PHM231 Pharmaceutics 2 (16)

The knowledge of how dose forms work is important when discussing a patient's therapy with other health-care providers and counselling the patient about their medication. Therefore, this subject concentrates on the physicochemical properties of drugs and their effect on the design of dose forms. It examines in depth the formulation of solutions, suspensions, emulsions, powders, tablets, capsules, parenteral and ophthalmic products, topical and transdermal products, suppositories and pessaries as well as pulmonary aerosols. In addition, several topics address some fundamental pharmaceutical science issues, including the roles of polymers in formulation, packaging materials and technologies, drug dissolution and diffusion and product stability.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Orange Campus
Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Orange Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PHM231. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

Two sessions

School

School of Biomedical Sciences

Assumed Knowledge
CHM107 and PHM131
Incompatible Subjects

PHM211, PHM311

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the physicochemical principles that underpin the design of many formulations;
  • be able to describe the physicochemical principles affecting drug and excipient behaviour during dose form manufacturing;
  • be able to discuss how the physicochemical properties of drugs influence the selection of dose forms and formulations;
  • be able to outline the procedures used in the formulation of different dose forms;
  • be able to explain how formulations and devices affect the delivery of drugs to patients;
  • be able to discuss how critical factors affect the stability of drug formulations; and
  • be able to outline the quality assurance procedures to ensure stability and expected dose form behaviour.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Physicochemical properties of drugs and their effect on development of dose forms
  • The application of polymers in pharmacy
  • Drug dissolution and diffusion
  • Aspects of chemical drug stability and the impact of packaging
  • Physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical vehicles such as solutions, suspensions and both fluid and semisolid emulsions
  • Properties and formulation of parenteral, ophthalmic, nasal and otic products
  • Properties and formulation of transdermal products
  • Properties and formulation of pulmonary aerosols
  • Properties and formulation of pharmaceutical solids, tablets and capsules
  • Properties and formulation of suppositories and pessaries
  • Fundamentals of veterinary dose form development
  • Novel and targeted drug delivery systems and currently employed controlled release preparations

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of PHM231 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Topic quizzes
32
2
Practical quiz
12
3
Mid-year exam
28
4
Final examination
28

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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