Physical Pharmacy 2 BIPH 2216

Course description:

This course covers; Surfactants, dispersed systems (Classification of colloids, Colloid stability),  Emulsions (Stability of o/w and w/o emulsions, HLB system, Multiple emulsions, Micro emulsions, Biopharmaceutical aspects of emulsions, The rheology of emulsions), Suspensions;  Stability of suspensions, Aspects of suspension stability, Suspension rheology, Non aqueous suspensions, Pharmaceutical polymers and macromolecules, Drug absorption and routes of administration.

Course Aims:

  • To aid the students in their attempt to predict properties of some surfactants those are commonly used in pharmacy.
  • To introduce the process of solubilisation of water-insoluble compounds by surfactant micelles and its applications in pharmacy
  • To provide a broad based knowledge about dispersion systems (emulsions, suspensions and aerosols used in pharmacy)
  • To provide the basis for understanding the stability of dispersion systems.
  • To introduce the structures and the properties of some typical polymers used in pharmacy and medicine.
  • To provide a broad based knowledge about the structure and function of biological membranes and understanding the factors influencing the transport of drugs through them.
  • To introduce the classifications of dosage forms and administration routes in relation with therapeutic outcomes.

Course outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:  
  • Discuss the properties of some surfactants that are commonly used in pharmacy.
  • Understand some of the factors that influence adsorption onto solid surfaces.
  • Examine the properties of liquid crystals and surfactant vesicles.
  • Discuss the process of solubilisation of water-insoluble compounds by surfactant micelles and its applications in pharmacy.
  • Identify the variety of emulsions, suspensions and aerosols used in pharmacy.
  • Discuss what contributes to their stability.
  • Examine the elements of colloid stability theory and see how these assist the design of formulations.
  • Discuss the variety of structures formed by polymers and the properties of polymers in solution.
  • Look at the structure and properties of some typical polymers used in pharmacy and medicine.
  • Explain some of the many applications of polymers in the fabrication of drug delivery devices.
  • Review the structure and function of biological membranes and discuss the factors influencing the transport of drugs through them.
  • Summarize the special features of a number of routes for drug administration either for systemic or local action.