This module explores some of the fundamental aspects of Microbiology with a strong emphasis on laboratory skills associated with aseptic technique and the culture of microorganisms. The module will incorporate bacterial culture techniques, preservation, staining & observation. The module will also introduce methodologies associated with bacterial enumeration.

1. Successfully stain and visualise microorganisms using the compound microscope.
2. Isolate, purify and preserve bacterial cultures.
3. Prepare different media types and utilise same for culture of microorganisms.
4. Enumerate bacterial cells using a viability count method.
5. Perform aseptic technique with emphasis on liquid and solid culture inoculations.
6. Describe different methods that are used to control the growth of microorganisms.
7. Discuss the importance of metabolism in the generation of energy and synthesis of important compounds in bacterial cells.

Analytical Forensics 2.1 module combines theory with practical work where forensic case studies provide the backdrop for chemical analyses in the laboratory. The student has a comprehensive knowledge of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic and inorganic chemical entities. The theory is presented to illustrate "real world" applications of analytical chemistry in forensic science.

The student learns the basic methods of spectroscopy which include uv/visible radiation (UV-Vis), fluorescence, atomic absorption (AA), flame absorption and infra-red (R). The basic methods of chromatography which include gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC) and ion-exchange column chromatography (IEC) are also covered.

Through the practical work the student learns how to follow procedures, to prepare samples for analysis, use mathematical methods to process analytical data, obtain quantitative results and report results in a proper manner with the end goal of solving the particular forensic scene scenario.

1. Display a knowledge of the basic theoretical principles underlying methods of spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis and an understanding how they can be applied in the context of forensic. To be able to apply the theory to the forensic analysis of drugs, polymers, toxicological samples, fibres, paint, explosives, arson residues, and documents.

2. Follow laboratory procedures and prepare samples for analysis by spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.
3. Operate a wide range of analytical instrumentation under supervision.
4. Process analytical data and obtain quantitative results.
5. Write reports using mathematical methods.
6. Assess the validity of the results

The module encompasses analysing data, summarising it concisely, modelling it for presentation it and extracting all significant information therefrom. Skills in Interpreting mathematical statements will be imparted. Following an introduction to basic statistics a range of statistical tests will be studied and the best available statistical test(s) will be employed to arrive at decisions based on the data presented. Suitable theoretical models will be proposed to explain observed measurements.

1. Record, model, present, analyse and interpret experimental data performing logarithmic transformation and regression when appropriate

2. Suitably manipulate and transform equations in order to simplify the process being described and to extract desired parameters.
3. Calculate the probability of an event and the expectation from a given distribution

4. Implement various mathematical and statistical operations, tests and computations for making quantitative decisions about a process or processes.

This module advances the theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained from the fundamentals of organic chemistry introduced in Chemistry 1.1. Learners will be introduced to the concepts of conformation and configuration of organic molecules. Step-by-step reaction mechanisms (addition, substitution, and elimination reactions) using a variety of organic molecules will be examined and intermediate formation such as carbocation and the bromonium ion will be addressed. Students will be introduced to Green Chemistry theory such as the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and will undertake Green Chemistry Lab practicals which encompass such principles. Small organic molecules will be synthesized and characterised in the laboratory, with theoretical principles used to explain experimental observations. Students will learn to calculate percentage yield and atom economy to determine reaction efficiency

1. Name and draw simple aliphatic, cyclic, and aromatic organic molecules

2. Identify features that give rise to chirality in organic molecules and assign the R/S designation to compounds with a single stereogenic centre.

3. Explain step-by-step reaction mechanisms of common organic chemical reactions (addition, substitution, and elimination reactions)

4. Discuss the basic principles of green and sustainable chemistry.

5. Synthesis and characterise small organic molecules, practice some principles of green chemistry.

An introduction to inorganic chemistry in terms of its principles and applications.

1. Discuss the principles of bonding and structure in inorganic substances.
2. Discuss the importance of transition metal ions and complexes.
3. Understand the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry thereby enabling further study.
4. Predict the outcomes of simple acid-base and redox reactions.
5. Select techniques for the appropriate synthesis, analysis and characterisation of inorganic compounds.
6. Assess the validity of experimental data, compare test results with expected results, and assess any discrepancies.
7. Operate a range of instrumentation, obtain data and report the results in a competent manner.
8. Operate under supervision in a laboratory situation.

