The MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry is aimed at graduates with a BSc in Chemistry or closely related degree who wish to tailor their expertise towards jobs in the pharmaceutical industry. It will also appeal to graduates with a BSc Pharmaceutical Science who wish to pursue an Masters qualification in their field.
The main part of the postgraduate pharmaceutical chemistry degree is a work-based learning module in which you can undertake a research project, either in our specialist labs at USW or possibly as part of an industry-based work placement. Throughout the masters course, you will study formulation and medicinal chemistry, as well as industry specific topics such as quality assurance and management and a Prince 2 qualification, giving you the advanced knowledge, skills and experience to compete for sought after roles in the pharmaceutical sector.
2021/22 update: Blended learning approach for USW courses.
[Update excludes online-only courses].
The wellbeing and health and safety of our students and staff is paramount to us. We are committed to delivering all of our courses and services as safely as possible. Due to the pandemic, the methods and activities adopted for the coming year may differ from those previously published and may be subject to further change through the course of your study if such change is necessary due to public health concerns, health and safety guidance or in response to Government Guidelines. USW is committed to providing you with a fantastic student experience and a wealth of support, and you can hear how students have benefitted from this approach here: Learn more about blended learning.
What you will study?
You will study the following modules (Core/Optional):
- Advanced Separation Science
- Advanced Formulation Science
- Medicines: Scale-up, Formulation, and Manufacture (optional)
- Project Management and Techniques
- Advanced Research Topics in Chemistry (optional)
- Quality in the Manufacture and Distribution of Medicines
- Major Research Project, Professional Practice And Employability
- Advanced Materials for Energy Application (optional)
- Toxicology (optional)
Teaching
The MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry course is delivered primarily in block mode. A blended learning and teaching approach is used to provide you with key and subject specific skills. Typically all modules will consist of a mix of lectures, tutorials, and workshops/practical laboratory sessions. Students are provided with numerous learning activities including written coursework; project work; group work; practicals (with group sizes tailored to the activity); problem solving sessions; self-study assignments; oral and poster presentations; independent study; work related learning and on-line self assessments.
The pharmaceutical chemistry course is full time for one year, and each module is generally around 48 hours of contact spread over two to three weeks. The first term is spent doing mainly taught modules, the second term is for the work placement/project.
Research-informed teaching
The majority of chemistry research at USW is concerned with the development and application of new catalytic entities, particularly within the field of renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing processes. The ongoing development and application of novel chemical entities, which strongly impacts many areas of our everyday life, is a critical factor in the continued competitiveness of our society. The wider scope of our chemistry research encompass those areas of solid oxide fuel cells, computational chemistry, analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical formulation and natural product syntheses.
Assessment
Assessments are undertaken on an individual, pair or small group basis, and include:
- Formal unseen closed-book examinations
- In-class tests
- Laboratory/practical reports and skills
- Oral presentations
- Themed portfolios of work
- Essays and dissertations
- Computer assignments
- Project work including planning, conducting, documenting and reporting
- Overall monitoring of safe practice in the laboratory
Course details
Placements
Your 10-week project may see you working in industry or alongside an industrial supervisor in our own labs at USW.
Companies that have provided our students with both placements and formal employment include Nanopharm; PCI Services; Zorba Foods; Simbec; Midatech; Animax UK; Dow Corning; Ortho Clinical Diagnostic; Norgine; Cat Sci; 3M Healthcare; Norgine; Cogent Power; Humiseal; Eurocaps and Bob Martin.
Lecturers
- Dr Rehana Karim, course leader
- Dr Ryszard Babecki
- Dr Natasha Galea
- Dr Gareth Owen
- Darren Evans
- Prof Tony Davies
- Dr Andrew Graham
- Dr Paul Jones
- Dr Suzy Kean
