PHSC-316 : Physico-chemical Principles of Pharmacy

Drug action is dependent on a range of physico-chemical principles. These relate not only to the drug substance, or active pharmaceutical ingredient, but also to the excipients used in the production of the dosage form. An understanding of these physico-chemical principles affords a better understanding of drug action, and an appreciation of the factors that may influence such drug action. Course work and laboratory exercises relating to physico-chemical principles are not part of the pharmacy curriculum since the emphasis is on the clinical aspects. However, this course has been designed to provide a basic understanding of the factors involved. Various examples will be discussed during class time which may, in some instances, also include a laboratory demonstration. The latter affords students the opportunity to observe certain effects where physico-chemical principles play a role.