BSc in Pharmaceutical Scienc (Drug Design & Dev)

BSc in Pharmaceutical Science (Drug Design & Development)

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

• Is the identity of the API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) in the formulated product correct?
• Is the correct quantity of API present?
• How might I maximise the yield from the synthetic route?
• Is the product stable and what expiry date should it have?
• Is each of the ingredients compatible?
• At what rate will the API be released from its formulation so its can be absorbed from the body?
• 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 has for a number of years offered a unique four year ab inito program in pharmaceutical science which provides graduates with relevant skills at the molecular and product level. The three year, Level 7 offering in Drug Development & Analysis is now also offered to suitably qualified school leavers who wish to acquire key skills which will enable them to participate in and contribute to this success story.

On this degree, you will be instructed by a dedicated and integrated team of academic staff possessing a diverse and relevant range of teaching experience and research interests.

In 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. After essential grounding in life, physical, IT and mathematical sciences, learners become appraised of basic and advanced chemical and pharmacologically relevant science. Further studies focus on the disciplines of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Dosage Form Design, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Spectroscopy & Chromatography.

Deparmental staff members regularly consult with industry to maintain the currency of our course provision and this input is reflected in our offering of a module in Professional & Transferable Skills. This seeks to ensure that graduates are sufficiently aware and professional in all activities and thus fulfil their role and potential in the workplace.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

Grade D3 at ordinary level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

FETAC

FETAC applicants to this programme must hold the following award: Laboratory Techniques (CASLT). They are also required to have the module Mathematics (C20139) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate Mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.

Modules

Year 1

Learning to Learn, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics for Scientists, Information Technology for Scientists, Current Scientific Issues through Enquiry-Based Learning and Scientific Computing.

Year 2

Biochemistry, Genetics & Forensics, General & Applied Microbiology, Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Physical & Inorganic Chemistry and Probability & Statistics.

Year 3

Metals in Medicine, Syhthetic Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Separations, Quality Assurance & GMP, Environmental Science, Dosage Form Design, Pharmaceutical Spectroscopy, Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Pharmaceutical Materials, Professional & Transferrable Skills for Pharmaceutical Scientists 

Progression

Many graduates will remain to study for the AIT Level 8 offering in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Discovery & Development). 

Professional Recognition

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this degree 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. 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