Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit encompasses a diverse range of topics, from fundamental physiochemical principles that underpin the formulation of acceptable therapeutic products to the manufacture and evaluation of these products according to regulatory standards. It covers the formulation of major non-sterile pharmaceutical dosage forms, including powders, tablets, capsules, solutions, disperse systems, semi-solids, suppositories and specialised dosage forms such as transdermal and timed-release medications. The properties and function of excipients essential to the formulation of therapeutic agents are considered. The unit also evaluates the interrelationship between therapeutic product formulation and clinical outcome. An understanding of these principles allows the student to develop aesthetically pleasing products to deliver drugs in a safe, efficient, reproducible and convenient manner in patients. The manufacture of some of these therapeutic products is undertaken in the laboratory with emphasis on both the science and art of formulation.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts relating to (1) drug bioavailability; (2) routes of drug administration and drug absorption pathways; (3) peroral, dermatological and mucosal therapeutic products and their formulation; (4) excipients in therapeutic product formulation; (5) powder characterisation; (6) packaging materials for therapeutic products; and (7) pharmacopoeial standards for therapeutic products. Students also acquire skills in the art and science of preparing a range of therapeutic dosage forms of the correct strength and stability.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) practical reports; (2) continuous assessment; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit rules
Prerequisites
CHEM2221 Biological and Medicinal Chemistry, CHEM3312 Chemistry of Drug Design and Discovery
Contact hours
lectures: 30 hours
tutorials: 5 hours
practicals: 18 hours
Texts

Allen, L. V. et al. Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, 9th edn: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2011

Aulton, M. Pharmaceutics: the Design and Manufacture of Medicines, 3rd edn: Churchill Livingstone 2007

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.