Forensic & Pharmaceutical Science – BSc (Hons)

This module is an introduction to the fundamental principles and concepts underlying how biological systems function. It is intended to introduce students to key concepts in biochemistry, cellular reproduction, genetics, cellular metabolism, photosynthesis, and human physiology. A core element of this module is practical laboratory experience where students will learn scientific techniques relevant to biochemical analyses.

This module is an introduction to the fundamentals of modern chemistry. It is divided into Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. The module includes lectures, tutorials and important laboratory techniques and practices, the latter making up a large portion of the module.

This module introduces students to the principles of forensic and laboratory science. The module aims to lay the foundations in crime scene investigation exploring the principles, methods and procedures involved in processing varied scenes of crime.

This algebra-based physics module is designed to introduce students to the concepts in fundamental physics that are necessary to support other core modules and to provide a comprehensive grounding in physics that is relevant to forensic science, chemical and biochemical analysis. Lectures, practicals, and tutorials are relevant, interactive and student-focused to ensure deep learning.

This mathematics module will provide students with the necessary mathematical skills, problem solving skills and computer application proficiency required by the analytical scientist. Lectures, computer practicals, and tutorials are applied, interactive and student-focused to ensure students can transfer their mathematical knowledge across other modules.

This module will provide an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills of microbiology pertaining to classification, culture and control of microorganisms in the pharmaceutical environment and products of pharmaceutical industries.

This module introduces students to the different analytical techniques used in forensic investigations. The module will cover the collection, preservation, laboratory analysis and interpretation of evidence including chemical, contact and trace evidence.

This module builds upon learnings from Chemistry in Year 1 with a closer look at Inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry specifically. Inorganic chemistry covers the properties of some of the more common chemicals a scientist is likely to come across in their day to day lives as well as in the laboratory. Physical chemistry covers topics such as electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics.

Learners are given a grounding in spectroscopic and chromatographic methods and are introduced to instruments, e.g. Molecular UV-Visible spectrophotometers, in lectures. They are then given hands-on experience of using these instruments in laboratory practicals which they report on.

This module covers aspects of organic chemistry theory such as alkanes, stereochemistry and reactivity.  The emphasis is on good understanding and problem solving. It also introduces students to concepts in Drug Discovery and Development. In addition, students get plenty hands-on experience doing lab practicals and learning to use lab instruments.

This module introduces basic statistical concepts. It examines the practice of collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. Students will develop the necessary skills to undertake preliminary statistical analysis.  This module will also enhance students’ proficiency in Microsoft Office packages.

This module builds on the theory and skills developed in the Instrumental Analysis I module. Learners get exposed to more chromatographic, and spectrophotometric instruments, e.g. GC, FAAS & IR.

This module provides the learner with the basic concepts and theories of biochemistry and relevance to pharmaceutical, industrial and biotechnological associated sciences.

This module introduces students to the different types of evidence that may be encountered in forensic investigations. The module will cover the collection, preservation, laboratory analysis and interpretation of biological and physical evidence.

Building upon the Semester 1 module, this module will examine the groups of the periodic table in greater detail including group trends and usage of compounds. It will also cover thermochemical and electrochemical analysis and applications.

This module develops further on aspects of organic chemistry theory such as functional group chemistry (alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, ethers amines etc) and aims to develop good   understanding and problem-solving skills. Topics related to industrial production of pharmaceuticals are covered, including formulation, packaging and labelling, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulatory issues. In addition, students get plenty of hands-on experience doing further lab practicals and learning to use lab instruments.

This module introduces students to important quality control concepts. It will provide students with the necessary skills required to create and analyse statistical process control charts.  In this way, students will learn to apply statistical methods for quality control & improvement.

This course provides an insight into the overlapping sciences of forensic and biochemical toxicology combined with drug analysis.

This module builds on the chromatographic, spectrophotometric and electrochemical instruments and techniques developed in second year. It deepens and broadens that knowledge and set of skills.

This module will provide students with the theoretical knowledge in molecular biology and the practical skills in molecular techniques used in areas of diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals. It also gives students an overview of the production and applications of antibodies and their role in the Biopharmaceutical industry.

This module follows on from Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science I and II (year 2) with a further exploration of function group chemistry and application of theory in lab practicals. Basic pharmacology and drug classifications are considered, with case studies on selected pharmaceuticals. Students also consider concepts in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in preparation for potential work placements. The emphasis is on good understanding and problem solving.

This module seeks to enhance the learners knowledge of working within regulated scientific environments with a focus on fundamental concepts of quality assurance.

This module is an exciting opportunity for students to get paid placement (up to 9 months) with science companies in Ireland or internationally.  TUS staff support and work with students preparing professional CV’s and obtaining valuable interview experience. Students gain placement typically in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device sector. They put into practice the skillsets developed in college and find out about the exceptional career opportunities in these thriving sectors.

This module provides an advanced exploration of the analysis and interpretation of evidence encountered in forensic investigations.

This module covers several aspects of pharmaceutical technology. One aspect covers how drug properties are important in the design of good drugs.  There are many important drug properties, and this section of the course looks at the acid/base properties, lipophilicity and some important structural rules. The drug properties are further developed in the section of the course that considers traditional and novel drug delivery systems. The practical work involves a group project where students make batches of an active pharmaceutical ingredient and test them to pharmacopoeia standard. An emphasis is on good understanding and problem solving.

This subject provides an overview of the evolution of pharmaceuticals to biopharmaceuticals. The biochemistry and biotechnology of current biopharmaceuticals and biotechnological processes involved in their creation will be reviewed.

This module investigates the use of drugs in both human and animal sport and concentrates on methods for the detection of doping.

This module is divided into Instrumental Chromatography and Spectroscopy. Both of these topics include theory, problem solving and practical aspects. Examples of topics studied in this module include ion and size exclusion chromatography applications along with ¹H-NMR Spectroscopy with the aim of the module being to give the learner experience in the interpretation and application of analytical laboratory instrumentation.

This module builds on Advanced Pharmaceutical Technologies from semester 1.

Drug properties are further examined, and this section of the course looks at the permeability, blood-brain barrier and hERG and some important structural rules. An emphasis is on good understanding and problem solving. Current issues and developments in industry are considered, including Green Chemistry, Smart Manufacturing, Process Analytical Technologies, Industry 4.0, Pharma 4.0, life cycle analysis, environmental considerations. In the practical component students work in teams to look at business and marketing aspects of product development, for a product they have formulated in the lab.

This module aims to provide students with detailed knowledge in the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic DNA analysis by investigating the biology, technologies and data interpretation underpinning modern and advanced forensic DNA methodologies.

This module builds on the semester 1 module. Students are provided with a more in depth investigation on the use of drugs in both human and animal sport and concentrates on methods for the detection of doping.

This module is a continuation of the previous module from Semester 1. Examples of topics studied include further LC applications and ¹³C-NMR Spectroscopy providing the learner with additional experience in problem solving.

This module provides an advanced exploration of the analysis and interpretation of evidence encountered in forensic investigations. The module aims to develop skills in the interpretation of forensic evidence, in the context of the case circumstances, for different evidence types and provide the framework for formulating evaluative reports.

This module is very exciting in that it gives students the opportunity to examine and research a topic of interest or indeed work on a project related to their previous years’ work experience. The project allows for students to work independently in a state-of-the-art laboratory and develop their knowledge and understanding of complex problems.