Forensic & Pharmaceutical Science - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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The BSc (Hons) in Forensic & Pharmaceutical Science at TUS is a 4-year interdisciplinary program that equips students with a comprehensive understanding of forensic and pharmaceutical sciences, analytical techniques, and problem-solving skills. The program provides hands-on experience through laboratory sessions, guest speakers, and a paid work placement. Graduates are highly employable in various sectors, including forensic laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, and research.

Program Outline

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Forensic & Pharmaceutical Science – BSc (Hons) - TUS

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Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) in Forensic & Pharmaceutical Science is a unique interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the sciences in the fields of forensics, pharmaceuticals, and analytical techniques. The program aims to produce graduates who are highly employable in a wide range of sectors.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the sciences in areas of forensics, pharmaceutical, and analytical techniques.
• To provide students with valuable hands-on experience in the methodology and techniques at the forefront of these major sectors.
• To develop transferable skills including problem-solving, communication, defending scientific data, evidence interpretation, time management, and team building.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Biology (Credits: 15): Introduces fundamental principles and concepts of biological systems, covering biochemistry, cellular reproduction, genetics, cellular metabolism, photosynthesis, and human physiology.
Includes practical laboratory experience.
• Chemistry (Credits: 15): Covers the fundamentals of modern chemistry, including Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry.
Includes lectures, tutorials, and laboratory techniques.
• Crime Scene Investigation & Scientific Practice (Credits: 10): Introduces the principles of forensic and laboratory science, exploring the methods and procedures involved in processing crime scenes.
• Introductory Physics Concepts (Credits: 10): Introduces fundamental physics concepts relevant to forensic science, chemical, and biochemical analysis.
Includes lectures, practicals, and tutorials.
• Science Mathematics (Credits: 10): Provides students with the necessary mathematical skills, problem-solving skills, and computer application proficiency required for analytical science.
Includes lectures, computer practicals, and tutorials.

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Year 2:

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Semester 1:

• Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Credits: 5): Covers the fundamental knowledge and skills of microbiology related to the pharmaceutical environment and products.
• Forensics: Analytical Techniques (Credits: 5): Introduces students to analytical techniques used in forensic investigations, covering the collection, preservation, laboratory analysis, and interpretation of evidence.
• Inorganic & Physical Chemistry I (Credits: 5): Builds upon Year 1 Chemistry with a closer look at Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.
• Instrumental Analysis I (Credits: 5): Provides a grounding in spectroscopic and chromatographic methods and introduces instruments like UV-Visible spectrophotometers.
Includes lectures and laboratory practicals.
• Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science I (Credits: 5): Covers aspects of organic chemistry theory, drug discovery and development, and includes laboratory practicals.
• Introduction to Statistics (Credits: 5): Introduces basic statistical concepts, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.

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Semester 2:

• Instrumental Analysis II (Credits: 5): Builds upon Instrumental Analysis I, introducing more chromatographic and spectrophotometric instruments.
• Biochemistry (Credits: 5): Provides the learner with the basic concepts and theories of biochemistry and its relevance to pharmaceutical, industrial, and biotechnological sciences.
• Forensics: Biological & Physical Evidence (Credits: 5): Introduces students to different types of evidence encountered in forensic investigations, covering collection, preservation, laboratory analysis, and interpretation.
• Inorganic & Physical Chemistry II (Credits: 5): Examines the periodic table in greater detail, covering thermochemical and electrochemical analysis and applications.
• Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science II (Credits: 5): Develops further on organic chemistry theory, industrial production of pharmaceuticals, and includes laboratory practicals.
• Statistical Process Control (Credits: 5): Introduces quality control concepts and provides students with the skills to create and analyze statistical process control charts.

