BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Sciences
| Duration | Mode | Level | Application to | Latest Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 years | Full Time | 8 | CAO |
|
Even casual observers will be aware of the critical role that the Irish pharmaceutical sector plays in contributing to the exemplary success of Ireland’s manufacturing exports. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are widely regarded as the effective economic drivers of Ireland. This century has been predicted to be the century of biology and the bioscience technology revolution is underpinning many of the developments in drug discovery and medicine.
The pharma industry’s continual growth and prosperity in Ireland is highly dependent on the generation and attraction of skilled graduates and this course is designed to give you the knowledge and competence to enter industry or proceed to further postgraduate education. The Midlands region has been particularly targeted by government development agencies for the growth of pharma and healthcare companies and this degree programme is a crucial element of the infrastructure supporting this growth.
Questions asked by pharmaceutical science graduates include:
- What are the sources of APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients)?
- What is the link between what a drug does and its chemical structure?
- What methods and techniques can I deploy to minimize toxicity and optimize therapeutic efficacy?
- Which experimental design will facilitate cost-effective ingredient selection and manufacture while eliminating waste?
- How might I circumvent difficulties with drug absorption, unwanted distribution and premature inactivation or elimination?
- Which new generation technologies such as nanoencapsulation and stimuli-sensitive hydrogels are most suitable to achieve beneficial drug delivery?
- What type of intellectual property (IP) protection is most secure in warding off competitors?
- What analytical techniques must I use to answer the above questions?
Minimum Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate
Minimum of Grade C3 in two higher level subjects, Mathematics at minimum Grade D3 at ordinary level. The six subjects must include a language (English or Irish).
FETAC
FETAC applicants to this programme must hold the following award: Laboratory Techniques (CASLT). They are also required to have the module Mathematics (C20139) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate Mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.
Modules
Year 1
Learning to Learn, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics for Scientists, Information Technology for Scientists, Current Scientific Issues through Enquiry-Based Learning and Scientific Computing.
Year 2
Biochemistry, Genetics & Forensics, General & Applied Microbiology, Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Physical & Inorganic Chemistry and Probability & Statistics.
Year 3
Metals in Medicine, Syhthetic Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Separations, Quality Assurance & GMP, Environmental Science, Dosage Form Design, Pharmaceutical Spectroscopy, Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Pharmaceutical Materials, Professional & Transferrable Skills for Pharmaceutical Scientists and Pharmaceutical Statistics.
Year 4
Contemporary Issues in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacognosy & Natural Products, API Discovery & Characterisation, Bioanalytical Techniques in Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Ecperimental Design & Validation, Medical Devices & Advanced Therapies, Research Methods and Research Project.
Progression
An honours degree is an effective basis for postgraduate training and research leading to Master’s and PhD (Level 9/10) qualifications.
Professional Recognition
Career Opportunities
Graduates from our programme may expect to find rewarding careers and well remunerated positions in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals sector, whether in an API/ biologic drugs plant or in a finished drug product manufacturing facility. A number of graduates have been successful in securing roles in regulatory affairs where they interface with national, EU or other international state bodies such as the US FDA in support of marketing authorisation applications from their employer. Previous graduates have also obtained desirable roles in research, whether industrial or leading to a higher degree, in colleges or the wider public service such as forensics and environmental monitoring. Others are currently employed in agriculture, food, polymers and beverage concerns.
Additional Information
Graduate Profile
Michelle Tierney graduated at the top of her class in AIT’s BSc (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2008. She has since completed an MSc in Pharmacognosy at the School of Pharmacy in the University of London and is now further pursuing her interests in this area with PhD studies in the chemistry of natural products at the University of Nottingham.
Sinclair Sweeney graduated with a first class honours BSc (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from AIT in 2009. He quickly secured employment with TopChemLaboratories supporting their role as a worldwide supplier of GMP quality APIs through his process and analytical contributions to their bespoke synthetic and process chemistry services.
