress into Part 2 but should then be suitably equipped to tackle the rigour of an MPharm degree. The topics covered here will link into all modules of Part 2.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, directed private study, self-directed learning, as well as practical-based laboratory classes. Some of the lectures or tutorials will utilise a team-based learning-like approach: activities will adopt characteristics of workshops where students will engage in formative activities e.g. in-class discussion. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided to enable students to improve their own l earning skills.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	2
Seminars		10
Tutorials		10
Practicals classes and workshops		12
Supervised time in studio/workshop		12
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		30
Wider reading (directed)		20
Preparation for tutorials		10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		4
Revision and preparation		57	3
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	0	195	5
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Report	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

In the summer exam period:

1. Written examination (70% of module) - 2 hrs

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Practical report (30% of module)

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment is largely based on diagnostic and self-directed assessment and will reinforce each of the learning outcomes of the module. These assessments will provide students with feedback on their achievement of the learning outcomes and prepare them for the summative assessments.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

All summative assessments must be passed at 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination (written papers) in August. Failed reports may be reassessed by an alternative piece of work, before or during the August examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 4 September 2023