PH2S104 - Introduction to Formulation Science and Pharmaceutical Analysis 01 Aug 2023 - 31 Jul 2029 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PH2S104
Module Title: Introduction to Formulation Science and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science
Module Leader: Natasha Galea, Suzanna Kean
Module Team: Meirion Pugh, Rehana Karim, Andrew Graham
First Intended Intake: SEP 2028 Final Year of Intake: 2028
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100413 - analytical chemistry 101038 - applied chemistry 101050 - physical chemistry
HECOS Code Weighting: 40 40 20

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Aug 2023
Valid To 31 Jul 2029

Module Aims

To impart a knowledge and practical experience ofdrug formulation.

Content Summary

This module will primarily focus on the two most common dosage forms – solids and liquids - but will give an overview of the breadth of formulation science as a whole. Indicative content includes:

1) The differing types of common as well as novel pharmaceutical formulations:e.g., oral solid doses, non-sterile liquids, parenteral, topical, transdermal, and inhalations – routes of administration – patient compliance – drugs in the community.

2) Powders: rheology, compatibility, stability. Particle size classification.

3) Tabletting and capsules – granulation, manufacture, tablet/capsule testing.

4) Liquid/Gel/Cream formulations: Use of differing suspending and viscosity agents. Solution testing.

5) Excipients: Discussion of the role, limits and benefits of various excipients (flavours, buffers,anti oxidants etc) in the context of the above formulations.

6) Pharmaceutical/formulation testing: including powder testing, tablet testing (e.g, hardness, dissolution, disintegration – methods of detection such as HPLC/UV-Vis), liquid/gel/cream testing ( e.g., solubility, viscosity, spread-ability, membrane permeability)

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 12
Independent Study 50
Directed Study 102
Problem / challenge based learning 12
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Apply relevant chemical and physical principles to pharmaceutical product formulation.
LO2 Evaluate the components of a formulation recognising their function and impact.
LO3 Demonstrate problem-solving skills in the areas of pharmaceutical product formulation and pharmaceutical analysis.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 A written report on the optimisation of a drug formulation 0 2000 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 1 Laboratory reports on practicals undertaken 0 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Report 1
Practical Written Work 1

Reading List

Aulton's Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines, Michael E. Aulton ,Kevin M.G. Taylor (2021)Elsevier Publishers

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

Pharmaceutical Compounding and Dispensing, John F. Marriott ,Keith A. Wilson, Christopher A. Langley (2010 )Pharmaceutical Press