Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Dutton Park
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Dutton Park
- Coordinating unit
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences School
This pharmaceutical science course explores the fascinating topics of drug design, drug analysis, drug delivery and compounding medicines. It starts by considering how medicinal chemistry is used to design effective small molecule and biological drugs, and how analytical chemistry is employed to measure the amount of drug in a sample. Subsequently it covers the application of physicochemical principles to the design, formulation, and effective use of liquid dosage forms for medicines. Students then gain experience in extemporaneous compounding of liquid medicines, including solutions, suspensions, and emulsions.
The course will contribute to your formation as a pharmacist who understands at a molecular level the physicochemical basis of the discovery, development, and clinical use of medicines.ﾠYou will learn to apply physicochemical principles to drug design, the formulation of liquid dosage forms, and medicines use.ﾠYou will also develop skills in the extemporaneous compounding of liquid medicines, including solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. There is a strong emphasis on active learning, data analysis, and calculations throughout this course, which is divided into the three modules described below.
Module 1 Drug Design and Analysis starts with medicinal chemistry, which involves understanding how drugs work at a molecular level and applying that knowledge to the development of new medicines. You will discover how the chemical structure of a drug affects its biological activity and properties and learn about design strategies for optimising the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs. Analytical techniques for measuring the amount of drug in a sample will then be covered, including assays, spectroscopy, and chromatography.ﾠ These techniques are an essential part of drug development and medicines management, with applications ranging from pre-clinical drug discovery through manufacturing and extemporaneous compounding of medicines, to therapeutic drug monitoring in the clinic. Module 1 culminates in learning about an emerging class of medicines called biologics, which are made by or derived from a biological source. You will study the various classes of biologics and compare their properties to conventional small molecule drugs.
Module 2 Liquid Dosage Form Design covers the physicochemical basis of designing dosage forms for drugs, focussing on liquids such as solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. You will start by learning about how a drug’s chemical structure and its environment affects drug solubility. Then you will discover the impact of buffers, cosolvents and complexes on drug solubility and their role in dosage form design, especially for solutions in which the drug is completely dissolved forming a single liquid phase. ﾠLater you will learn about dispersions, which are two-phase systems containing solid particles of drug suspended in a liquid (a suspension) or containing the drug dissolved in droplets of liquid suspended in a second immiscible liquid (an emulsion).ﾠThe final part of Module 2 considers the rates and mechanisms of drug degradation, such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and photochemical decomposition, with the aim of understanding how to formulate and store medicines to minimise the rate of drug degradation thus maximising their shelf-life.
Module 3 Compounding Liquid Dosage Forms focuses on extemporaneous compounding, where you will gain experience preparing and dispensing liquid dosage forms such as solutions, suspensions, and emulsions.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course builds on the Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Drug Delivery & Compounding modules of PHRM1101 Pharmacy Practice and Medicines Management 1A.ﾠ Hence it is recommendedﾠthat students successfully complete PHRM1101 before enrolling in PHRM2201 Pharmaceutical Sciences 2A.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHRM1101
Restrictions
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Kathryn Steadman
Laboratory coordinator
Dr Gina Quach
Laboratory manager
Ms Sue Therkelsen
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course will contribute to your formation as a pharmacist who understands at a molecular level the physicochemical basis of the discovery, development, and clinical use of medicines. You will learn to apply physicochemical principles to drug design, the formulation of liquid dosage forms, and medicines use. You will also develop skills in the extemporaneous compounding of liquid medicines, including solutions, suspensions, and emulsions.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply foundational knowledge in drug physiochemical properties to drug design and medicines use
LO2.
Apply physiochemical principles to the formulation of liquid dosage forms and medicines use
LO3.
Collate, analyse, and interpret pharmaceutical science data to inform decisions
LO4.
Communicate using appropriate formats
LO5.
Perform pharmaceutical calculations relating to liquid medicines
LO6.
Design and prepare accurate and pharmaceutically elegant extemporaneous liquid dosage forms
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Quiz Series
|
35% |
Quiz 1 (10%): Drug Design and Analysis Quiz 25/03/2025 5:00 pm Quiz 2 (10%): Liquid Dosage Form Design Quiz 29/04/2025 5:00 pm Quiz 3 (15%): Pharmaceutical Calculations Quiz 23/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Drugs and Liquid Dosage Forms Exam
|
35% |
1/05/2025
School-based written exam held at UQ Dutton Park during the Workshop commencing at 9:00 am or 2:00 pm. Students must attend the Workshop session listed in their UQ timetable. |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
Compounding Skills Assessment
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
School-based practical examination held in the laboratories at UQ Dutton Park |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Online Quiz Series
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
Quiz 1 (10%): Drug Design and Analysis Quiz 25/03/2025 5:00 pm
Quiz 2 (10%): Liquid Dosage Form Design Quiz 29/04/2025 5:00 pm
Quiz 3 (15%): Pharmaceutical Calculations Quiz 23/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
There are three quizzes held during semester, named the 'Drug Design & Analysis Quiz', the 'Liquid Dosage Form Design Quiz', and the 'Pharmaceutical Calculations Quiz'.
