University of Bradford
Postgraduate Programme Specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Life Sciences
Department:
Bradford School of Pharmacy
Programme title: Pharmaceutical Technology
Awarding and teaching
institution:
Final and interim awards:
University of Bradford
Master of Science
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title:
Pharmaceutical Technology
Programme approved /
accredited by:
N/A
Relevant subject benchmark
statement(s):
N/A
Duration:
1 year full-tune
UCAS code:
N/A
FHEQ Level:
7
Date produced:
Last updated :
September 2010
January 2014
Introduction
This programme is designed to continue the University of Bradford’s long track
record of developing innovative curricula in line with the needs of world-wide
industry. The pharmaceutical industry is globally growing at a considerable pace and
due to changing business dynamics, innovative pharmaceutical processing
technologies are gaining importance. The increasing significance of technologies for
manufacturing advanced drug delivery systems and the need to comply with
stringent regulatory requirements has raised demand for manpower with specialist
skills in the area of pharmaceutical technology.
The interdisciplinary postgraduate programme in Pharmaceutical Technology has
been developed taking into consideration the requirements of the global
pharmaceutical industry and the strong infrastructure and expertise available across
the Schools of Life Sciences and Engineering Design & Technology. This
complements the current aspirations of strengthening research interactions across
the two disciplines.
This programme will be hosted by the Bradford School of Pharmacy which is situated
on the main University campus. The programme is interdisciplinary in structure and
will be supported by the University Analytical Centre and Centre for Pharmaceutical
Engineering Science. The programme is unique and will provide students with a
wider exposure to and understanding of pharmaceutical technologies, delivery
systems and process analytics.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1
provide an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding and
knowledge in the area of pharmaceutical formulation development and
its underpinning science and processes.
A2
provide a systematic understanding of the application of molecular and
process modelling in pharmaceutical development.
A3
provide an insight into regulatory requirements for licensing
pharmaceuticals and application of Process Analytical Technologies
(PAT) in process development and the manufacture of
pharmaceuticals.
A4.
provide an opportunity to develop a conceptual understanding that
enables the student to evaluate critically current research and, where
appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
A5
develop transferable skills including scientific literature searching and
evaluating, reporting and presenting scientific information.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1
deal with complex issues related to pharmaceutical formulation and
processing technologies both systematically and creatively.
LO2
understand and evaluate the application of different techniques in
preformulation and formulation development
LO3
understand and evaluate the application of different techniques in
process analytics.
LO4
understand, demonstrate and optimize the application of different
computational techniques used to analyse the properties of a material
and understand the optimization of complex processes.
LO5
demonstrate originality in application of knowledge, together with
practical understanding of research techniques in an area within the
pharmaceutical sciences.
LO6
critically evaluate scientific literature and communicate scientific
information both in writing and orally.
LO7
demonstrate self-direction and originality in implementing a research
project; employ appropriate experimental approaches and report your
findings in relation to current research knowledge and understanding.
LO8
demonstrate independent learning and the critical thinking ability
required for continuing professional development.
LO9
the qualities and transferable skills required to exercise initiative and
personal responsibility and decision making in complex and
unpredictable situations
Curriculum
Postgraduate Certificate
Module
Code
PH-3307D
PH-4037D
LIF-4012M
LIF4009M
LIF4011M
Module Title
Fundamentals of Drug
Delivery
Science of Solid Dosage
Form & Advanced
Pharmaceutical Technologies
X-Ray Diffraction
Separation Science *
Vibrational Spectroscopy*
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
(Semester)
Core
20
7
1
Core
20
7
1
Core
Optional
Optional
10
10
10
7
7
7
1
1
1
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved
learning outcomes LO 1, 2, 8 and 9, you may exit the programme and are eligible for
the award of Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
Module
Code
PH-4034D
LIF-4014D
PH-4039D
Module Title
Critical Appraisal of Current
Topics in Pharmaceutical
Technology
Process Analytical
Technologies (PAT)* &
Quality by Design (QbD)
Computational
pharmaceutics and
knowledge management
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
(Semester)
Core
20
7
2
Core
20
7
2
Core
20
7
2
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved
learning outcomes LO 1-6, 8 and 9, you may exit the programme and are eligible for
the award of Postgraduate Diploma
Master of Science
Module
Code
PH-4041Z
Module Title
Research Project
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
(Semester)
Core
60
7
3
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved
learning outcomes LO 1-9, you are eligible for the award of Master of Science.
The curriculum may change to reflect future advances, subject to the University's
programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching and learning strategy for this programme is based on University of
Bradford Learning Teaching and Assessment Strategy and School of Life Sciences
Learning and Teaching Plans. It takes into consideration the aims and learning
outcomes of the programme, progression through the levels of study, the nature of
the subject and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning
as you progress through the programme.
A wide variety of teaching and learning methods will be employed to engage you in
developing your subject knowledge and understanding including formal lectures,
laboratory practical sessions, demonstrations, seminars, workshops, laboratory
investigations, critical appraisal, coursework assignments and directed study. The
programme will progress from structured learning led by lectures and practical
through more seminar based learning to individual research based dissertation and
project.

