Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science

Course code: 2894 + Course abbreviation: BPharmSc + Total credit points required: 144 + 3 years full-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Parkville - F/T only)

Course description

Pharmaceutical Science plays a vital role in improving human health through translating advances in medical research into medicines. A pharmaceutical scientist is trained to select new targets for drug therapy which arise from basic research, and has the scientific and technical knowledge to translate new targets into reliable, accessible and effective treatments for patients.

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science has two major areas of study: Formulation Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Biology. Pharmaceutical biology investigates the biotechnological aspects of drug design and evaluation. Formulation chemistry explores inventing, making and testing new products in fields such as pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics.

Course objectives

On completion of the course, students will have a thorough grounding in pharmaceutical science with majors in either formulation chemistry or pharmaceutical biology. Graduates will have had practical experience either in an industrial setting or in research related to drug development.

Course structure

Course requirements

First year

First semester

VPS1021 Chemistry IA
VPS1071 Formulation chemistry IA
VPS1081 Physiology I
VPS1101 Product development I

Second semester

VPS1022 Chemistry IB
VPS1072 Formulation chemistry IB
VPS1082 Physiology II
VPS1102 Pharmaceutical Biology

Second year formulation chemistry major

First semester

VPS2021 Chemistry II
VPS2031 Biochemistry
VPS2041 Analytical methods
VPS2071 Formulation chemistry IIA

Second semester

VPS2032 Biochemistry and microbiology
VPS2042 Biopharmaceutics and drug delivery
VPS2072 Formulation chemistry IIB
VPS2102 Product development II

Third year formulation chemistry major

First semester

VPS3071 Formulation chemistry IIIA
VPS3081 Functional pharmacology
VPS3091 Molecular biotechnology
VPS3101 Product development IIIA

Second semester

VPS3052 Industrial project
VPS3072 Formulation chemistry IIIB
VPS3082 Toxicology
VPS3102 Product development IIIB

Second year pharmaceutical biology major

First semester

VPS2031 Biochemistry
VPS2041 Analytical methods
VPS2051Biomolecules, structure and function
VPS3081 Functional pharmacology

Second semester

VPS2032 Biochemistry and microbiology
VPS2042 Biopharmaceutics and drug delivery
VPS2102 Product development II
VPS3052 Toxicology

Third year pharmaceutical biology major

First semester

VPS3011 Experimental pharmacology I
VPS3031 Chemistry of drug action
VPS3041Molecular pharmacology
VPS3091 Molecular biotechnology

Second semester

VPS3012 Experimental pharmacology II
VPS3032 Emerging technologies in drug discovery
VPS3042 Laboratory research project
VPS3092 Pharmaceutical biotechnology

Course progression requirements

Students must pass the examinations in all the units prescribed for study during the first year of the course before the faculty will admit them to the next year of the course, and likewise for each succeeding year.

The full provisions governing the course structure and progress of students through the course are set out in the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science regulations, which can be found on the faculty's website at www.vcp.monash.edu.au.

Contact details

Telephone +61 3 9903 9635, email info@vcp.monash.edu.au or visit www.vcp.monash.edu.au.

Course coordinator

Professor Barrie Finnin

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