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Unit outline_

PHAR1822: Physical Pharmaceutics and Formulation A

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study aims to facilitate an understanding of the basic scientific concepts behind designing and using liquid and semi-solid pharmaceutical dosage forms to deliver a drug. Carrying on from PHAR1812 where different dose forms and the importance of the route of administration was introduced, this unit examines topics on diffusion and dissolution of drugs, aerosol formulations, preparing protein and peptide containing dosage formulation, the formulation of liquid dosage forms of complementary medicines, how osmosis and freezing point depression apply to the preparation on intravenous injections, crystal polymorphism and how it affects solubility, suspension- and emulsion-based dosage forms, and the formulation of medicinal cannabis. With a grounding in these concepts the unit explores specific methods of drug delivery, including: auricular, ocular, intranasal, lung, and intravenous, and intramuscular injections. This unit of study includes mathematical tools (calculus) required for pharmacy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

HSC Chemistry

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Pegah Varamini, pegah.varamini@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Joanna Elizabeth Harnett, joanna.harnett@sydney.edu.au
Fatemeh Emadi, fatemeh.emadi@sydney.edu.au
Kim Chan, kim.chan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Final exam
MCQ and short answer questions.
50% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Tutorial quiz Maths quiz
Written calculations covered in the Maths lectures and tutorials
15% Week 05 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Tutorial quiz Physical Pharmaceutics and Formulation Knowledge Quiz
MCQs to assess the knowledge enforcement of physical pharmaceutics
15% Week 07 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Assignment group assignment Communication assignment
Uploaded video presentation based on the format of a news article
20% Week 10
Due date: 13 Oct 2024 at 23:59
5 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • Maths Quiz: Students will complete an in-class written test which will take place during a scheduled maths tutorial class. The test will consist of 15 questions.
  • Physical Pharmaceutics and Formulation Knowledge Quiz: Students will complete an in-class MCQ test for 15 minutes. 
  • Communication assignment: Students are required to produce a 5 minute video. As this is a group assessment, Peer assessment (relative performance factor) will be applied to the groupwork marks. Students will take part in a formative peer assessment conducted earlier in semester, and a summative peer assessment will be conducted later in semester. Peer assessment will be completed online to obtain a factor between 0-1 and will be according to an agreed set of criteria established by groups in session 1. A student who fails to submit a peer assessment for this assessment with be given a zero mark, regardless of the overall group mark.
  • Final exam: The final exam comprises of multiple choice and short answer questions.  Students must pass this assessment task to satisfy the requirements for this unit. Failure to complete this assessment item will result in students being awarded a maximum of 45 F, regardless of cumulative marks obtained in the unit of study. All compulsory assessments must be passed (ie 50%) to satisfy the requirements of the unit of study. A fail in compulsory assessment will result in an overall fail for this unit of study.
  • Repeating students: Exemption from components (tutorials, workshops etc) for students repeating PHAR1822 will not be granted.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts. 

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts. 

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts. 

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Non-submission of peer assessment will result in a factor of zero (0) being applied to the non-submitter’s groupwork mark.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Maths Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Independent Study Independent study (82 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 02 Maths tutorial 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 Maths tutorial 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 Maths tutorial 3 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 05 Liquids and solutions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Rheology Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Crystalline and amorphous particles Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Maths tutorial 4 (Math Quiz) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 06 Osmosis 1, 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Briefing on group assigment Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Physical Pharmaceutics tutorial 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Emulsions 1, 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Freezing point depression Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Physical Pharmaceutics tutorial 2 (+ Quiz) Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Suspensions 1,2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Complementary medicines Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 09 Liquid formulation 1, 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 10 Aerosols 1, 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Formulation of medicinal cannabis Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 11 Injectables Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Body systems Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Complementary medicines-Formulations Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 12 Past exams Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: 

In accordance with the Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Pharmacy and Management Course resolutions on Attendance Requirements, students must attend a minimum of 85% tutorials/ workshops to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study. For more information see the current handbook.

Recommended materials: Students are recommended to bring a device (laptop, tablet or phone) to tutorials. 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Recommended reading:

Aulton's Pharmaceutics - The Design and Manufacture of Medicines, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Undertake complex, multistep pharmaceutical calculations
  • LO2. Understand the forces, science and terminology behind liquid and semi-solid dosage forms
  • LO3. Apply the mathematical concept of calculus to pharmacy
  • LO4. Understand and explain to others the different types of parenteral dosage forms, their medical uses, reasons for selection and how they are prepared.
  • LO5. Develop skills in teamwork and leadership in pharmaceutical science
  • LO6. Develop oral and written communication skills

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - APC
5.1. acting as a role model, facilitator and/or mentor to students, colleagues, other pharmacy team members and other health care professionals
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
1.4.a. demonstrating contemporary knowledge and application of legal requirements relating to community and hospital pharmacy practice within their jurisdiction
LO2
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - APC
5.1. acting as a role model, facilitator and/or mentor to students, colleagues, other pharmacy team members and other health care professionals
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
1.4.a. demonstrating contemporary knowledge and application of legal requirements relating to community and hospital pharmacy practice within their jurisdiction
LO3
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - APC
5.1. acting as a role model, facilitator and/or mentor to students, colleagues, other pharmacy team members and other health care professionals
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
1.4.a. demonstrating contemporary knowledge and application of legal requirements relating to community and hospital pharmacy practice within their jurisdiction
LO4
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - APC
5.1. acting as a role model, facilitator and/or mentor to students, colleagues, other pharmacy team members and other health care professionals
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
1.4.a. demonstrating contemporary knowledge and application of legal requirements relating to community and hospital pharmacy practice within their jurisdiction
LO5
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - APC
5.1. acting as a role model, facilitator and/or mentor to students, colleagues, other pharmacy team members and other health care professionals
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
1.4.a. demonstrating contemporary knowledge and application of legal requirements relating to community and hospital pharmacy practice within their jurisdiction
LO6
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - APC
5.1. acting as a role model, facilitator and/or mentor to students, colleagues, other pharmacy team members and other health care professionals
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
1.4.a. demonstrating contemporary knowledge and application of legal requirements relating to community and hospital pharmacy practice within their jurisdiction

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback from the students has always been positive for this unit of study, as such no specific changes have been made except for the addition of more tutorials to reinforce students' learning outcomes from the lectures.

Teacher consultation guidelines: Meetings available with prior appointments.

Additional costs

Nil

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.