Pharmaceutical Science PgCert | PgDip | MSc

Program Overview

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The Master’s course in Pharmaceutical Science from Robert Gordon University is designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding and offers a broad curriculum essential for a pharmaceutical scientist in the current and future job market. Jobs in this sector tend to require a broad skill set of chemistry, drug delivery and biomedical science.

The course is distinct from others, taught in our modern, well-equipped pharmaceutical laboratories. Modules include advanced pharmaceutical analysis and quality control; drug dosage form and design; pharmacology for drug design; advances in pharmaceutical science and drug discovery and design.

Program Outline

The course covers an array of subjects essential for a career in pharmaceutical science. In Term 1 you will study Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control, Drug Dosage Form & Design and Pharmacology. In term 2 you will study Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery & Design and preparatory work for your project.  In term 3 you will undertake a 12 week research project.

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Modules

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our

course and module disclaimer

for more information.

Detailed module information

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Learning Methods

You will learn in lectures and tutorials, and in a well-equipped analytical science lab with an array of professional standard instrumentation. You will also learn about dosage form design in the pharmaceutics lab with its array of specialised medicine manufacturing equipment (e.g. automated tablet presses and high shear mixers) and characterisation capability which includes particle sizing, rheological testing and thermoanalytical analysis.  In addition, a wet chemistry lab equipped for drug discovery and practical organic synthesis will also be used.

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Activity Summary

Lectures

- Approximately 15 students per group, 8 hours per week

Tutorial

- Approximately 15 students per group, 2 hours per week

Project Supervision

- one-to-one, a full-week (excluding Wednesday afternoon)

Practical class or workshop

- Approximately 15 students per group, 6 hours per week

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How long is a Pharmaceutical Science course?

The Pharmaceutical Science course can be successfully completed in 12 months.

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Independent Study

There will be directed and private study for all modules, typically 100 hours per module per term.

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Staff Delivering on this Course

Teaching staff on the course consists of industry experts, subject specialists and experienced researchers.

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Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

6 written assignments, including essays

4 report

1 dissertation

1 project output

1 oral assessment

1 group critique

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Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

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Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

The Inclusion Centre

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Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

CampusMoodle

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Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

Academic writing

Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)

Maths and statistics

English language

Information technology support

Study Skills Support

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Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

University Library

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Job Prospects

You will be industry-ready from exposure to modern instrumentation and techniques directly relevant to employers and have a competitive edge when applying for jobs in the pharmaceutical science sector.

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Is Pharmaceutical Science a good career choice?

There are several career options, some of which include:

Research in academia or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry

The chemical or pharmaceutical industry (research and development, production and regulatory affairs)

Government agencies such as drug licensing authorities

CAREERS