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Requisite map

The 2020 handbook lists no units for P2001 itself. Pick an area of study to see its units.

Overview

In this course, you will learn about the chemistry, biology and technology of medicines and other chemical formulations and how to improve human health and well-being by researching and developing more reliable, accessible and effective treatments and products. You will develop the knowledge and practical skills critical to the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies leading to exciting careers in research and industry.

During the first two years, you will develop an understanding of the foundations of pharmaceutical science and of the relationships between the different disciplines and their distinct roles in drug discovery and development. This will prepare you to choose your specialisation from one of the following fields:

Drug discovery biology: the discovery and understanding of biological drug targets, and their modulation by chemicals and other substances.
Formulation science: the invention, manufacture and testing of new products such as pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics.
Medicinal chemistry: the principles and techniques behind drug discovery and development.

You will then develop specialist knowledge and techniques and an understanding of the application of pharmaceutical methods and professional practices required in the workplace. You will study with one of the largest and most productive groups of pharmaceutical researchers in Australia, the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and will graduate having worked in industry-standard facilities, such as our Shimadzu high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) lab.

In the final year, you will gain practical skills through a major research project or industry placement and be ready for a career in pharmaceutical research, the biomedical industry and many other fields that require advanced chemical-formulation skills. Drug discovery biology will prepare you for a career in translating the information and outcomes of drug development studies into pharmaceutical products. Formulation science will prepare you for a range of careers in developing pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, agricultural chemicals, veterinary products, paints and inks and many other consumer goods. Medicinal chemistry will prepare you for a range of industrial, academic and commercial career paths.

Course structure

Common first four semesters96 credit points

Part A. Foundation sciences

72 credit points

You must complete the following units. Note: If you are in E3008 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science you do not complete BPS2011, BPS2012, BPS2021 and BPS2032 since the chemical engineering studies provide the knowledge and skills.

Part B. Pharmaceutical science

24 credit points

You must complete the following units

Part B. Pharmaceutical science and Part C. applied project48 credit points

You must complete one of the following specialisations

Specialist drug discovery biology

36 credit points

You must complete the following units

Additional drug discovery biology units

12 credit points

You must complete 12 credit points from the following units

Specialist formulation science study

36 credit points

You must complete the following units. Note: If you are in E3008 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science you do not complete BPS3312 and BPS3321 since the chemical engineering studies provide the knowledge and skills.

Additional formulation science units

12 credit points

You must complete 12 credit points from the following units. Note: If you are in E3008 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science you do not complete these units since the chemical engineering studies provide the knowledge and skills.

Specialist medicinal chemistry study

36 credit points

You must complete the following units

Additional medicinal chemistry units

12 credit points

You must complete 12 credit points from the following units

The handbook's description of this structure

The course develops through three themes. The first two, foundation science studies and pharmaceutical science studies culminate in an applied project.

Part A. Foundation science studies

Foundation studies in bio-organic and medicinal chemistry, physical chemistry and physiology will underpin further studies in your chosen specialisation. It will also provide an introduction to the key areas of scientific communication and practice and scientific research methodology.

Part B. Pharmaceutical science

This will provide you with practical and theoretical skills and knowledge of your specialisation. You will learn to develop, apply and communicate the concepts and theoretical frameworks that constitute the knowledge base of your chosen discipline.

Part C. Applied project

The studies in parts A. and B. culminate in a major research project or industry placement.

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 144 points of pharmaceutical science study.

The course develops through theme studies in: A. Foundation science, B. Pharmaceutical science and C. Applied project.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

COMMON FIRST FOUR SEMESTERS (96 points)

Part A. Foundation sciences
You must complete:

BPS1011 Human physiology I: Cells to systems
BPS1021 Medicinal chemistry I: Structure
BPS1031 Physical chemistry I: Equilibria and change
BPS1012 Human physiology II: Body systems
BPS1022 Medicinal chemistry II: Reactivity and biomolecules
BPS1032 Physical chemistry II: Solutions, surfaces and solids
BPS2011 Pharmacology I: Biochemical signalling*
BPS2021 Synthetic chemistry I: Structure and Reactivity*
BPS2031 Analytical methods I: Principles and applications
BPS2041 Drug delivery and pharmacokinetics
BPS2012 Pharmacology II: Drug action*
BPS2032 Analytical methods II: Investigation design*

* If you are in E3008 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science you do not complete these units since the chemical engineering studies provide the knowledge and skills.

