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Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on principles and concepts of pharmaceutical chemistry and the analysis of pure drugs, formulated products and drugs in biological specimen. After a brief review of the chemical characteristics of the most important functional groups in a pharmaceutical context, it introduces students to different techniques employed in the separation (e.g. liquid–liquid extraction, TLC / HPTLC, HPLC) as well as the qualitative and quantitative analysis of pure and formulated drugs (e.g. titrimetric assays, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, IR spectroscopy, NMR and mass spectrometry). It also introduces the concept of stereochemistry and illustrates in what ways it can influence drug activity and/or toxicity. Major chemical routes of drug degradation and strategies to curtail them are discussed. In this context students are also introduced to degradation kinetics and the concept of drug shelf life. The need for quality control for drugs and drug products including complementary medicines is highlighted and the associated pharmacopoeial requirements are discussed.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) predict the key chemical characteristics of the most important functional groups in a pharmaceutical context; (2) understand the theory underpinning common qualitative and quantitative drug analysis and separation techniques as they apply to pure drugs, formulated products as well as drugs in biological specimens; (3) carry out separation techniques common in the analysis of drugs and formulations; (4) competently handle a range of quantitative analyses including associated calculations; (5) appreciate the important role of stereochemistry for a large number of drug molecules and are competent in applying different stereochemical terminologies; (6) understand the major chemical routes of drug degradation as well as strategies to curtail them; (7) be familiar with degradation kinetics and the concept of drug shelf life; and (8) appreciate the need for quality control for drugs and formulated products and be familiar with the various pharmacopoeial requirements as they relate to quality control.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) laboratory assessments; (2) tests; 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 Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Connie Locher
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
51500 Master of Pharmacy (ID 123)
Contact hours
lectures: 24 hours
tutorials/pre-labs: 21 hours
labs: 21 hours
Texts

Cairns, D. Essentials of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 4th edn: Pharmaceutical Press 2012

Watson, D. G. Pharmaceutical Analysis, 5th edn: Elsevier 2020

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  • 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.