Duration
15h Pr, 5h SEM
Number of credits
| Bachelor in pharmacy | 2 crédits |
Lecturer
Charlotte De Bleye, Pierre Francotte, Anna Lechanteur, Allison Ledoux, Anne-Catherine Servais
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
All year long, with partial in January
If a student fails an examination during the first term:
- They are permitted to resit the assessed subject during the second term (May-June);
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The practical sessions in Chemical Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences will enable students to become familiar with good laboratory practices within a pharmaceutical context. During the first semester (Q1), students will acquire a solid theoretical foundation in laboratory safety and good laboratory practices through a lecture-based session and an interactive seminar conducted in the laboratory. In the second semester (Q2), they will be introduced to a range of routine procedures commonly performed in community pharmacy practice. Throughout the different sessions, the concept of quality assurance will also be addressed. This authentic learning approach aims to raise students' awareness of their future professional responsibilities as pharmacists.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The learning objectives of the practical sessions in Chemical Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences are listed below and are classified according to the key learning outcomes of the Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences:
Pharmaceutical Expertise:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the pharmaceutical applications of the raw materials handled during the practical sessions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the physicochemical properties of the reagents used during the practical sessions.
- Identify and record relevant data in a laboratory notebook in accordance with the objectives of the experiment.
- Identify laboratory equipment commonly encountered in an analytical laboratory and explain its purpose.
- Select appropriate equipment according to the analytical context and the instructions provided in the experimental protocol.
- Understand and implement a simple experimental procedure.
- Interpret experimental data recorded in a laboratory notebook.
- Accurately record and communicate experimental results in a laboratory notebook.
- Communicate effectively about problems encountered in the laboratory.
- Collaborate with fellow students during practical laboratory sessions.
- Commit to maintaining laboratory equipment, instruments, and workspaces in an impeccably clean and orderly condition.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and apply laboratory safety requirements and good practices in an analytical laboratory setting.
- Explain the principles underlying equipment qualification.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Attending the courses in General Chemistry of Prof. Quinton (CHIM0748-3), Physical and Mathematical Foundations of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Prof. Lumay (PHYS0972-1), and General Biology of Prof. Peulen (BIOL2026-5), scheduled in Q1.
Attending the course to Introduction of Pharmaceutical Sciences by Prof. Philippe (PHAR0714-1) will help to acquire the pharmaceutical vocabulary necessary for a good understanding of the context and certain elements of the proposed practical activities.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The learning activities associated with the practical course Chemical Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences will be organized as follows.
First Semester (Q1)
A plenary lecture session attended by all students. This session aims to:
- Present the general objectives of the course.
- Provide the theoretical foundations of laboratory safety and good laboratory practices.
- Explain the role of the laboratory notebook within the curriculum and provide guidance on its appropriate use.
Following these two activities, students must complete a mandatory summative assessment conducted online in one of the institution's computer rooms. Successful completion of this assessment is a prerequisite for access to the laboratory practical sessions, including the General Chemistry practical classes coordinated by Prof. Quinton.
Second Semester (Q2)
A plenary lecture session attended by all students, aimed at reviewing the general objectives of the course and presenting the practical sessions to be undertaken during the semester.
Five three-hour practical laboratory sessions addressing various topics, including:
- Preparation of a colorimetric scale, with a primary focus on concentration calculations, solution preparation, and serial dilutions.
- Preparation of a buffer solution in a pharmaceutical context (serving as the basis for the formulation of a nasal spray), together with pH measurements using both pharmacy-grade pH indicator strips and a pH meter calibrated according to a predefined procedure.
- Preparation of a powder blend consisting of a active pharmaceutical ingredient and lactose, highlighting the importance of a homogeneity tracer in assessing mixing efficiency. Students will also observe the preparation of capsules using a capsule-filling device.
- Identification of pharmaceutical compounds through the investigation of their acid-base properties and solubility characteristics using a range of analytical tests.
- Separation of pharmaceutical molecules from a mixture by performing a pH-controlled liquid-liquid extraction using a separatory funnel.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
The explanatory sessions are delivered in person in a lecture hall, and attendance is mandatory.
The seminar and practical laboratory sessions are conducted in the laboratories B6d and B36 (only for the session 3). Attendance is mandatory for all activities.
Additional Information Attendance at all practical sessions and associated learning activities (the seminar and lecture-based sessions) is compulsory. Any absence must be reported by email no later than the day of the scheduled activity and subsequently justified by an authentic medical certificate (or, in exceptional circumstances, by appropriate supporting documentation). Such documentation must be submitted to the practical course coordinator, Dr Charlotte De Bleye (cdebleye@uliege.be), and to Mrs Valérie Mossay (VAL.Mossay@uliege.be) within 24 hours following the missed session.
Students must attend at least 80% of the scheduled activities in order to be eligible to sit the final summative assessment. Students who are absent from more than 20% of the activities will not be able to obtain credit for the course, either during the first examination session or during the resit session.
Any unjustified absence will result in a mark of zero for the corresponding practical session (or for the associated online assessment, where applicable).
In the event of an absence from a practical session that is duly justified by a medical certificate, students may, if they wish, complete the corresponding online assessment.
Late arrivals will not be tolerated in order to avoid disrupting the work of other students.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
The course Chemical Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences is based on several resources:
PowerPoint presentations for the explaination session and the seminar
A practical work manual
An eCampus platform containing:
- The above-mentioned supports
- A graphic syllabus that allows for visualizing the organization of the course
- A detailed program
- Groups composition
- Additional supports needed for each practical session
- Videos illustrating specific manipulations
- Mandatory tests to be completed after the seminar and each practical session
- A toolbox containing additional support materials.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )
Continuous assessment
Further information:
Across All Examination Sessions
- In-person assessment
Additional Information:
During the Academic Year:
Q1:
Following the learning activities organized during Q1, students will complete a mandatory summative assessment accounting for 12.5% of the final course grade. It will be organised in a computer room at the University of Liege. As noted previously, successful completion of this assessment is a prerequisite for participation in the practical laboratory sessions, including the General Chemistry practical classes coordinated by Prof. Quinton. The second session of this summative assessment will be organized at the beginning of the Q2.
Q2:
A quick test will be fixed at the end of each practical laboratory session during Q2. These assessments will consist of multiple-choice questions and exercises related to the material covered during the corresponding practical session. Each assessment contributes 2.5% of the final course grade.
Students will also be assessed on the quality and completeness of their laboratory notebook, using an evaluation rubric described in detail in the practical manual. This component accounts for 20% of the final course grade. This approach is intended to emphasize the importance of maintaining a laboratory notebook, which is a fundamental element of good laboratory practice.
The marks obtained during the Q2 contribute to the final course grade and will be carried forward to the second session.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Contacts
The coordinator of these Chemical Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences practical sessions is Dr. Charlotte De Bleye.
Email: cdebleye@uliege.be
Office phone: +32 43664318
Address and building:
Bât. B36 Chimie analytique
Quartier Hôpital
avenue Hippocrate 15
4000 Liège 1
Belgique
The link below is available if you wish to obtain more information about Dr. De Bleye's scientific research activities:
https://www.uliege.be/cms/c_9054334/fr/repertoire?uid=U209658
You are welcome to ask questions during the practical sessions. It is also possible to schedule an appointment by contacting the assistant responsible for the relevant practical session via email. If necessary, you can also contact Dr. Charlotte De Bleye by email or phone to arrange a meeting.