Quiz 1: Drug Design and Analysis Quiz (10% weighting):
- ONE attempt is permitted between 20/03/2025 5:00 pm and 25/03/2025 5:00 pm.
- The quiz questions will cover Module 1 content (i.e. Drug Design to Optimise PK/PD; Drug Analysis; Design of Biological Drugs; and the Drug Analysis Practical).
- The quiz duration is 80 minutes. An additional 10 mins is provided as a buffer for any issues that might arise during your quiz.
- The quiz timer is set to 90 minutes, after which your answers will be saved and submitted automatically (unless you submit them sooner manually). The timer will continue to run if you exit the quiz.
Quiz 2: Liquid Dosage Form Design Quiz (10% weighting):
- ONE attempt is permitted between 18/04/2025 5:00 pm and 29/04/2025 5:00 pm.
- The quiz questions will cover Module 2 content (i.e. Solutions; Buffers, Cosolvents, and Complexation; Dispersions; Drug Stability; and the Dispersions Practical).
- The quiz duration is 80 minutes. An additional 10 mins is provided as a buffer for any issues that might arise during your quiz.
- The quiz timer is set to 90 minutes, after which your answers will be saved and submitted automatically (unless you submit them sooner manually). The timer will continue to run if you exit the quiz.
Quiz 3: Pharmaceutical Calculations Quiz (15% weighting):
- THREE attempts are permitted between 2/05/2025 5:00 pm and 23/05/2025 5:00 pm, with the best mark counting towards the course grade.
- The quiz involves calculations that relate to compounding liquid dosage forms.
- The quiz duration is 80 minutes. An additional 10 mins is provided as a buffer for any issues that might arise during your quiz.
- The quiz timer is set to 90 minutes, after which your answers will be saved and submitted automatically (unless you submit them sooner manually). The timer will continue to run if you exit the quiz.
General information relating to all quizzes:
- The format may be a mixture of question types, for example: calculation, multiple choice, multiple answer, matching, ordering, fill in the blank/s, jumbled sentence/s, either/or (e.g. true/false), short answer, and short essay style questions.
- Questions may be provided randomly from a pool; therefore, each student may receive a different but equivalent quiz.
- The quiz will be marked electronically, correct answers will be awarded the marks indicated beside the question, incorrect answers will be awarded zero.
- This is an individual assessment that you are required to undertake without any form of communication with other students.
- As an online quiz undertaken in the venue of your choice, the quiz is open book.
- This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of this assessment task will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI will provide only limited support and guidance.
Submission guidelines
Submission: The quiz will be completed electronically in the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Drugs and Liquid Dosage Forms Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
1/05/2025
School-based written exam held at UQ Dutton Park during the Workshop commencing at 9:00 am or 2:00 pm. Students must attend the Workshop session listed in their UQ timetable.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
General information:
- This written exam is to be completed in-person at UQ Dutton Park during the Workshop on Thursday of Week 9 at 9:00 am or 2:00 pm. Students must attend the Workshop session listed in their UQ timetable.
- The exam questions will cover Module 1 and Module 2 content (i.e. Drug Design to Optimise PK/PD; Drug Analysis; Design of Biological Drugs; the Drug Analysis Practical; Solutions; Buffers, Cosolvents, and Complexation; Dispersions; Drug Stability; and the Dispersions Practical).
Items that may be brought into the examination:
- Your Student ID.
- Calculators must be Casio FX82 series or UQ approved (labelled)
- Pens: all answers must be written in indelible pen, not pencil and not erasable pen. Mistakes must be neatly crossed through, do not use whiteout.
Items that may NOT be brought into the examination:
- any other items, including any electronic devices.
Materials that will be supplied:
- The question sheet (including space to provide answers) and any relevant chemical information or formulae.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submission: The answers to the questions will be submitted at the end of the examination.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Compounding Skills Assessment
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
School-based practical examination held in the laboratories at UQ Dutton Park
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This assessment task is to be completed in-person in the laboratories at UQ Dutton Park.
Items that may be brought into the examination:
- Your Student ID.
