PH4S010 - Advanced Formulation Science 01 Apr 2025 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 5

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PH4S010
Module Title: Advanced Formulation Science
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Module Leader: Andrew Graham
Module Team: Natasha Galea, Suzanna Kean
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100423 - pharmaceutical chemistry
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 5
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

The aims of this module are to allow student to:-

1. Demonstrate a mechanistic understanding of the physical and chemical properties of disperse pharmaceutical systems .

2. Demonstrate both a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the behaviour of macromolecules in dispersion and in solution.

3. Critically evaluate the factors governing the choice of formulation components.

4. Formulate strategies to enhance the solubility/dispersibility of poorly soluble ingredients.

5. Investigate the interactions that influence the properties of a range of typical formulations.

Content Summary

Disperse Pharmaceutical Systems: (e.g, gels, suspensions, micellar/liposomal systems, aerosols, foams, solid dispersions, and emulsions (e.g., oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, micro/macro-emulsions)).

Their properties: (e.g., Interfacial Properties, Interfacial free energy, Interfacial tension, Electrical Properties (zeta potential, absorption/desorption), flocculation, steric stabilization, Physical stability: including kinetics (Brownian motion, Diffusion, Sedimentation), Viscosity and flow.

The design of disperse systems: The typical components of the above formulations and their properties e.g., colloids and interfaces, colloidal stability and Derjaguin and Landau, Verwey and Overbeek (DVLO) theory. Ionic and non-ionic surfactants, the  Hydrophilic/Lipophilic Balance (HLB), Adsorption of surfactants at interfaces, solubility enhancers, emulsifying agents. Their Judicial choice and subsequent manipulation to achieve desired properties (to design)for a required formulation.

Targeted Drug Delivery and Controlled release: introduction to polymer chemistry and its use in this context (block/random/alt polymers, micelles, emulsions) drug release mechanisms and stabilization. 

The testing and characterisation of formulations.

The theory will be supported/enhanced by a range of practical lab based activities involving the making and testing of disperse
formulations.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 84
Total Hours Selected 212

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Reconcile the suitability of a disperse formulation within the context of its stability and suitability for purpose. 
LO2 Rationalise contributing factors/properties of the components of a disperse system and their influence on the design of disperse formulations.
LO3 Design, characterise (either physically or by critical evaluation), and evaluate the properties of a disperse formulation.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 Ongoing written templated assessment demonstrating the application of practical skills and problem solving over a series of practical sessions. Assessment may be undertaken in groups (max 2) reflecting the nature of teams problem solving in the workplace. Students are expected to spend at least 1 hour on their assessment for every 1 hour spent undertaking the activity. 0 2000 50 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 End of topic assignment via online delivery. 0 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1

Reading List

Aulton's Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines, M. E. Aulton, (2013) Churchill Livingstone Publishers

Physicochemical Basis of Pharmaceuticals, H. Moynihan, A. Crean (2009) Oxford University Press.