This module will introduce the students to key quality control, quality assurance and quality management processes in current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) regulated drug manufacturing industries. This module will outline the role of the major regulatory bodies from drug discovery to market and identify the key quality standards which govern GMP in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. Upon the completion of this module students should be able to explain, using illustrative examples, how GMP is essential from initial clinical trials to commercial product launch and subsequent pharmacovigilance market surveillance. Students should be able to recognise non-compliance in a GMP controlled manufacturing environment and outline the importance of instrument validation and calibration in quality control.

1. Differentiate between the major drug manufacturing processes in pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries.

2. Describe the role and function of quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) and good laboratory practice (GLP) within the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device Industries.

3. Identify the major regulatory bodies and international quality standards which regulate/audit drug production and manufacturing, from drug discovery to pharmacovigilance market surveillance.

4. Review EU Eudralex Volume 4 GMP guidelines and apply this knowledge to audit practices for GMP compliance in industry.

5. Explain the significance of instrument validation and calibration in relation to the maintenance of QC and GLP in industry.

This module provides an introduction to the fascinating field of study which is physical chemistry. Particular emphasis in this module is placed on the transformation of one substance to another from the point of view of thermodynamics (energy associated with chemical reactions), kinetics (rates of chemical reactions) and equilibrium (extent of chemical reactions). It includes the qualitative and quantitative study, both experimental and theoretical, of the factors determining the behaviour of matter.

1. Assess the validity of experimental data.
2. Operate a range of instrumentation.
3. Appreciate the importance of adhering to correct procedures.
4. Compare test results with expected results.
5. Calculate the energy changes, rate and extent of chemical reactions.

Semester-long module will consist of two hours of theory and two hours of practical work per week.

Analytical Techniques 2.2 module combines theory with practical work covering the basic techniques used in electrochemical and water analysis. The student will use pH and conductivity meters, various ion selective electrodes and employ use of titration to confirm the analytical methods.

Through the practical work the student learns how to follow procedures, to prepare samples for analysis, use mathematical methods to process analytical data, obtain quantitative results and report results in a proper manner.

1. Understand the basic theory of instrumental methods in electrochemistry.
2. Operate a range of electrochemical instrumentation.
3. Prepare and use samples in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
4. Determine the composition of real samples.
5. Select the correct analytical technique for analysis.
6. Assess the validity of experimental data.
7. Compare test results with expected results.
8. Appreciate the importance of applying specific procedures in electrochemical and water analytical analysis to ensure reliability and accuracy of any data obtained and reported.

This module develops the concepts and knowledge from the organic chemistry 2.1 module and gives further practice in writing formulas and structures for organic molecules, in identifying and naming functional groups, and in understanding the basic mechanisms that govern organic reactions. As well as further transformations of functional groups, the basics of carbon-carbon bond formation are introduced. The use of techniques such as IR and NMR to confirm the structure of organic molecules is also studied. Routine skills in the laboratory are further developed to enable the learner to synthesise, identify, purify and predict the behaviour of small organic molecules.

1. Write equations for the synthesis and reactions of simple alcohols, phenols, ethers and various carbonyl compounds.
2. Illustrate how transformations between alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids and acid derivatives are carried out.
3. Predict the outcome of reaction of carbonyl compounds with a variety of nucleophiles, including Grignard reagents.
4. Explain the relationship between structure and acidity in organic molecules.
5. Analyse and interpret information from both infrared and 1 H-NMR spectra of simple organic molecules.
6. Set up appropriate laboratory apparatus for the preparation of a variety of small organic molecules, use instrumentation such as infrared and NMR to analyse reactants and products, and present laboratory reports in standardised format.

This module focuses on bio-organic substances, the major organic chemicals found in living systems. It examines the basic structure and function of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, vitamins and nucleic acids and builds upon knowledge developed in Organic Chemistry 2.1 regarding functional groups and reactions. Biological Chemistry 2.1 provides students with real-life applications and examples of organic molecules that they may interact with on a daily basis, such as food, medicine, plants, and the human body. Laboratory experiments demonstrating the behaviour of some bio-organic molecules are also carried out.

1. Draw structures to represent structural forms of simple carbohydrates and write equations to illustrate their reactions.
2. Describe the major structural features of various types of lipids and their roles in living systems.
3. Draw structures to represent amino acids and simple peptides and describe the various levels of protein structure.
4. Outline the roles of enzymes and vitamins in living systems.
5. Describe the essential structural features of both DNA and RNA and outline the major steps in protein synthesis.
6. Use laboratory apparatus and equipment to observe chemical properties and behaviour of some bioorganic molecules and apply theoretical understanding in post-lab analysis/reporting

This module assists the learner to acquire the following skills: How to calibrate and operate scientific and industrial instruments efficiently and safely, and How to assess instruments as to suitability and performance for stated tasks.

