Degree course in Pharmaceutical chemistry and technology [LM-13] D. M. 270/2004
General information
Qualification awarded
Master of Science in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology
Level of qualification
Single Cycle
Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning
Entry to the Master of Science (CdLM) program requires a high school diploma or other qualification obtained abroad and considered appropriate. Entry to the CdLM in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology is limited. The maximum number of students who are admitted to the first year for 2012/2013 is 100 (one hundred). The student must have adequate preparation in basic subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology).
Profile of the programme
The Single Cycle CdLM in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology's main objective is to prepare graduates with the necessary scientific basis to operate effectively in the field of industrial pharmaceuticals and health products. In particolar, CdLM provides advanced theoretical and practical preparation in all fields of the multi-disciplinary process that, starting from the design of potentially active molecules, leads to the synthesis, testing, formulation, recording, production, and marketing of drugs according to the rules encoded in Italian and European pharmaceutical law.
The CdLM in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology also provides the essential preparation to undertake, after the graduate is licensed, the profession of pharmacist in a hospital setting and, more generally, to offer counseling, disclosure, and distribution of drugs. The CdLM also offers the possibility, under provisions of regulation DPR 05.06.2001 No. 328, to sit for the state examination for entry to section A of the Chemical Industry. In addition, there is also the possibility for graduates to teach at high school level and at the School of Specialization in Hospital Pharmacy through competitive examinations and evaluation.
Qualification requirements and regulations
The CdLM in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology has a duration of five years for a total of 300 credits (ECTS credits), an average of 60 ECTS credits per year. The program, organized on a semester basis, includes basic training activities specific to the subject or related to it. The course also includes electives chosen by the student, a final exam (experimental thesis), job training and apprenticeship, and the acquisition of language and computer skills. All aspects of the organization and management are described in the appropriate CdLM Academic Regulations, available on the website of the department.
Key learning outcomes
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology obtain theoretical knowledge in the chemical, biological, pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and technological fields and become familiar with the scientific approach to solving problems typical of the profession. Through books and/or consultation with scientific literature, including via electronic means, graduates will obtain advanced knowledge in their field of study and develop and implement ideas in a research context.
Graduates in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology will be able to apply their practical knowledge of analytical and medicinal chemistry to undertake and describe qualitative and quantitative analyses of drugs. Through their knowledge of pharmaceutical technology, and the legal regulations related to it, they will be able to process galenic formulations and also demonstrate practical skills in the technological control of dosage forms according to regulations of the Italian Official Pharmacopoeia and that of the European Union. Graduates will also be able to apply knowledge they’ve learned of the pharmaceutical, pharmacological and legisltaive fields in order to identify the proper use of medications and to understand diseases and their prevention in order to adopt a professional approach to work. The ability to apply know-how is, in the first instance, explicated by individualized laboratory activities, from experiments performed during the course of their thesis, and in the training provided by law. Verification of the expected course outcomes will be based on the comportment of students in laboratories, and through testing in both oral and written exams.
Graduates in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology progressively acquire independence of judgment, verified by the methods mentioned above, that culminates in the preparation of an experimental thesis undertaken at the end of the training period. The ability to acquire information, and to collect and interpret data deemed useful to make such judgments, will result is an ability not only to work in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or food fields, but in research laboratories, in public and private institutions, and also to properly undertake the profession of pharmacist. Teaching tools used to verify expected outcomes will be based on appropriate tests highlighting the acquisition of a good grasp of scientific method. Of particular importance will be the capacity of students to be able to conceive, write, and defend his/her thesis.
Graduates in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology will acquire adequate ability to communicate information and ideas, and to illustrate problems and solutions by using their expert technical undestanding of drugs to specialists and to non-specialists alike. They will be able to provide advice on health issues as professional intermediaries between patients, physicians and health care facilities. Tools and methods used for assessing these achievements are written and oral reports on reseach and laboratory activities, with the aid of multimedia tools, and by assessing their period of professional training in a pharmacy.
