Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences

The M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences is an integrated multidisciplinary course addressing fundamental and applied aspects of drug and drug product discovery, development, production and analysis. The programme will prepare candidates for research careers in academia and industry in pharmaceutical R&D as well as will create an awareness of issues and approaches relevant to the key pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Ireland.

The course is available for full-time study over one calendar year or part-time over two years and consists of lectures, workshops, presentations and laboratory work. Formal classes run from September to April and are normally held two days every week with the remaining time available to students for self-directed studies, writing tutor marked assignments, preparing laboratory reports and presentations. Students proceeding to a M.Sc. degree will be required to undertake a research project and present a detailed scientific report at the end of the course.

The course consists of eight basic modules: regulatory aspects and industrial pharmacy, chromatographic and other separative methods of analysis, spectroscopic methods for drug analysis, molecular pharmaceutics and advanced drug delivery, biopharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutical and medical nanotechnology, pharmacological and related methods, biotechnology, formulation development and evaluation and professional skills in pharmaceutical sciences.

The taught modules are supported by lectures and workshops on presentation, research and other transferrable skills. The course is taught mainly by College staff, although there is a contribution from specialist visiting lecturers. The research project may be conducted either in the School of Pharmacy or at the student's place of employment but in either case supervision is exercised by a member of the School of Pharmacy academic staff.

Overall assessment of candidates is based on tutor marked assignments during the course work, written examinations, presentations and laboratory reports. Candidates must successfully complete the taught components of the course, before proceeding to the M.Sc. project. Provision is available for a supplemental examination in September each year if required. A reasonable attempt is required in all aspects of the examination process. A pass mark of 40% is normally required.