Bachelor of Science BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Development and Analysis) -3 years
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Program Overview
Why take this course?
This programme provides the essential information and skills required for employment in the modern pharmaceutical sector. Students acquire operational knowledge of the development of chemical based and next generation, biotech-based therapeutics and their formulation into safe and effective medicines of high and durable quality. Using sophisticated apparatus and instrumentation, you will develop the bench and analytical skills that will give you a range of career options. In addition, we will help to grow the interpersonal skills required for you to interact with colleagues from other disciplines.
What will I experience?
This is an ideal programme for students interested in a career in the pharmaceutical industry delivering synthetic, formulation, analytical, and transferable skill sets.
• It combines enabling know-how across a range of methodologies critical to the successful development of marketable therapeutics.
• In supporting a strong local cluster of drug substance, finished product pharmaceutical, diagnostic reagent, and medical device manufacturing, we regularly consult with companies to maintain the currency of our course provision.
In this podcast Jim Roche, Programme Coordinator, discusses the Levels 7 and 8 Pharmaceutical Sciences courses at TUS and explains how both degrees can open up a world of opportunity in the Biopharma/Medtech sector.
What opportunities might it lead to?
Graduates may expect to find well remunerated positions and construct fulfilling careers in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals sector, whether in an API/biologic drugs plant or in a finished drug product manufacturing facility. Many graduates progress to programmes of further study such as year 4 of the BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science in TUS Midlands, elsewhere in Ireland, or further afield. A number have been successful in securing highly skilled roles in the pharmaceutical laboratory or technical services. Previous graduates have also obtained desirable roles in research (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
How to Progress to Achieve a Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences:
There are three different entry routes to pursue a Pharmaceutical Sciences degree at TUS:
- Level 6 - Higher Certificate in Applied Science (AL632)
After completing Level 6 you can progress to Year 3 of AL734.
- Level 7 - BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Development & Analysis) (AL734)
After completing Level 7, for year 4, you can progress to the Honours degree in pharmaceutical sciences (AL840).
- Level 8 - BSc(Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences (AL840)
All three options can lead to a Level 8 Honours degree. If you choose the Level 6 or 7 options you can graduate at the respective level after two or three years’ study and enter the workplace at that stage with a qualification. Alternatively, if you choose to continue your studies, you can pursue a Level 8 in pharmaceutical sciences.
For additional information about the Level 7 undergraduate programme, please contact:
Head of Department: Dr. Carmel Kealey, Head of Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology, Tel. + (0);
Programme Coordinator: Mr. Jim Roche,
Program Outline
Course Structure
Year 1
Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics for Scientists, Learning and Development for Higher Education, Information Technology for Scientists, Scientific Computing, Current Scientific Issues through Enquiry Based Learning.
Year 2
Mathematics and Statistics, Gene Technology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry.
Year 3
Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, Pharmaceutical Separations, Coordination and Bioinorganic Chemistry, Dosage Form Design, Pharmaceutical Spectroscopy, Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Pharmaceutical Materials, Professional and Transferable Skills for Pharmaceutical Scientists, Pharmaceutical Statistics, Quality Assurance and Good Manufacturing Practice.
Careers & Opportunities
Career Prospects
Graduates may expect to find well remunerated positions and construct fulfilling careers in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals sector, whether in an API/biologic drugs plant or in a finished drug product manufacturing facility. Many graduates progress to programmes of further study such as year 4 of the BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science in TUS, elsewhere in Ireland, or further afield. A number have been successful in securing highly skilled roles in the pharmaceutical laboratory or technical services. Previous graduates have also obtained desirable roles in research (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.
Industry Partners:
