Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development

Course Summary

Pharmaceutical Science combines a range of scientific subjects that are vital in the development, discovery, processing and manufacturing of different drugs and therapies. The overall philosophy of this degree is to produce science graduates who can assume positions of responsibility in the area of pharmaceutical science.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

This degree provides students with a broad but thorough background in the chemical, biological, and technological disciplines as they relate to the study of medicinal products. It allows students to develop a range of skills, covering scientific, engineering, regulatory and quality issues, as well as delivering excellent communication skills. Modules are based around the core pharmaceutical sciences, but with emphasis also placed on modern technology and advances within the sector.

Students have the option to complete a work placement between Year 3 and Year 4. This can last for four months or a full year. Some students have taken the opportunity to travel to the USA, Italy, Malta and the UK to complete their work placement.

A final year project allows students to make use of the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the programme. Students can also apply for an Abbott Excellence Science Award. Successful students get an internship and valuable work experience with one of the many leading pharmaceutical companies in our region.

Our degrees have a strong lab and practical element which allows students to build their competencies and skills. We also recognise the importance of transferable skills such as data presentation, information-sourcing and scientific-technical writing which enhances employability, and expands students knowledge and understanding of the sector.

YEAR 1

Students start with learning the fundamentals of the basic science subjects in biology, chemistry, physics, maths, and an introduction to pharmaceutical science as a subject. Tutorials in all of these subjects are provided to support students who may not have studied these before. Students have laboratory sessions in all of the subjects. This is an excellent way of getting hands-on experience with science and to get to know their classmates. 

YEAR 2

As students progress through the degree, subjects become more specialised. Modules include Dosage Formulation, Biopharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Quality Systems, Validation, and Pharmaceutical Legislation.

YEAR 3

The emphasis in Year 3 is on applying the knowledge gained in the first two years to the specific needs of the pharmaceutical sector. Students have the option to complete a work placement between Year 3 and Year 4. This can last for four months or a full year.

YEAR 4

Students study modules at an advanced level. A final year project allows students to make use of the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the programme.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

Career Opportunities

Graduates work in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biomedical and medical device sectors in the areas of legislation and regulatory affairs, formulation, analysis, validation, production and quality systems. There is a very high direct employment rate from this degree to companies such as Abbott, AbbVie, Pfizer, Eli Lily. Baxter and Allergan.

Ireland’s life sciences sector has a global reputation for operational and innovational excellence. Ireland is the world’s third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals according to the UN International Trade Statistics database, with more than 85 companies located in the country. This accounts for €80+ billion in annual exports or 39% of annual exports from Ireland.

Further Study

Graduates may progress to Level 9 Masters or Level 10 PhD programmes across a range of disciplines in ATU Sligo or in other third level institutions.

 Postgraduate options at ATU Sligo

Graduates have completed further study in order to become Pharmacists. Students complete this further study in Scotland, Ulster University, or Liverpool.

ATU Sligo hold an agreement with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin, where students can progress onto their pharmacy degree programme.

Testimonials

"I loved the 50:50 split between theory and practical lab work on the degree. For example, you might be learning all about a reaction between raw materials that will result in a white powder drug in a theory class. Then, you step into the lab and actually get to make this white powder yourself. It helps you understand everything you were told in the theory class.

It also helps you prepare for the real world. The modules relate directly to different areas of the industry that you will eventually move into. On top of that, most of our lecturers have worked in the industry in the past and know exactly what they are talking about. As the class size is small, the lecturers and staff get to know you on a first-name basis. The help and advice they offer is unbelievable too.

In late September 2019, about thirty students were interviewed for the Abbott internships of which four, including me, were offered twelve month contracts. I was placed in the Business Excellence Department of their Diagnostics Division in Sligo from January 2020 to January 2021. In Business Excellence you are involved with almost every other department, assisting with idea generation, coordinating and leading monthly target reviews, and assisting with cost improvement projects. I really enjoyed the experience and what I learnt has enhanced what I have learnt during my studies. Since graduating, I have secured a full-time position as an Associate Quality Professional with Abbott."

Alannah McGrory, BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development graduate and now employed as an Associate Quality Professional with Abbott

Did you know?

We also offer this degree at a Level 7 - AU857 BSc in Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development

Students get the opportunity to apply for an Abbott Excellence Science Award. Successful students get an internship and valuable work experience with one of the many leading pharmaceutical companies in our region.

Students have the option to complete a work placement between Year 3 and Year 4. This can last for four months or a full year. Some students have taken the opportunity to travel to the USA, Italy, Malta and the UK to complete their work placement.

A final year project allows students to make use of the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the programme.

Graduates have completed further study in order to become Pharmacists.

Our degrees have a strong lab and practical element which allows students to build their competencies and skills. We also recognise the importance of transferable skills such as data presentation, information-sourcing and scientific-technical writing which enhances employability, and expands students knowledge and understanding of the sector.

Alumni

"The best part about the degree is the workplace opportunity provided in Year 3 where students have the chance to work in a pharmaceutical company and learn about the processes involved in producing a pharmaceutical product. Thankfully, with the help of ATU Sligo, I was offered the opportunity to complete a 15-month internship with Abbott Diagnostics Division in Finisklin in Sligo during Year 3. During the internship, I worked in the Quality Systems and Quality Assurance department. I even got to lead a global project where I collaborated with other Abbott sites in Wiesbaden, Longford, and Lake County. After the internship, I was offered the opportunity to continue working with ADD Sligo in the Quality Assurance department while completing my final year of my degree. 

I now work as a Quality Assurance Specialist with Abbott and I am thoroughly enjoying it. With the help of Abbott, I want to achieve my long-term goal of leading a new product launch of a drug that has a significant impact in allowing individuals with serious ailments live better lives."

Laura Oates, BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development graduate and now employed as a Quality Assurance Specialist with Abbott

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semester 7

Semester 8