FARMA2500 Drug Analysis Course description

The course provides a thorough introduction to chemical quality control of pharmaceutical ingredients and preparations. The course also covers shelf-life control, statistical analysis of experimental data, as well as relevant chemical analysis methods and the use of these methods in relation to pharmaceutics.

Subjects covered by the course, with credits specified:

• Drug Analysis 7 credits
• Statistics 2 credits

Passed 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 is capable of

• explaining important pharmaceutical analysis methods
• explaining the possibilities and limitations of different analysis techniques in analyses related to natural products and pharmaceuticals
• explaining basic statistical concepts

Skills 

The student is capable of

• selecting and applying methods of pharmaceutical analysis under supervision, based on knowledge of the substance's structure and chemical properties
• using these methods in quantitative and qualitative analysis, as well as in the chemical quality control and perishability control of pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical preparations
• using statistics to describe and analyse data from quantitative analyses, including by using a spreadsheet

General competence 

The student

• has insight into and is capable of selecting and using the correct laboratory equipment based on specifications given

The work and teaching methods consist of lectures, seminars, group work and laboratory work. Digital learning resources, such as video lectures, are an important part of the teaching activities. Practical skills are acquired through the laboratory work. The course also includes written tests. By alternating between theory and practice, the programme helps the students to develop their ability to cooperate and work independently.

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

• a minimum attendance requirement of 80% at the laboratory course and supervised group work
• laboratory reports in accordance with specified criteria
• two or three written digital tests
• completed safety training before participating in the laboratory course

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours

• Calculator
• Kjemidata (tables) by Bjørn Pedersen
• Molecular model set
• Handwritten notes by the student
• The student's own approved laboratory reports

Grade scale A-F

One external and one internal examiner will assess at least 30% of the papers. Two internal examiners will assess the remaining papers. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students.