Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHAR2033 | Pharmacy | 2 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PHAR2033
- School
- Pharmacy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module covers:
The principles that underlie the manufacturing of biotechnology products (‘biologics’).
The major physiological barriers to absorption of macromolecular drugs.
The design of formulation of biologics and factors that affect their stability over time and in the presence of specific stressors.
This module will introduce you to the main technologies for production of biological pharmaceuticals and how they can be formulated and delivered to be of therapeutic use.
The materials, constructs and concepts behind technologies to produce, formulate and deliver biologics will be examined and factors governing the implementation of these technologies will be discussed.
Target Students
BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSci Pharmaceutical Sciences with a Year in Industry and Natural Sciences depending on pathway (Year 2)
Assessment
- 30% Report: A written assessment of the practical sessions by electronic submission of a written laboratory report.
- 70% Exam 1 (2-hour): Written in person.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module provides an integrated approach to develop knowledge and understanding, as well as practical and professional transferrable skills, centred on pharmaceutical biotechnology.Knowledge and understanding:Dramatic biotechnology breakthroughs with the introduction of genetic engineering technologies and monoclonal antibodies in particular, demand new formulation strategies.By using the context of development of biopharmaceutical drugs -for instance, the steps required for bringing an antibody product such as Herceptin to the clinic– you will gain an understanding of the key aspects of biologic drugs development, from initial design, to manufacturing and formulation.Accordingly, the module will cover the following concepts, key for an understanding of the design, behaviour, and formulation of biologics:Manufacturing of biotechnology products from lab to industrial scaleFormulation of biologics Use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical setting for therapeutic and diagnostic imaging applicationsPhysicochemical properties of biologics and how these affect their stability during manufacturing, formulation and long-term storage.Biological barriers to delivery of macromolecular drugsChemical modification of biologicsProfessional/practical skills:You will expand your understanding of safe working in a pharmaceutical laboratory.You will also further develop your numeracy skills within the context of biologic production and formulation.Transferable skills: You will improve skills required to write scientific reports, including illustrating complex concepts in a simple and effective manner, correct use of graphs and diagrams, and appropriate references.You will gain and improve skills relating to accessing and interpreting the scientific literature.Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
A. Knowledge and understanding
A2 Critically evaluate and apply chemico-physical principles underpinning the design, manufacture, analysis and performance of dosage forms
A3 Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of biotechnology products as medicinal agents
C. Professional/practical skills
C2 Undertake practical experimental work using appropriate materials, operating procedures and instruments;
C3 Undertake numerical tasks and carry out quantitative analysis relevant to pharmaceutical science;
C6 Apply and report scientific knowledge in an ethical manner.
D. Transferable/key skills
D1 Critically use information resources, including library and electronic sources;
D3 Communicate effectively in a variety of forms, including written, verbal and visual.