BPS1032 · Physical chemistry 2: Solutions, surfaces and solids

Overview

Solutions, self-assembled systems, multiphase liquid systems and the properties of solids that yield pharmaceutical solutions are key to the performance and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. This unit aims to build on Physical Chemistry I (BPS1031) to provide you with a firm understanding of the physical chemistry that underpins the properties and dissolution of pharmaceutical solids and additives to form solutions. In particular, an understanding of the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical solids (drugs and excipients), their transfer into solution form and the properties of those solutions from a pharmaceutical science perspective will set the foundation for you to understand the impact of these properties and concepts in pharmaceutical and other formulated products. The key concepts are related directly to aspects of a suite of representative pharmaceutical products allowing you to put the concepts into a relevant context. The understanding of these principles will also assist you in your understanding in some areas of chemistry, physiology and biology. This will involve: • physical chemistry of solutions • solids, semisolids and solubility • interfacially active molecules and their use in formulation

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

In-semester assessment 100%.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse the physicochemical principles that underpin the important processes of pharmaceutical solids dissolving to form a solution. Describe, predict and calculate dissolution, solubility and distribution;
2. Predict solution behaviour, including vapour pressure, conductivity, and colligative properties;
3. Explain and predict the behaviour of surface-active agents at interfaces and in solution, and explain how micelles can improve drug solubilization;
4. Describe the physicochemical principles behind the formulation of liquid products, including one and two phase liquid systems.
5. Describe and analyse the properties of pharmaceutical solids and semisolids, such as crystallinity, melting point, and predict their impact on solubility, stability and bioavailability;
6. Describe rheological concepts and discriminate between different rheological properties for fluids;
7. Define the role and effect of components (excipients) used to produce solution-based pharmaceutical dose forms and evaluate individual excipients, based on their physicochemical properties, in the context of a pharmaceutical product or formulation;
8. Measure fundamental solution properties through laboratory exercises and relate experimental results to theoretical concepts;
9. Work effectively in a group to solve problems, present group-workshopped solutions, and manage the group to complete the task (communicating and coordinating group efforts);
10. Solve problems in a meaningful, systematic, and structured manner.
11. Collaborate on academic tasks with generative AI, used individually and/or as a team member, critically reflecting on its contributions, team dynamics, and ethical implications.

Workload

• Ten 2.5-hour online modules (Own time, Discovery) • Twelve 1-hour Applied sessions (Q&A) • Three 2-hour laboratories • Six 2-hour small-class workshops • Two 2-hour whole-class workshops • One 2-hour in-semester test • One 3-hour problem-solving quiz (Own time) • 10 hours – written assignment (Own time)

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.