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Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science
Bachelor of Science
Course Details
Course Code | LY_SPMED_D |
---|---|
Level | 7 |
Duration | 3 Years |
Credits | 180 |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |

Course Overview
This Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Science programme prepares students for a career as pharmaceutical scientists. It’s a fascinating field that will open up a world of career opportunities across a diverse range of sectors. This degree course is intrinsically multidisciplinary in nature. Students spend extensive time studying in state-of-the-art laboratories, preparing you for the work environment upon graduation. They study the full range of core science subjects, with particular emphasis on pharmaceutical science and medical devices. Students develop key analytical skills that can be applied in industrial, research and government laboratories, where their knowledge of the needs of the modern pharmaceutical industry can also be harnessed for a successful career in the medicinal product sector and related chemical industries.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Introductory BiologyThis module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of biology including the structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the characteristics of the major biomolecules. It will also provide an introduction to genetics. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the structural features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the functions of cell organelles. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Chemistry 1This module will introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of chemistry. It will enable students to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in basic chemical principles and apply it to better understanding of the main components of the chemistry . Learning Outcomes 1. Describe and explain the structure of atoms and molecules. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Physics 1This module will introduce students to the concepts and laws associated with the study of kinematics, dynamic, linear momentum, work, energy, power, equilibrium, density, pressure, kinetic theory, temperature and heat. Theory lectures will be supported by an appropriate suite of practical investigations and related mathematical problems. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the difference between vector and scalar quantities; define and understand the various physical laws and equations associated with mechanics, motion, energy, work and power. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Math Skills for Science 1To introduce learners to concepts of measurement and data, and methods for the representation, exploration, and management of such data. Mathematical skills are raised and covered as data context requires. This module integrates real-world examples of mathematical tools at work in the laboratory. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the Process of Measurement and the Properties of Data. Apply Numerical and Algebraic Skills in specific laboratory contexts: – Dilutions 5. Perform exploratory analysis of scientific data using Jamovi . |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Transferable Skills 1This module provides the learner with skills that facilitate strategies for lifelong learning in the scientific environment. Learning Outcomes 1. Define own learning style and develop survival strategies for study at undergraduate level. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Laboratory Skills & SafetyThis module will provide the learner with skills that facilitate strategies for lifelong learning in basic laboratory skills and safe laboratory practices. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the importance of scientific units and measurement. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Animal & Plant BiologyThis module will introduce the learner to the diversity of the animal kingdom by studying the classification, evolutionary trends and physiological characteristics of a range of animal phyla. Features of the plant kingdom will also be explored with emphasis on the physiological processes of flowering plants. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the criteria used in the classification of living organisms. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Chemistry 2This module will introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry. It will cover areas of aliphatic and aromatic chemistry, including structure, reactivity, functional group inter-conversion and reactions. It will broaden and deepen the learner's knowledge of organic compounds and their applications in everyday life. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify functional groups and name simple organic molecules. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Physics 2This module builds on the ideas and methods of Maths Skills for Science 1 in relevant contexts, and to lay the foundation for the inferential procedures of the Data Methods module of Semester 4. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply power transformations to linearize scatterplots of two numerical variables. 3. Describe ideas and methods of data production. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Mathematical Skills for Science 2This module builds on the ideas and methods of Maths Skills for Science 1 in relevant contexts, and to lay the foundation for the inferential procedures of the Data Methods module of Semester 4. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply power transformations to linearize scatterplots of two numerical variables. 3. Describe ideas and methods of data production. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Communications and IT for ScienceThis module provides the learner with skills that facilitate strategies for lifelong learning in the scientific environment. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a systematic approach to researching a topic within the realm of science. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Science and SocietyThis module will introduce the learners to the concept of how scientific ideas get translated into scientific knowledge and in turn discoveries and developments. The module will explore how scientific developments have impacts society and societal attitudes both historically and recently. The module will consider ethical issues surrounding scientific advances. All learners will be introduced to current topics in Food Science and Nutrition, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science and Bioscience. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the process of scientific discovery and societal attitudes to discovery, historical and currently. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
