BSc(Hons) Pharmaceutical Sc (Drug Discovery & Dev)

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science (Drug Discovery & Development)

Those working in drug discovery and development seek answers to the following questions:

• What are the sources of APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients)?
• How can I correlate intrinsic activity with their chemical structure?
• What methods and techniques can I deploy to minimize toxicity and optimize therapeutic efficacy?
• Which experimental design will facilitate cost-effective ingredient selection and manufacture while eliminating waste?
• How might I circumvent difficulties with drug absorption, unwanted distribution and premature inactivation or elimination?
• Which new generation technologies such as nanoencapsulation and stimuli-sensitive hydrogels are most suitable to achieve beneficial drug delivery?
• What type of intellectual property (IP) protection is most secure in warding off competitors?
• What analytical techniques must I use to answer the above questions?

Even casual observers will be aware of the critical role that the Irish pharmaceutical sector plays in contributing to the exemplary success of Ireland’s manufacturing exports. Many may have knowledge of the courses available in universities and institutes which provide graduates to the industry. Athlone Institute of Technology currently offers a unique four year ab inito program in pharmaceutical sciences which imparts graduates with relevant skills at the prototype molecular and advanced product level. The one-year Level 8 add-on offering in drug discovery and development is now offered to suitably qualified holders of Level 7 awards or equivalent who wish to acquire an integrated platform of key, up to date skills which will enable them to participate in and contribute to this success story.

Each semester, the six modules offered build on more than four decades of life sciences and chemical undergraduate and postgraduate course delivery and research. Theory is always supported by practice, and modules provide knowledge and ‘hands-on’ experience. Among the disciplines offered you will find Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Bioanalytical Techniques in Therapeutics, Advanced Therapies, Experimental Design & Validation, and API Discovery & Characterisation.

We regularly consult with industry to maintain the currency of our course provision and this input is reflected in our first semester offering of Research Methods. This seeks to ensure that graduates are sufficiently aware and accountable in all activities in planning and executing a research project in the second semester. This helps to crystallize learner awareness and to prepare them to successfully fulfil their role in the workplace or the research laboratory into the future.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Holders of an appropriate Bachelor of Science qualification in chemistry or an equivalent Level 7 qualification are eligible to apply to join this programme.

Modules

Contemporary Issues in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacognosy & Natural Products, API Discovery & Characterisation, Bioanalytical Techniques in Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Experimental Design & Validation, Medical Devices & Advanced Therapies, Research Methods and Research Project.

Progression

An honours degree is an effective basis for postgraduate training and research leading to Master’s and PhD (Level 9/10) qualifications. 

Professional Recognition

Career Opportunities

Graduates from our programme may expect to find rewarding careers and well remunerated positions in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals sector, whether in an API/ biologic drugs plant or in a finished drug product manufacturing facility. A number of graduates have been successful in securing roles in regulatory affairs where they interface with national, EU or other international state bodies such as the US FDA in support of marketing authorisation applications from their employer. Previous graduates have also obtained desirable roles in research, whether industrial or leading to a higher degree, in colleges or the wider public service such as forensics and environmental monitoring. Others are currently employed in agriculture, food, polymers and beverage concerns.

Additional Information