Key facts
UNE unit code: PHAR200
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Building on your foundational pharmaceutical science knowledge, this unit extends your understanding of drug chemistry, formulation principles, and pharmaceutical calculations in modern pharmacy practice. In this unit, you will examine how the functional groups of drugs influence physicochemical properties, drug stability, and pharmacokinetics – knowledge essential for effective medication design and delivery.
You’ll connect chemical structure to pharmaceutical formulation, investigating how solubility, ionisation, and reactivity shape drug performance. The unit also covers pharmaceutical rheology, colloids, suspensions, and particle size, equipping you to assess how these factors impact dosage form design.
By the end of this unit, you’ll be ready to critically evaluate the role of drug chemistry in pharmaceutical sciences and confidently apply your skills to real-world formulation challenges.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe the role of functional groups in drug molecules and how they influence solubility, ionisation and reactivity;
- explain how key physicochemical properties such as pH, buffers, isotonicity, and osmolarity affect pharmaceutical formulation stability and sterility;
- apply knowledge of colloids, suspensions, and particle size in the design and evaluation of pharmaceutical dosage forms;
- perform pharmaceutical calculations related to pH adjustments, buffer preparation, and solubility enhancement;
- demonstrate proficiency in scientific problem-solving and data interpretation in pharmaceutical formulation and drug chemistry.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Five (5) quizzes worth 5% each |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Formulation report No. Words: 1000 equivalent To pass this unit, you must attempt this task and achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% across all assessments. |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Final examination. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must attempt this task and achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% across all assessments. |
| Tutorial Engagement and Workbooks | No | 5% | All offerings | Engagement with the tutorials (attend live or watch recording) and submission of tutorial workbooks. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Organic Chemistry eBook
ISBN: 9781119595304
Klein, D.R., Wiley 3rd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
Aulton's Pharmaceutics - The Design and Manufacture of Medicines
ISBN: 9780702081545
Aulton, M.E., Churchill Livingstone Elsevier 6th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Physiochemical Principles of Pharmacy
ISBN: 9780857111746
Florence, A.T. and Attwood, D., Pharmaceutical Press 6th ed. 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
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