Part B. Pharmaceutical science
You must complete:

BPS1041 Scientific inquiry
BPS1042 Pharmaceutical science in context
BPS2022 Drug discovery and design
BPS2042 Drug development

SPECIALIST DRUG DISCOVERY BIOLOGY STUDY (48 points)

Part B. Pharmaceutical science and Part C. applied project

You must complete:

BPS3111 Pharmacology III: Advanced concepts
BPS3121 Disease focused pharmacology – peripheral
BPS3131 Microbiology and immunology
BPS3112 Professional experience in drug discovery biology
BPS3122 Disease focused pharmacology – CNS
BPS3132 Toxicology

and two of the following units:

BPS3211 Computational drug design
BPS3221 Synthetic chemistry II: Emerging methods
BPS3231 Advanced experimental spectroscopy
BPS3241 Analysis of drug-receptor interactions
BPS3321 Biotechnology products
BPS3222 Synthetic strategies for drug design
BPS3232 Molecular basis of drug action
BPS3322 Drug delivery nanotechnology
BPS3332 Applied pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

SPECIALIST FORMULATION SCIENCE STUDY (72 points)

Part B. Pharmaceutical science and Part C. Applied project

You must complete:

BPS3311 Industrial formulation
BPS3321 Biotechnology products*
BPS3331 Pharmaceutical product development and manufacture
BPS3312 Professional experience in formulation science*
BPS3322 Drug delivery nanotechnology
BPS3332 Applied pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

and two of the following units:*

BPS3121 Disease focused pharmacology – peripheral
BPS3122 Disease focused pharmacology – CNS
BPS3131 Microbiology and immunology
BPS3211 Computational drug design
BPS3221 Synthetic chemistry II: Emerging methods
BPS3231 Advanced experimental spectroscopy
BPS3241 Analysis of drug-receptor interactions
BPS3111 Pharmacology III: Advanced concepts
BPS3132 Toxicology
BPS3222 Synthetic strategies for drug design
BPS3232 Molecular basis of drug action

* If you are in E3008 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science you do not complete these units since the chemical engineering studies provide the knowledge and skills.

SPECIALIST MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY STUDY (48 points)

Part B. Pharmaceutical science and Part C. applied project

You must complete:

BPS3211 Computational drug design
BPS3221 Synthetic chemistry II: Emerging methods
BPS3231 Advanced experimental spectroscopy
BPS3212 Professional experience in medicinal chemistry
BPS3222 Synthetic strategies for drug design
BPS3232 Molecular basis of drug action

and two of the following units:

BPS3121 Disease focused pharmacology – peripheral
BPS3122 Disease focused pharmacology – CNS
BPS3131 Microbiology and immunology
BPS3241 Analysis of drug-receptor interactions
BPS3321 Biotechnology products
BPS3111 Pharmacology III: Advanced concepts
BPS3132 Toxicology
BPS3322 Drug delivery nanotechnology
BPS3332 Applied pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1
demonstrate well-developed knowledge of pharmaceutical science, and advanced knowledge of a specialised discipline within the field of one of the specialisations: drug discovery biology, formulation science or medicinal chemistry. In particular:
- drug discovery biology specialists will appreciate the mechanisms of drug action based on interactions at molecular, cellular and organ level, identify the appropriate research methods required for the evaluation of new drug targets, and evaluate candidate novel therapeutic agents based on affinity/efficacy profiles
- medicinal chemistry specialists will understand and apply the principles of drug action, and design and implement approaches to synthesising bioactive molecules, and analyse chemical structures and interactions using computational, spectroscopic and analytical techniques
- formulation science specialists will be capable of designing drug delivery systems for all types of active molecules, understand processes that contribute to the product life cycle, possess analytical skills to assess the physical and chemical properties of active molecules and delivery systems, and have knowledge to evaluate the suitability of these formulations within the context of industrial and regulatory environments
2
demonstrate well-developed skills in the methods and processes of pharmaceutical science
3
make valid judgements through critical thinking, and synthesise information from a range of sources to provide relevant solutions to scientific problems
4
communicate effectively in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences and for a range of purposes
5
think globally and consider pharmaceutical issues from a variety of perspectives, and apply international standards for research practices in pharmaceutical sciences
6
work safely and effectively, both independently and in multi-disciplinary teams
7
demonstrate leadership, and professional and ethical behaviour.