BiochemistryThis module will introduce the learner to the major classes of bio-macromolecules encountered in biochemistry. It will provide an understanding of the structural, chemical and functional properties associated with these macromolecules. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the structures of the major types of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Physical ChemistryThis module will build on the knowledge base developed in first year chemistry. It will introduce learners to the theory of various topics in physical chemistry such as thermochemistry and thermodynamics , whilst incorporating this theory to the practical nature of this module. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of chemical kinetics. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Instrumentation 1This module will introduce the student to the theory and practice of instrumental analysis involving various spectroscopic and electroanalytical techniques. It will help develop a competence in instrument calibration, sample analysis and result's interpretation for each of the analytical methods covered. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the principles behind atomic spectroscopy. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Medicinal Drug Discovery & DesignThis module will introduce the learners to drug action, the basic concepts of drug design and the physiochemical properties of a molecule that are important in therapeutic action. It will demonstrate the important principles of drug delivery and the biological factors that affect these processes and provide an understanding of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Learning Outcomes 1. Differentiate and classify drugs. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Inorganic ChemistryThis module will build on the knowledge base developed in first year chemistry. It will introduce learners to the theory of various topics in inorganic chemistry such as solid state chemistry and quantum theory, whilst incorporating this theory to the practical nature of this module. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of Quantum theory. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Organic ChemistryThis module will provide learners with an understanding of the basic concepts of organic chemistry and develop techniques and procedures important to the successful practice of experimental organic chemistry. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop an understanding of the relationship between the structure of an organic molecule and its reactivity. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Instrumentation 2This module will introduce the student to the theory and practice of instrumental analysis involving a number of different chromatographic techniques. It will help develop a competence in instrument calibration, sample analysis and result's interpretation for each of the analytical methods covered. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the principles behind the chromatographic separation of different components in a sample. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Data Methods for ScienceWorking with real datasets from biology, physiology, health, nutrition, chemistry, ecology, and microbiology, this module will develop competency in methods used in probability-based statistical inference. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the concept of a Sampling Distribution and the Basic Reasoning of Statistical Inference. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 3
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Pharmaceutical ChemistryThis module will develop the basic concepts of sample preparation and the separation of a wide variety of molecules that are important in the pharmaceutical industry. It will demonstrate the important principles of method development and the chromatographic factors that affect these separations and provide a thorough understanding of chromatographic method validation and transfer. Learning Outcomes 1. Determine the most suitable sample preparation technique for a wide range of pharmaceuticals. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Pharmacutical Microbiology and Cleanroom TechnologyThis module will familiarize the learner with types of microorganisms and describe pathogen and host interactions. The learner will be introduced to sterile and non-sterile drug production facilities and the design and operation of cleanrooms. The student will learn about the measures required to maintain and validate these environments and the microbial tests that must be performed on pharmaceutical products and medical devices to ensure their safety. Learning Outcomes 1. Characterise the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms and viruses. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Research SkillsThis module will enhance the research, presentation and communication skills of the student enabling them to undertake and present their research and practical class results in an improved and appropriate style. Learning Outcomes 1. Prepare high quality Tables and Figures suitable for scientific publication / presentation. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Pharmaceutical Processes and Medical DevicesThis module will introduce the learner to the basic principles and unit operations involved in pharmaceutical processing. It will also equip the student with knowledge of process diagrams and designs along with some information on waste management. It will also provide the student with information on medical device manufacturing and associated processes. Learning Outcomes 1. Appraise the basic principles associated with pharmaceutical processing |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Medicinal Drug AnalysisThis module will provide learners with an understanding of spectral analysis of organic compounds and develop techniques & procedures important for structural elucidation. Learning Outcomes 1. Examine the principles, instrumentation, and applications of UV/visible, IR, and mass spectroscopy. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Environmental ScienceThis module provides the student with an understanding of techniques used in environmental sampling, sample collection, sample pre-treatments prior to analysis and chemical analysis with a focus on water pollution. Learning Outcomes 1. Design and implement a water-sampling programme. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Quality & RegulationsThe module will deliver an overview of the role of quality in the management of the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. The module will provide an introduction to the legislation governing the authorisation of medicinal products and devices in Ireland and in Europe. The roles and responsibilities of the MA holder, the QP and the competent authorities will also be explored. Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse the role quality has in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
PharmacologyThis module provides a summary of the fundamental principles of pharmacology. It aims to provide an overview of the actions of drugs in various body systems and develop an understanding of the molecular mechanism of drug action. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. |
05 | Mandatory |
Progression
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Careers
Successful graduates find work in the pharmaceutical and medical device sector and government agencies. Graduate careers include
working as an analytical scientist, R&D scientist, quality specialist or secondary school teacher.
Further Information
Contact Information
Dr Kim McFadden
Head of Department
T: +353 (0)74 9186230
E: kim.mcfadden@atu.ie
Life & Physical Sciences