Why take this course?

This unique Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) internationally accredited programme provides the essential information and skills required for employment in the pharmaceutical sector. Given the wide range of disciplines required in driving modern manufacturing approaches this multidisciplinary course covers chemical-based and next generation biotech-based therapeutics and their formulation into safe and effective medicines of high and durable quality.

The pharmaceutical sciences are typically concerned with methods and techniques to minimise toxicity and optimise therapeutic efficacy, maximize product yield, how to circumvent difficulties with drug absorption or unwanted distribution and premature inactivation or elimination. It also explores which new generation technologies such as nano-encapsulation and stimuli-sensitive polymers are most suitable to achieve beneficial drug delivery. The core experience across the modules is the exploration of the structure-property relationships of drugs and pharmaceutical materials. Using sophisticated apparatus and instrumentation, our graduates will develop the skills that will give them a range of career options.

In addition, we will help to grow the interpersonal attributes required for you to interact with colleagues from other disciplines.

The continued growth and prosperity of the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland is is highly dependent on the generation and attraction of skilled graduates and this course is designed to give you the knowledge and competence to enter industry or proceed to further postgraduate education. The Midlands Region is a hub for many pharma and health care companies and this degree programme supports that growth.

Y4 students of the programme also have the opportunity to participate in one of the annual regional conferences of the Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Network.

What will I experience?

This is an ideal programme for learners interested in a career in the pharmaceutical industry delivering synthetic, formulation, analytical, and transferable skill sets. It combines enabling know-how across a range of methodologies critical to the successful development of marketable therapeutics.

In supporting a strong local cluster of drug substance, finished product pharmaceutical, diagnostic reagent, and medical device manufacturing, we regularly consult with companies to maintain the currency of our course provision. Lecturers combine teaching expertise with industry experience. Many of our faculty have worked in the pharma industry and continue to maintain active contacts in this space.

TUS’s programmes in pharmaceutical sciences are designed to meet the growing demand for scientists to service the current and emerging pharma industries in Ireland generally and the Midlands in particular:

• Lectures, tutorials and practical classes delivered in modern, well-equipped teaching rooms and laboratories.
• Enthusiastic lecturers with wide experience of research, academia and industry.
• A research project in year 4 which will focus on a specific pharmaceutical sciences-related topic.

Hazel Browne, Pharmaceutical Sciences student at the Athlone campus talks about her passion for Chemistry in secondary school and how this course is chemistry based which makes it the perfect fit for her.