Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the students shall be able to:

• describe methods for characterization of solid-phase structure, size, shape, porosity and pore structure of particles
• describe methods for characterizing the mechanical and compression properties of powder materials
• design systems for controlled / optimized drug release and absorption
• design stable and optimized formulations of protein drugs
• critically discuss, using specialist terminology and with reference to scientific literature, pharmaceutical material science, solid formulation and protein formulation
• write adequate scientific texts

Content

Utilising basic pharmaceutical knowledge as a starting point, the course aims to widen and deepen the understanding of formulation and manufacturing of solid preparations in particular in order to prepare the students for experimental scientific and industrial work in this area of pharmaceutics. The course contents includes:

Characterization of the physical properties of solids: Solid phase analysis, particle size analysis and particle statistics, shape analysis and shape factors, surface and pore size analysis, analysis of mechanical properties, force transmission and modelling of the compression process.

Formulation principles for controlled / optimized drug release and absorption: Nasal, pulmonary and transdermal drug administration systems as well as basic physiological aspects of drug formulation.

Formulation, stabilization and freeze-drying of protein drugs and optimized administration thereof.

Instruction

Instruction is given in the form of lectures, seminars and group exercises. Literature work and study visits.

Compulsory elements: study visits, some lectures, all group exercises and literature work.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (6 credits). Literature work, group exercises and participation in study visits (1.5 credits). Possibilities to supplement unapproved compulsory parts are offered the next time the course is given and only to the extent possible.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.