Program Overview

Pharmaceutical Sciences – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This unique Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) internationally accredited programme provides the essential information and skills required for employment in the pharmaceutical sector. Given the wide range of disciplines required in driving modern manufacturing approaches this multidisciplinary course covers chemical-based and next generation biotech-based therapeutics and their formulation into safe and effective medicines of high and durable quality.

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects plus Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
• QQI: Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 or C20174 or C2017 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.
• Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time.

Course Modules

Year 1 - Semester 1

• Biology (Year-Long): Credits: 10
• Mathematics for Scientists (Year-Long): Credits: 10
• Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year-Long): Credits: 10
• Chemistry (Year-Long): Credits: 10
• Laboratory Practice: Safety Science & Laboratory Competencies: Credits: 5
• Transferable Skills: Credits: 5

Year 1 - Semester 2

• Biology (Year-Long): Credits: 10
• Mathematics for Scientists (Year-Long): Credits: 10
• Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year-Long): Credits: 10
• Chemistry (Year-Long): Credits: 10
• Information Technology for Scientists: Credits: 5
• Current Scientific Issues through Team-Based Learning: Credits: 5

Year 2 - Semester 1

• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.1: Credits: 5
• Organic Chemistry: Credits: 5
• Physical Pharmaceutics: Credits: 5
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Credits: 5
• Biochemistry for Pharmaceutical Sciences: Credits: 5
• Analytical Techniques 1: Credits: 5

Year 2 - Semester 2

• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.2: Credits: 5
• Inorganic Chemistry: Credits: 5
• Proteins and Nucleic Acids: Chemistry, Utility and Analysis: Credits: 5
• Dosage Form Design: Credits: 5
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry: Credits: 5
• Analytical Techniques 2: Credits: 5

Year 3 - Semester 1

• Pharmaceutical Separations: Credits: 5
• Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Credits: 5
• Pharmaceutical Spectroscopy: Credits: 5
• Coordination and Bioinorganic Chemistry: Credits: 5
• Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry: Credits: 5
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Credits: 5

Year 3 - Semester 2

• Students will complete Work Experience or Industry Relevant Project, Bioethics, Clinical Trials, Environmental Science and Sustainability.
• Work Placement: Credits: 30
• Industry Relevant Project: Credits: 15
• Bioethics: Credits: 5
• Clinical Trials: Credits: 5
• Environmental Science and Sustainability: Credits: 5

Year 4 - Semester 1

• Bio-analytical Techniques in Therapeutics: Credits: 5
• Pharmaceutical Experimental Design and Validation: Credits: 5
• Drug Discovery and Product Development: Credits: 10
• Pharmaceutical Materials: Credits: 5
• Research Methods: Credits: 5

Year 4 - Semester 2

• Metals in Medicine: Credits: 5
• Pharmaceutical Technology: Credits: 5
• Emerging Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Credits: 5
• Pharmacology: Credits: 5
• Project: Credits: 10

Career Opportunities

Graduates 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.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS such as the Level 9 MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Analysis or the MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Biopharmaceutical Technology or equivalent course offerings elsewhere.