- Laboratory coat, closed-in shoes and safety glasses are mandatory
- Calculators must be Casio FX82 series or UQ approved (labelled)
- Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF) - page tags are allowed, but annotations are not permitted
- Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) - page tags are allowed, but annotations are not permitted
- Pens: all answers must be written in indelible pen, not pencil and not erasable pen. Mistakes must be neatly crossed through, do not use whiteout.
Items that may NOT be brought into the examination:
- any other items, including any electronic devices.
Materials that will be supplied:
- Part A: all ingredients and equipment required for the product that you will prepare and dispense, the prescription details, a compounding worksheet; one copy of the current edition of the APF per laboratory; one computer per laboratory with access to the AMH online.
- Part B: the question sheet and any relevant chemical information or formulae
Instructions:
You will have 2 hours to complete both Parts A and B. You must complete and submit Part A before starting Part B.
Part A is worth 50% of the available marks. In Part A you will work independently to prepare and dispense one assigned prescription. You will complete appropriate calculations, prepare the product, fill out compounding worksheet, and label the product.
- Complete the compounding worksheet as you go. Ingredient weights and volumes entered into the compounding worksheet MUST match the value on the balance or in the measuring cylinder and MUST be checked by an invigilator. Raise your hand when you need an invigilator to check and sign against your entries.
- Prepare a suitable label and apply it to the product.
- When you consider your product is appropriate to be dispensed to a patient, submit the labelled product and compounding worksheet for assessment.
Part B is worth 50% of the available marks. In Part B you will complete calculations and answer questions regarding the compounded product and other concepts covered in the course.
Hurdle requirements
To pass this course you must pass the Compounding Skills Assessment (i.e. obtain marks equivalent to 50% or greater).Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submission: The product, compounding worksheet and answers to the questions will be submitted during the examination.
Resubmission: Students who fail Part A will be offered one opportunity to correct and resubmit Part A. Feedback on the number of issues causing the product to fail will be provided, but not the identity of those issues. Students will be allowed an additional 30 minutes immediately following the completion of the exam in which to make any changes and resubmit. The maximum mark that can be achieved for the resubmission will be 50% of marks for Part A.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory coat | For your health and safety, you will not be allowed to enter the laboratory without this item. | own item needed |
| Safety glasses | For your health and safety, you will not be allowed to enter the laboratory without this item. | own item needed |
| Calculator | Casio FX82 series or UQ approved (labelled) calculator only | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Zoom: Access to Zoom via your UQ student account will be required for certain synchronous online classes each week (workshops). Your timetable will outline which classes will be conducted online or on-campus.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
UQ Extend Online Learning The content for this course is delivered via UQ Extend. Each week you should work through the active online learning on UQ Extend. You will get the most out of the weekly workshops if you have viewed the content on UQ Extend before attending the workshop. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Workshop |
Module 1 - Drug Design and Analysis Workshops Drug design & analysis. Workshops will cover: W1 & W2) Drug Design; W3) Drug Analysis; W4) Integrated Drug Design and Analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Practical |
Module 1 - Drug Analysis Practical Three-hour practical in the laboratories at UQ Dutton Park. Working in a team, you will test paracetamol tablets to estimate their content of paracetamol using the Assay of Content test from the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 8 |
Workshop |
Module 2 - Liquid Dosage Form Design Workshops Liquid dosage form design. Workshops will cover: W5) Solutions; W6) Buffers, Cosolvents, and Complexation; W7) Dispersions; W8) Integrated Liquid Dosage Form Design. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Practical |
Module 2 - Dispersions Practical Three-hour practical in the laboratories at UQ Dutton Park campus. Working in a team, you will consider how important is it to shake the bottle of a dispersion formulation. Specifically, you will prepare aspirin suspension then investigate the variation in dose that a patient would receive when taking your product. You will evaluate your aspirin suspension using the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) test for content uniformity of liquid dosage forms. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Module 3 - Compounding Liquid Dosage Forms Workshops Compounding Liquid Dosage Forms. Workshops will cover: W9) Compounding Solutions; W10) Compounding Topical and Mucosal Liquids; W11) Compounding Suspensions and Emulsions; W12) Compounding Skills Assessment; W13) Integrated Compounding. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Module 3 - Compounding Liquid Dosage Forms Practicals Three-hour practicals in the laboratories at UQ Dutton Park. Working individually, you will practice extemporaneous compounding by compounding and dispensing various liquid dosage forms: W10) Compounding Solutions; W11) Compounding Topical and Mucosal Liquids; W12) Compounding Suspensions and Emulsions; W13) Mock Compounding Skills Assessment that will help you prepare for the final exam. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: