FARMA2120 Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Science Course description

The course focuses on the characteristic properties of different types of active ingredients, formulations and routes of administration, as well as theory on and practical execution of sterile pharmaceutical production.

Subjects covered by the course, with credits specified:

• Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Science 10 credits

Completed the first year of the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of the structure and function of biological barriers
• has knowledge of the rate of solubility and its significance for the absorption of pharmaceuticals
• is capable of explaining factors that can limit the bioavailability of active ingredients and influence the biopharmaceutical properties of pharmaceuticals
• is capable of explaining the grounds for choices of type of active ingredient, formulation and route of administration made during pharmaceutical development work
• is capable of explaining the function of common ancillary substances in pharmaceutical preparations

Skills

The student

• is capable of discussing principles of formulation for pharmaceuticals based on information from summaries of product characteristics (SPC) and any other relevant pharmaceutical reference works
• is capable of assessing a user perspective on different formulations, as well as shelf life and storage
• is capable of assessing the use of different pharmaceutical formulations based on a patient's condition and needs
• is capable of using pharmaceutical reference works written in English and Norwegian
• masters basic skills in aseptic work technique and sterilisation procedures

General competence

The student

• is capable of documenting and presenting his/her own work orally and in writing
• is capable of taking a critical approach to information collected from different sources

Work and teaching methods include lectures, group work, question sessions and laboratory work. The lectures involve student activity and the subject matter is made relevant using clinical examples. The students are also introduced to current research, possible future formulations and unsolved problems. The students work on assignments and are met with expectations of progress in the question sessions, which are scheduled throughout the course. The laboratory work focuses on aseptic work technique. Students are followed up individually before the final practical test.

The Flipped Classroom is used as a teaching method for part of the course. Digital learning resources will be made available to students in advance and the time they spend at the university will be used to work on assignments and group work.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• minimum attendance of 90% in the laboratory course in the production of pharmaceuticals subject to sterility requirements
• completed training in aseptic work technique
• practical test in the production of pharmaceuticals subject to sterility requirements

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours

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Electronic governance (e-governance), generally understood as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in various spheres of political life, plays a significant role in democratic societies. Researchers in computer and social sciences have examined e-governance as a tool for strengthening local democracy and realizing direct participation of citizens in political life.

The main topic of this course will focus on the role of ICT in enhancing the accessibility, transparency, and accountability of public services in contemporary democracies. Communication between citizens and government has historically been challenged by inefficiencies and limited opportunities for dialog.

The course will also provide a platform for further research, co-creation and co-production on the following topics:

• empirical analysis of ICT in political systems,
• comparative local e-governance in different types of democracies,
• local ICT policy reforms and their implementation,
• ethical reflections on security, privacy, and surveillance of e-governance solutions cooperation in intercultural and interdisciplinary communication and networking

This course supports OsloMet's ambition to drive progress on the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition to the general requirements for the Summer School, students need to have completed a Bachelor's degree to be admitted to the course.