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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Synthesis and Analysis of Pharmaceuticals
Module Code CS363
School School of Chemical Sciences
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Mercedes Vazques
Semester 2: Mercedes Vazques
Autumn: Mercedes Vazques
Module TeachersBlanaid White
Mary Pryce
Mercedes Vazques
Emma Coyle
Nessan Kerrigan
Hasim Ibrahim
Joaquin Klug
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat the module
Description

In this module students will be introduced to a regulated laboratory environment where they will carry out typical pharmaceutical laboratory experiments, and to the practice of auditing data according to SOP and compendia. Students will be introduced to the analytical techniques which are used on a daily basis within the pharmaceutical industry. Students will be also introduced to the topics of rearrangements and retrosynthesis which will be further explored in practical experiments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Execute the analysis of pharmaceutical raw materials at a Regulatory standard.
2. Undertake and properly interpret in vitro dissolution profiles of a final formulated drug product.
3. Show a high competency skill level in performing essential analytical methods that are used within the pharmaceutical industry
4. Design reasonable synthetic pathways through appropriate retrosyntheses and forward syntheses.
5. Set up reactions and monitor their progress, and work up and purify reaction products, using a combination of fundamental and advanced laboratory techniques.
6. Accurately record laboratory procedures and results and produce high quality reports detailing relevant information.
7. Appropriately interprete the collected data.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Laboratory90Scheduled laboratory practical sessions
Directed learning10Resources given for retrosynthesis and rearrangements topics and diverse laboratory techniques.
Independent Study150Preparation for laboratory sessions and lab report writing
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Experiments performed in the Analytical part:
1. Spectroscopic Determination of Iron in Iron Tablets. 2. Esterification of Carboxylic Acids and Analysis by Capillary GC-FID. 3. Comparison studies of analytical methods: Magnesium in pharmaceutical preparations by Atomic Absorption and Titrimetry.

Experiments performed in the Pharmaceutical part:
1. Testing of raw materials used in the manufacture of the Panadol 500mg Tablets. 2. Dissolution testing and further method validation testing. 3. Assay of active ingredient in Panadol 500mg tablets using the Varian automated photo-diode array HPLC system.

Experiments performed in the Organic part:
1. Isoxazoline and Wittig reactions. 2. Regioselective hydroboration via Brown hydroboration. 3. Synthesis of alkenes using the Horner Wadsworth Emmons reaction.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report(s)Analytical part of this lab - one report per experiment will be submitted33%Every Week
Report(s)Pharmaceutical part of this lab - one report per experiment plus one final certificate of analysis will be submitted33%Every Week
AssignmentOrganic part of this lab - one report per experiment will be submitted33%Every Week
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2
Indicative Reading List

  • DCU Chemical Sciences: 2019, Combined laboratory manual - AC3, Chemical Sciences, DCU,
  • J. Leonard, B. Lygo, G. Procter: 0, Advanced Practical Organic Chemistry, CRC Press,
  • L. Kurti, B. Czako: 0, Strategic Applications of Named Reactions in Organic Synthesis, Elsevier,
  • S. Warren: 0, Designing Organic Syntheses: A Programmed Introduction to the Synthon Approach, JOHN WILEY & SONS,
  • J. J. Li: 0, Name Reactions, Springer,
Other Resources

45281, Website, MIT, 2007, Digital Lab Techniques Manual, https://ocw.mit.edu/resources/res-5-0001-digital-lab-techniques-manual-spring-2007/videos/,
Programme or List of Programmes
ACBSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.
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