1. Explain the mode of operation of key sensors and transducers and implement appropriate calibration and signal conditioning. Measure, record and analyse data with a range of sensors and transducers.

2. Analyse and construct simple electrical circuits, execute meaningful measurements in a safe and proper manner, and carry out basic trouble-shooting with electronic equipment.
3. Choose the optimum sensors and/or instruments for specific measurements. Make sensible decisions on the purchase of scientific equipment to meet requirements.
4. Use a range of basic electronic test and measurement equipment including meters, oscilloscopes, function generators, timer counters etc. and optimise instrument settings in performing measurements.
5. Act without direct supervision in carrying out and interpreting routine measurements on parameters such as temperature, pressure, salinity, pH, conductivity etc. Collect and analyse data from automated recording instruments.

This Module will focus on the analysis, presentation and communication of scientific data and results. Reports, Essays and Standard Operating Procedures will be prepared. Students will present an oral report on scientific findings. Statistical packages will be used to analyses scientific data. Chemical structures and chemical reactions will be constructed using chemical drawing packages.

1. Analyse scientific data using Minitab and Excel.
2. Assemble chemical structures/reactions using drawing package and incorporate them into reports and presentations.
3. Organisation and writing of scientific reports, Standard Operating Procedures and scientific essays.
4. Present scientific data in an oral presentation.

This module focuses on the application of spectrophotometric methods to the identification and quantification of pharmaceutical substances. Atomic absorption and emission techniques as well as molecular absorption and emission techniques are studied in the context of providing quality control methods for drug substances and drug products. Structural techniques such as IR and NMR are also examined as tools to aid in identification of active ingredients as well as impurities or degradants. The analysis of various pharmaceuticals is carried out in the laboratory to practically illustrate the theory and enable the student to develop their analytical laboratory skills.

1. Describe and explain the operation of flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption as well as associated methods such as the hydride or cold vapour method.
2. Discuss emission methods such as ICP, and outline sample preparation methods for either absorption or emission analysis.
3. Identify common chromophores in pharmaceutical substances and discuss the use of UV/VIS spectrophotometry for calculation of drug concentrations, drug release, drug solubility etc. in either single or multicomponent formulations.
4. Explain the relationship between molecular structure and fluorescence and use data from fluorimetric measurements for quantitative pharmaceutical analysis.
5. Discuss the role of both mid IR and NIR in quality control of pharmaceutical substances.
6. Discuss the use of NMR and MS in the characterisation of structures of pharmaceutical substances.
7. Set up and use spectrophotometric instruments to examine a variety of pharmaceutical substances and use data obtained for either qualitative or quantitative analysis of such substances.

This module introduces the learner to the theory of modern Chromatography. This includes the instrumentation and detectors associated with Gas Chromatography (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Ion Chromatography (IC) . This module also covers sample preparation and extraction with particular emphasis on trace analysis. The analysis of various pharmaceutical and forensic samples will be carried out in the laboratory to practically illustrate the theory and enable students to develop their analytical laboratory skills.

1. Understand the major differences between Gas Chromatography and HPLC. Be familiar with the associated technique of Ion Chromatography
2. Choose the correct chromatographic analytical technique and detectordepending on the physical properties of the sample being analysed

3. Recognise when to use external standards, internal standards and standard addition procedures for calculating the content of unknown samples

4. Know how to extract samples using solvent-solvent extractionand solid phase micro extraction

5. Perform and interpretqualitative and quantitative chromatographic separations

In the Pharmacopoeia Methods section many of the tests carried out on pharmaceuticals, which are outlined in the British Pharmacopoeia, are performed. In the electrochemical methods section experiments are performed in potentiometric, conductometric and voltammetric methods of analysis. The necessary theoretical principles are discussed in lectures.

1. The graduate should be able to describe, compare and contrast the analysis of pharmaceutical compounds by volumetric and electrochemical methods.
2. Describe the role of analytical chemistry in drug development and drug production.
3. Have the capability to measure the purity of pharmaceuticals using techniques such as conductivity meters, pH meters, autotitrators, Karl Fischer, Voltametry equipment, Oxygen Flask combustion, Kjeldahl apparatus and IR.
4. Be capable of selecting the correct electrode and sample preparation method for a particular analysis.
5. Have knowledge of the content of the two volumes of the British Pharmacopoeia.

