Drug & Medicinal Product Analysis – Higher Cert

This module is an introduction to the fundamental principles and concepts underlying how biological systems function. It is intended to introduce students to key concepts in biochemistry, cellular reproduction, genetics, cellular metabolism, photosynthesis, and human physiology. A core element of this module is practical laboratory experience where students will learn scientific techniques relevant to biochemical analyses.

This module is an introduction to the fundamentals of modern chemistry. It is divided into Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. The module includes lectures, tutorials and important laboratory techniques and practices, the latter making up a large portion of the module.

This module introduces students to how scientists work and communicate. It provides a broad introduction to the drug and medicinal products industry, with an overview of manufacturing practises and environmental considerations. Students also learn about health and disease and study various methods of formulating medicines.

This algebra-based physics module is designed to introduce students to the concepts in fundamental physics that are necessary to support other core modules and to provide a comprehensive grounding in physics that is relevant to chemical and biochemical analysis. Lectures, practicals, and tutorials are relevant, interactive and student-focused to ensure deep learning.

This mathematics module will provide students with the necessary mathematical skills, problem solving skills and computer application proficiency required by the analytical scientist. Lectures, computer practicals, and tutorials are applied, interactive and student-focused to ensure students can transfer their mathematical knowledge across other modules.

This module introduces students to laboratory based analytical techniques, e.g. standard calibration, using spectroscopic, chromatographic and electroanalytical instruments.  Learners are giving a grounding in spectroscopic and chromatographic methods and are introduced to instruments, e.g. Molecular UV-Visible spectrophotometers, in lectures. They are then given hands-on experience of using these instruments in laboratory practicals which they report on.

This module develops the students’ knowledge of the drug and medicinal product industries, discussing areas like production (Chemical and Biological processing methods), plant structure and layout and waste disposal processes. It also introduces topics including formulation, drug delivery systems, materials and packaging relevant to those industries. It includes a weekly laboratory practical in the organic chemistry, bioprocessing, drug extractions, synthesis, purification, formulation and analysis.

This module builds on the fundamentals of general chemistry already covered allowing the student to form a deeper understanding of the basic principles of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry.  The module gives the student an opportunity to develop their practical skills and enhance their ability to problem solve scientifically with direct emphasis on application to the drug industry.

This module provides students with an understanding of the biochemical structure and function of biomolecules. There will be an emphasis on their industrial applications associated with the healthcare sector, both pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical/biologics. This module focuses on the biochemical basis of health and disease, and consequent medical treatments. In the practical component, students will learn laboratory techniques relevant to the biochemical analysis and application of biomolecules.

This module introduces basic statistical concepts. It examines the practice of collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. Students will develop the necessary skills to undertake preliminary statistical analysis.  This module will also enhance students’ proficiency in Microsoft Office packages.

This module follows on from the theory covered and builds on the skills developed in the Introduction to Analytical Techniques module. Learners get exposed to more chromatographic, and spectrophotometric instruments, e.g. FAAS & IR and techniques used to carry out analysis. More emphasis is put on comparing instruments. The module still has a substantial practical component where learners utilise alternative techniques, e.g. standard addition & internal standards.

This module develops the students’ knowledge of the drug and medicinal product industries, discussing areas like production (Chemical and Biological processing methods), plant structure and layout and waste disposal processes. It also introduces topics including formulation, drug delivery systems, materials and packaging relevant to those industries. It includes a weekly laboratory practical in the organic chemistry, bioprocessing, drug extractions, synthesis, purification, formulation and analysis.

This module allows the student to develop their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in synthesis and reaction kinetics of transition metal complexes with relevance to the drug Manufacturing Industry.

This module will provide an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills of microbiology pertaining to classification, culture and control of microorganisms in the pharmaceutical environment and products of pharmaceutical industries.

This module introduces students to important quality control concepts. It will provide students with the necessary skills required to create and analyse statistical process control charts.  In this way, students will learn to apply statistical methods for quality control & improvement.