Examination regulations, assessment and grading
Exams consist of written tests and/or oral examinations that sometimes are preceded by written tests that might be scheduled during the course, and which are meant to give access to the oral and/or laboratory tests. When planning their teaching year, instructors communicate to their department head for approval, and for publication on the web page of the department, both the type of examination and how they intend to schedule them and conduct final evaluations in the next academic session. The examination for each course is evaluated on a thirty-point grade basis with the possibilty of earning an honors level grade (cum laude). The final grade is based on the outcomes of individual courses and the preparation and discussion of a thesis and its defense in a graduating session in front of a committee of at least eleven teachers and is expressed as a fraction of 110 points with the possibility of honors (cum laude) and publication.
Graduation requirements
The diploma is earned upon completion of 300 credits and the approval of a written report (thesis).
Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)
Attendance at both theoretical and practical lessons is compulsory. It is recommended that study be full time, however students may also elect parttime status.
Occupational profiles of graduates with examples
Graduates in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology can be employed in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, in research laboratories, public and private institutions, and government enforcement agencies. He/she may also work as a pharmacist once they have acquired a license to practice, or teach at the middle and high school level after entering the appropriate class competition.
In addition, the degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology provides eligibility to sit for the examination for registration in Section A of Professional Chemists, further allowing such activities as the chemical analysis, by any method and for any purpose whatsoever, of substances or materials from any source, and employing innovative methods for their validation and certification; forming opinions, judgments, or classifications; directing chemical laboratories whose business is also in chemical analysis as stated above, undertaking the study and development of chemical processes; checking hazards and dangers of flammable, harmful, corrosive, irritant, toxic chemicals of all kinds.
Access to further studies
A graduate in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology may also enter a number of third-level degree (PhD), masters and graduate schools.
Programme director or equivalent
Tabella riepilogativa regolamento
Information currently not available (Regulations 2013)
| Year 1 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1830 | General chemistry and inorganic chemistry | 1s-2s | 13 | Yes |
| 599 | English | 1s-2s | 3 | Yes |
| 1829 | Animal and plant biology and human anatomy | 1s | 12 | Yes |
| 1827 | Mathematics and elements of computer science | 1s | 7 | Yes |
| 1832 | Analytical chemistry | 2s | 6 | Yes |
| 1831 | Physical science | 2s | 7 | Yes |
| Total Year | 48(*) | |||
| Year 2 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
| 1834 | Physical chemistry | 1s | 8 | |
| 1833 | Organic chemistry I | 1s | 9 | |
| 1835 | Physiology | 1s | 6 | |
| 1838 | Drug analysis | 2s | 6 | |
| 1836 | General and applied biochemistry | 2s | 9 | |
| 1839 | Molecular biology | 2s | 6 | |
| 1837 | Microbiology and general pathology | 2s | 12 | |
| Total Year | 56(*) | |||
| Year 3 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
| 1248 | Electives | 1s-2s | 6 | |
| 1842 | Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry I | 1s | 6 | |
| 1840 | General pharmacology and toxicology | 1s | 10 | |
| 1841 | Phisical methods in organic chemistry | 1s | 9 | |
| 1845 | Medical chemistry I | 2s | 9 | |
| 1843 | Organic chemistry II | 2s | 11 | |
| 1844 | Pharmacoterapy and Biodrugs | 2s | 10 | |
| Total Year | 61(*) | |||
| Year 4 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
| 1249 | Stage | 1s-2s | 10 | |
| 598 | Electives | 1s-2s | 6 | |
| 1846 | Food Chemistry and Analysis | 1s | 6 | |
| 1848 | Medical chemistry II | 1s | 9 | |
| 1847 | Drug extraction and synthesis lab. | 1s | 9 | |
| 601 | Internship | 1s | 2 | |
| 1850 | Experimental pharmacology | 2s | 6 | |
| 1851 | Pharmaceutical industrial processes and equipments | 2s | 6 | |
| 1849 | Pharmaceutical technology, socio-economics and legislation | 2s | 9 | |
| Total Year | 63(*) | |||
| Year 5 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
| 604 | Stage | 1s-2s | 20 | |
| 1853 | Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry II | 1s | 8 | |
| 1852 | Applied pharmaceutical chemistry and drug delivery and targeting | 1s | 13 | |
| 1854 | Medical chemistry III | 1s | 6 | |
| 600 | Thesis | 2s | 25 | |
| Total Year 5 | 72(*) | |||
| Total | 300 | |||