This module expands on topics previously introduced in other organic chemistry modules. In-depth coverage is provided of the concept of aromaticity and of factors influencing both rate and orientation in electrophilic aromatic substitution. The mechanistic basis of carbon-carbon bond forming reactions is dealt with in detail, with various organometallic reagents and reactions involving carbanions discussed. Chemoselective oxidation and reduction reactions are also studied. Previous coverage of infrared and 1H-NMR is expanded on, 13C-NMR is introduced, as is mass spectrometry, and information from the various spectroscopic techniques is integrated with a view to solving structures of organic molecules.

1. Explain the phenomenon of aromaticity in organic chemistry including molecular orbital theory, reactivity effects and orientation in electrophilic aromatic substitution

2. Identify chemoselectivity in reactions involving oxidising agents, reducing agents and organometallics

3. Describe a variety of carbon-carbon bond forming reactions including the mechanism involved and their application in organic synthesis

4. Integrate information from infrared, H NMR, C NMR and mass spectrometry in order to assign structures to small aliphatic and aromatic organic molecules.

5. Carry out a range of synthetic and analytical techniques within a laboratory setting appropriate to synthetic organic chemistry

This module presents some advanced theoretical and practical aspects of physical and inorganic chemistry with particular emphasis on chemical kinetics, crystal field theory and coordination compounds.

1. Interpret isothermal rate data in terms of mechanism
2. Develop mathematical methods to process data
3. Synthesise coordination compounds
4. Characterise coordination compounds
5. Determine reaction order
6. Assess the validity of experimental data and compare test results with expected results
7. Differentiate coordination compounds in terms of geometry and magnetic properties

This module is divided into two sections. The application of data processing and statistical software to the treatment of laboratory-generated data. The use of computer applications in cheminformatics.

1. use a variety of specialized computer programs for statistical analysis of data

2. Apply statistical methods for hypothesis testing, analytical method validation and proficiency testing

3. Prepare quality control charts in both Excel and Minitab

4. use a variety of specialized computer programs to construct, store and visualize 2D and 3D molecular structures.

5. perform analysis of different spectroscopy data using specialised software packages.

Students are placed in an appropriate organisation in order to complete a six month work placement. Placements must be approved by the academic placement supervisor prior to commencement. The student will be placed under the guidance of a placement supervisor from the host company. This placement will provide the opportunity for each student to gain practical experience in a real-life setting.

Students alternatively can enrol in an Erasmus exchange programme with an appropriate academic institution subject to approval by the programme board.

An Academic placement may also be carried out at GMIT when facilitation at an external setting is not possible. Alternatively a hybrid model may be employed involving a combination of external and internal opportunities.

1. Illustrate the organizational structure of the host company.
2. Describe the regulatory working environment of the company, including the basis of the company’s GMP, validation and health and safety procedures.
3. Communicate effectively with other staff.
4. Organise workload and set priorities.
5. Discuss the importance of quality management.
6. Have significantly contributed to the achievement of one or more of the industry’s production, quality, regulatory or other objectives.
7. Criticially evaluate their placement experience in terms of personal development and assess the effect of their placement experience on their future career prospects

The module includes advanced analytical techniques in spectroscopy, chromatography and solid state methods. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical foundations of the techniques such as decoupling techniques in NMR, fragmentation patterns in MS and crystal structure in x-ray diffraction.

1. The learner will be expected to be able to critically assess different methods of analysis, and apply these methods of analysis to the solution of real analytical problems.
2. The learner will be expected to be able to explain the principles and applications of techniques including: Chromatographic techniques, Solid State methods, NMR Spectrometry, Mass Spectrometry, Thermochemical analysis, Electrochemical and Solid State Sensors.
3. The learner should be able:
– To evaluate the various analytical techniques and apply them to real life analytical problems.
– To review analytical techniques with regard to their suitability for a given analysis
– To interpret spectra and deduce molecular structure from such data.
– To interpret powder diffraction patterns.
– To apply XRF to analysis of materials
– To identify the optimum technique for analysis in a given situation.
4. The learner should be able:
– To work on their own or as part of a team in designing and optimizing analytical techniques.
– To able to read published literature in analytical science and apply published methods to their own samples.
– Be able to modify published methods to suit their own samples.