Entry requirements

Guaranteed ATAR and selection rank

82; International: UERTYear 12/Foundation Band 3+ (82.5-84.99); UERT Post-Secondary Band 3+ (Distinction+)

Other applicants

All applicants must satisfy the equivalence of the VCE subject prerequisites. Studies must have been completed no more than 10 years prior to admission.Relevant work experience is only used in fine-tuning selection.

VET: Due to strong competition for places, Certificate IV or Diploma graduates are unlikely to be offered a place. VCE VET studies will be considered.

University: Preference is given to applicants who have completed the equivalent of a full year of study in an undergraduate degree (e.g. science or biomedical science). A high level of academic achievement at tertiary level is required. Prerequisite studies in Chemistry, English and Mathematics can be met at either the VCE or tertiary level.

Other: Studies at Monash College (other than MUFY) are not suitable for entry into Pharmaceutical Science

English language

Monash Minimum: Level A, that is: IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or TOEFL Paper-based test: 550 with a TWE of 4.5; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18; or Equivalent approved English test

More information

Progression to further studies

If you are successfully completing the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science you may proceed to a one-year honours program leading to the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Honours). To be eligible to apply for entry into P3701 Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Honours), you must achieve an overall distinction grade average (70%) or higher in the final year of the course.

Other information

In this course, you will learn about the chemistry, biology and technology of medicines and other chemical formulations and how to improve human health and well-being by researching and developing more reliable, accessible and effective treatments and products. You will develop the knowledge and practical skills critical to the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies leading to exciting careers in research and industry.

During the first two years, you will develop an understanding of the foundations of pharmaceutical science and of the relationships between the different disciplines and their distinct roles in drug discovery and development. This will prepare you to choose your specialisation from one of the following fields:

Drug discovery biology: the discovery and understanding of biological drug targets, and their modulation by chemicals and other substances.
Formulation science: the invention, manufacture and testing of new products such as pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics.
Medicinal chemistry: the principles and techniques behind drug discovery and development.

You will then develop specialist knowledge and techniques and an understanding of the application of pharmaceutical methods and professional practices required in the workplace. You will study with one of the largest and most productive groups of pharmaceutical researchers in Australia, the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and will graduate having worked in industry-standard facilities, such as our Shimadzu high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) lab.

In the final year, you will gain practical skills through a major research project or industry placement and be ready for a career in pharmaceutical research, the biomedical industry and many other fields that require advanced chemical-formulation skills. Drug discovery biology will prepare you for a career in translating the information and outcomes of drug development studies into pharmaceutical products. Formulation science will prepare you for a range of careers in developing pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, agricultural chemicals, veterinary products, paints and inks and many other consumer goods. Medicinal chemistry will prepare you for a range of industrial, academic and commercial career paths.

Common questions

How long is Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science?

3 years full time, 144 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 6 semesters of full-time study.

What ATAR do I need for Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science?

The guaranteed ATAR listed for 2020 entry is 82.

Where can I study Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science?

At Parkville.

How do I plan my Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification: Bachelor Degree
AQF level: Level 7
Credit points: 144
Full time: 3 Years
Part time: 6 Years
Maximum time: 8 years

Faculty: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
CRICOS code: 058486E
Abbreviation: BPharmSc
Award title: Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Handbook years: 20202021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027