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Year 3:

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Semester 1:

• Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis (Credits: 10): Provides an insight into forensic and biochemical toxicology combined with drug analysis.
• Instrumental Analysis (Credits: 5): Builds upon the chromatographic, spectrophotometric, and electrochemical instruments and techniques developed in Year 2.
• Molecular & Immunobiology (Credits: 5): Covers theoretical knowledge in molecular biology and practical skills in molecular techniques used in diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals.
• Pharmaceutical Technology (Credits: 5): Explores function group chemistry, basic pharmacology, drug classifications, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Includes laboratory practicals.
• Quality Assurance (Credits: 5): Enhances learners' knowledge of working within regulated scientific environments with a focus on quality assurance concepts.

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Semester 2:

• Work Placement (Credits: 30): Provides students with a paid placement opportunity (up to 9 months) in science companies, typically in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device sectors.

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Year 4:

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Semester 1:

• Advanced Forensic Techniques (Credits: 5): Provides an advanced exploration of the analysis and interpretation of evidence encountered in forensic investigations.
• Advanced Pharmaceutical Technologies (Credits: 5): Covers drug properties, drug delivery systems, and includes a practical component where students make batches of an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
• Biopharmaceuticals (Credits: 5): Provides an overview of the evolution of pharmaceuticals to biopharmaceuticals, reviewing the biochemistry and biotechnology involved in their creation.
• Drugs in Sport I (Credits: 5): Investigates the use of drugs in human and animal sport and concentrates on methods for the detection of doping.
• Instrumental Analysis I (Credits: 5): Covers Instrumental Chromatography and Spectroscopy, including theory, problem-solving, and practical aspects.

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Semester 2:

• Advances in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (Credits: 5): Builds upon Advanced Pharmaceutical Technologies, examining drug properties, current issues and developments in the industry, and includes a practical component where students work in teams on business and marketing aspects of product development.
• Drugs in Sport II (Credits: 5): Builds upon Drugs in Sport I, providing a more in-depth investigation on the use of drugs in human and animal sport and methods for the detection of doping.
• Interpretation & Evaluation of Forensic Evidence (Credits: 5): Develops skills in the interpretation of forensic evidence, in the context of case circumstances, for different evidence types and provides the framework for formulating evaluative reports.
• Research Project (Credits: 10): Allows students to examine and research a topic of interest or work on a project related to their previous work experience.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Written assignments, such as essays, reports, and case studies, allow students to demonstrate their research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Laboratory Reports: Students are required to write detailed reports on their laboratory experiments, demonstrating their practical skills and ability to interpret data.
• Presentations: Oral presentations allow students to showcase their research findings and communication skills.
• Practical Assessments: Practical assessments are used to evaluate students' proficiency in laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Research Project: The research project is assessed based on the quality of research, data analysis, and presentation of findings.

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Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures provide students with a foundation in the theoretical concepts of the subject matter.
• Tutorials: Tutorials provide students with the opportunity to ask questions, discuss concepts, and work through problems with their peers and instructors.
• Laboratory Sessions: Laboratory sessions provide students with hands-on experience in the practical techniques and procedures used in forensic and pharmaceutical science.
• Seminars: Seminars provide students with the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and learn about current research and developments.
• Guest Speakers: Guest speakers from industry and academia provide students with insights into real-world applications of forensic and pharmaceutical science.
• Work Placement: The work placement provides students with valuable practical experience in a professional setting.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Forensic & Pharmaceutical Science are highly employable in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Forensic Laboratories: Graduates can work as forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, or analysts in forensic laboratories.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Graduates can work in quality control, research and development, or manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Analytical Laboratories: Graduates can work as analysts in analytical laboratories, performing chemical and biological analyses.
• Healthcare: Graduates can work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics, performing laboratory tests or providing technical support.
• Government Agencies: Graduates can work for government agencies, such as the Garda Síochána or the Health Service Executive, in forensic science or public health roles.
• Research: Graduates can pursue research careers in academia or industry, contributing to the advancement of forensic and pharmaceutical science.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science.
• The program is offered at the Moylish campus in Limerick City.
• The program is a four-year full-time program.
• The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the sciences and prepare them for a successful career in forensic and pharmaceutical science.