Pharmaceutical Science and New Drug Discovery
The Student Research Hub introduces undergraduate students to key concepts and practices within the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Students will explore the structure and function of the pharmaceutical sector, including the role of nature-inspired compounds in modern medicine development. The module examines the principles of modern drug discovery, chirality, drug design, and the importance of clinical trials in ensuring safety and efficacy. Students will investigate the relationship between organic chemistry and pharmaceutical innovation, including drug nomenclature and classification systems. The hub also provides insight into biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including primary and secondary manufacture, process scale-up, and industrial production techniques. A practical case study on curcumin will allow students to examine extraction, purification, and analytical methods used in natural product research. Additional topics include tablet production, formulation science, and the role of pharmaceutical excipients in drug delivery. Students will engage in independent research, critical analysis, and scientific communication through the preparation and submission of a reflective voiceover PowerPoint presentation on Learning, encouraging the development of transferable academic and professional skills relevant to pharmaceutical and chemical sciences.
General learning outcomes
By the end of the Student Research Hub, students will be able to:
- Describe the structure and function of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.
- Explain the principles of modern drug discovery, chirality, and clinical trial development.
- Evaluate the relationship between organic chemistry and pharmaceutical product development, including drug naming conventions.
- Demonstrate understanding of extraction, purification, and analytical techniques through the curcumin case study.
- Communicate scientific information effectively through a reflective voiceover PowerPoint presentation.
| Assessment method: | Report/Presentation |
| Prerequisites for participating students: | Undergraduate students in science, food science or other disciplines with an interest in learning more about the pharmaceutical industry, new drug discovery and green and sustainable principles in laboratory Science.
Interest in lab science, sustainability, and making labs more sustainable English (B2 level minimum). |
| Certification: | EU-CONEXUS certificate of attendance |
Thematic area:
Sustainability, New Drug discovery, Pharmaceutical Science, Green Labs
Mentor:
Mike Kinsella
University:
South East Technological University
Faculty/Department:
Department of Science
Mentor’s email address:
PhD Leader:
Kate Phelan
PhD Leader’s email address:
Start date:
29/06/2026
Closing date:
01/09/2026
Deadline for applications:
23/06/2026
Physical presence mandatory:
NO
Duration of physical presence:
N/A
Only online courses:
YES