The University of Bradford is well known for attracting students from a wide
variety of background, experiences and countries. This programme is
particularly suitable for overseas students and will cater for students from a
range of previous educational backgrounds. The programme will start with
fundamental aspects of formulation development which will give all students
the appropriate level from which they can develop advanced understanding in
the area of pharmaceutical technology. This and the learning facilities
available to all students provide the conditions for students to develop and
manage their learning. The University of Bradford’s mission, “Making
Knowledge Work”, is imbedded in the philosophy of this programme.

Student choice is important in developing ownership of your learning and
fostering deep learning. In the modules marked * in the curriculum students
may indicate their choice of study subject by the third week of the study period
(except PAT which is compulsory). The coursework for these subjects will be
taught as three day workshops.

These * modules/workshops are also conducted for CPD and MSc (Analytical
Sciences) programmes. A student can invited to attend one of these in cases
where they have missed, with good cause, the first running of the workshops.

To give time to support and explore the potential subjects for later learning in
depth, the research supervisor for an individual student will be allocated in
first semester study period and the research project topic will be finalised by
student and respective supervisor during this period.

The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage students in
developing their knowledge and understanding as mentioned in LO1 to LO4
include formal lectures (including those from Visiting Lecturers from
pharmaceutical companies), laboratory coursework, project work, directed
learning and individual work. The methods of assessment include written
examination, evaluation of project reports, presentations and experimental
coursework.

Expert and peer advice and support during laboratory experimental exercises,
case studies, critical appraisal of current topics and supervised research or
project work will allow the student to develop his/her intellectual skills as
expected in LO5 to LO8. The methods of assessment for these skills include
written examinations, presentation of a critique of published research articles
and experimental coursework, and most importantly, an MSc dissertation.

The three day workshops on advanced analytical techniques provide an
opportunity for students to integrate their knowledge of formulation
development and processing and achieve LO2.



The methods implemented in developing the students’ practical skills include
demonstrations and practical sessions linked with the taught modules. MSc
students will also design formulations, use analytical techniques, develop
skills in using software applications and use control and measuring
instruments under supervision during the initial phase of their research project.
The methods of assessment of practical skills include verbal or written
feedback on laboratory work linked with the taught modules. The presentation
and appropriate use, understanding and analysis of these methods will be
assessed through the MSc dissertation.
The opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that
explore the sustainable development challenge related to responsible science
or responsible professionalism will be provided through workshops on health
and safety, including professional development programmes from the learner
development unit. In first four weeks students will undergo at least four
workshops at least one hour each, organised by LDU mainly regarding
referencing, plagiarism, presentation skills and critical analysis.
The
timetable for workshops will be provided to the students. Modules like critical
appraisal of current topics in pharmaceutical technology, process analytical
technology and processing technologies (especially green technologies) and
research project will debate utilisation of the principles of responsible science,
using case based teaching approaches that examine the dilemmas and
challenges of sustainable development. The assessment will be carried out
through evaluation of the project report and presentation.
Development of your transferable skills (LO8) should occur throughout the
programme. It will mainly occur through preparation and presentation of
critiques, project reports, laboratory reports and seminars. Implementation of
the research project in the third semester will provide the students with an
opportunity to learn about effective planning, time management, interpersonal
skills and professional responsibility.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
Up to 30 students can be admitted on to the programme each year. We welcome
applicants from outside the EU. Offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. As a general guideline, acceptance on the Masters
programme requires first degree at Honours or equivalent (2: 2) in a relevant area
such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology or
Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in
English in accordance with University Regulations. For further details, see
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/international/before-you-apply/english-languagerequirements/.
Should you be unable to offer these grades then you should contact the Admissions
Tutor for further advice
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact
the programme leader before you apply.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance
in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise
your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
The state of art laboratories across the School Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical
Innovation, Pharmaceutical Engineering Sciences R & KT Centre and University
Analytical Centre provide advanced analytical, processing and computational
facilities to conduct laboratory and computational practical work. Expert staff from the
University and industry will provide the required skills and guidance through teaching
lab based project work.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the Programme Team. The programme tutor will hold induction
sessions for the programme at the beginning of the academic year and also run
regular tutorials with the students to encourage communication about the
programme and provide student support. It is envisaged these would normally be
weekly for the first four weeks and then fortnightly through the first and second
semester. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will
be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. Normally you would see
the personal tutor every four weeks until your project supervisor takes over this role.
The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel
comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of programme and module handbooks that you can consult on a range of
learning issues and your module tutors will be available to consult on subject specific
queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part
of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as
council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing
a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The
support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a
mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and
help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes
and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive
seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their
programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development
Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources
available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to
find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the
employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other
information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc.
The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme
information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’
website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
This programme will provide exposure to and interaction with, experts from industries
though guest lectures, workshops, seminars and demonstration of technologies at
University spin out companies which will improve their employability.
Learner Development Unit
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths,
numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is
delivered during both semesters which complements the individual support available
from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to
help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can
discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether
these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact
the Disability Service by phoning: +44 1274
233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
The University of Bradford and the School of Life Sciences are committed to the
principles of Education for Sustainable Development as outlined in the UNESCO
definition (see http://info.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/what-sustainability.php )
Modules like critical appraisal of current topics in pharmaceutical technology,
process analytical technology and processing technologies (especially green
technologies) and research project will debate utilisation of the principles of
responsible science, using case based teaching approaches that examine the
dilemmas and challenges of sustainable development.
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Postgraduate Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
The Admissions Office
School of Life Sciences
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 235526
E-mail: sls-postgradcourseadmissions@brad.ac.uk
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.