This is a year-long course in advanced inorganic chemistry with a final exam, a theory assessment and a suite of practicals in semester 2. Areas covered include; acid/base theory, redox chemistry with an emphasis on organometallic chemistry and its industrial applications.

1. Recognise the pervasive role of acid – base interactions in inorganic chemistry
2. Explain the role of redox chemistry in solution and the methods of presentation of redox information
3. Describe the chemistry of hydrogen and of selected aspects of the chemistry of groups 3 and 4
4. Explain the concepts and reactions of organotransition metal chemistry and detail the molecular basis of metal catalysed industrial processes

5. Manage practical work on their own or as part of a team in an inorganic chemistry laboratory

First semester

In the first semester of this module, the basic principles of medicinal chemistry, PK, PD are discussed. Various classes of drugs and methods of drug discovery/pharmacognosy and development to preclinical stages are discussed.

Second semester

The material in the second semester will describe the different processes involved in bringing a pharmaceutical product from pre-clinical stage through to the marketplace. These activities will include scale-up and chemical development (incorporating green principles), formulation, intellectual property, stability, clinical trials, validation and pharmacopoeia.

1. Describe the major biological targets of therapeutic agents and the interaction of such agents with those targets
2. Discuss the drug discovery and drug development process
3. Discuss the significance of the ADME profile of a drug
4. Discuss the mode of action of specific classes of drugs
5. Discuss methods used in drug discovery and in drug design
6. Illustrate formulation development and drug delivery systems.

7. Explain the process of clinical trials andpatent protection/lifecycle management of the drug product with reference to ethical considerations.

8. Describe the scale-up/chemical development of an API including aspects of green chemistry, analytical method validation and Pharmacopoeia.

The module will contain sections on carbon – carbon bond formation using acids and bases, rearrangements, nucleophilic aromatic substitutions, molecular orbital theory, and the strengths of acids and bases.

Methods and reactions used in modern organic chemistry including drug synthesis and natural product synthesis, asymmetric synthesis, heterocycles, Organometallic chemistry as applied to organic synthesis, radical reactions. Retrosynthetic analysis.

Comparison of reactions and the application of green chemistry principles.

1. Describe the mechanism for reactions such as carbon bond formations, common rearrangements andnucleophilic aromatic substitutions.

2. Use Molecular Orbital Theory to explain electrocyclic and cycloaddition reactions
3. Explain the acidity and basicity of organic compounds and interpret Hammett Equation results

4. Describe major reactions and reagents used in modern organic synthesis including drug synthesis and natural product synthesis

5. Explain the logic of the reactions and the reagents used in modern organic synthesis including the approach used to devise synthetic routes to organic compounds
6. Evaluate the synthetic pathways and their component reactions to determine suitability using a range of criteria including sustainability

7. Carry out a range of synthetic and analytical techniques within a laboratory setting appropriate to synthetic organic chemistry

This module provides a broad insight into computational and advanced physical chemistry. In the first half of the module emphasis is placed on the optimisation of complex processes, heat transfer, unit operations and chemical thermodynamics. The second half of the module focuses on advanced spectroscopy and applications of electronic structure methods in chemistry,

1. Optimise various unit operations and reactions.
2. Apply knowledge of various unit processes to real life situations.
3. Develop mathematical methods to process experimental data.
4. Predict the feasibility of various chemical reactions.
5. Solve heat and mass transfer problems.
6. Apply symmetry to molecular orbital theory and vibrational spectroscopy.

7. Construct molecular models and compute molecular properties using electronic structure methods.

The Research Project module is conducted in both semester 1 and semester 2 of year 4. In semester 1 a research methods module is delivered. Learners will also in Semester 1 undertake an extensive literature review on the subject matter of the project, In semester 2 the learner perform the relevant experimental or other research, write a dissertation and give an oral Powerpoint presentation on their work.

1. Source scientific literature and access relevant information through the use of journals, books, abstracts, inter-library loans, the Internet, CD-ROM and other electronic media.
2. Selectively abstract, synthesize and collate relevant information.
3. Develop a project plan and perform the necessary investigative work.
4. Select appropriate experimental or other methodologies.
5. Analyse experimental results / other findings.
6. Present reasoned discussions and draw appropriate conclusions from their research work.
7. Present a written typed and bound dissertation.
8. Deliver an oral Powerpoint presentation on their project work.