BPS1032 Physical chemistry 2: Solutions, surfaces and solids
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
BPS1032 Physical chemistry 2: Solutions, surfaces and solids is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Malaysia and Parkville. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Malaysia, Parkville
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BPS1032
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BPS1032
1 unit list BPS1032 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prohibition: PSC1032 Physical Chemistry II
Overview
Solutions, self-assembled systems, multiphase liquid systems and the properties of solids that yield pharmaceutical solutions are key to the performance and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. This unit aims to build on Physical Chemistry I (BPS1031) to provide you with a firm understanding of the physical chemistry that underpins the properties and dissolution of pharmaceutical solids and additives to form solutions. In particular, an understanding of the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical solids (drugs and excipients), their transfer into solution form and the properties of those solutions from a pharmaceutical science perspective will set the foundation for you to understand the impact of these properties and concepts in pharmaceutical and other formulated products. The key concepts are related directly to aspects of a suite of representative pharmaceutical products allowing you to put the concepts into a relevant context. The understanding of these principles will also assist you in your understanding in some areas of chemistry, physiology and biology.
This will involve:
- physical chemistry of solutions
- solids, semisolids and solubility
- interfacially active molecules and their use in formulation
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Parkville | On campus |
Assessment
- Topic quizzesQuiz / Test40%
- Laboratory tasksProject25%
- Participation and engagementExercise5%
- Written assignment “Liquid Formulation”Written30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Analyse the physicochemical principles that underpin the important processes of pharmaceutical solids dissolving to form a solution. Describe, predict and calculate dissolution, solubility and distribution;
- 2
Predict solution behaviour, including vapour pressure, conductivity, and colligative properties;
- 3
Explain and predict the behaviour of surface-active agents at interfaces and in solution, and explain how micelles can improve drug solubilization;
- 4
Describe the physicochemical principles behind the formulation of liquid products, including one and two phase liquid systems.
- 5
Describe and analyse the properties of pharmaceutical solids and semisolids, such as crystallinity, melting point, and predict their impact on solubility, stability and bioavailability;
- 6
Describe rheological concepts and discriminate between different rheological properties for fluids;
- 7
Define the role and effect of components (excipients) used to produce solution-based pharmaceutical dose forms and evaluate individual excipients, based on their physicochemical properties, in the context of a pharmaceutical product or formulation;
- 8
Measure fundamental solution properties through laboratory exercises and relate experimental results to theoretical concepts;
- 9
Work effectively in a group to solve problems, present group-workshopped solutions, and manage the group to complete the task (communicating and coordinating group efforts);
- 10
Solve problems in a meaningful, systematic, and structured manner.
- 11
Collaborate on academic tasks with generative AI, used individually and/or as a team member, critically reflecting on its contributions, team dynamics, and ethical implications.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops12 hours
- Applied sessions2 hours
- Applied sessions14 hours
- Laboratories6 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Ten 3-hour online modules (Own time)
- Fourteen 1-hour review sessions: 1-hour applied sessions (Q&A) or 1-hour revision of posted responses (FAQ)
- Three 2-hour on-campus laboratories
- Two 3-hour virtual laboratories (Own time)
- Six 2-hour workshops
- Five 3-hour problem-solving quizzes (Own time)
- Nine hours – written assignment (Own time)
Learning resources
Required resources
Florence, 2016, Physicochemical principles of pharmacy, 6th edition (Ebook available via Monash library)
Recommended resources
Martin's physical pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences( 4th edition – quantitative aspects; 7th edition – qualitative aspects); Atkins et al., 2016, Chemical principles (7th edition); Atkins, 2014, Physical Chemistry (10th edition) - relevant sections are available online via Monash library (Unit Reading List)
Technology resources
For more information on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) specifications and the technology systems and services available to students, review the Student Technology Essentials Handbook https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1041220/student-it-brochure.pdf
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Janarthanan Supramaniam
- Associate Professor Elizabeth Yuriev
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Elizabeth Yuriev
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BPS1032?
BPS1032 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after BPS1032?
BPS1032 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including BPS2031.
When is BPS1032 offered?
In 2025, BPS1032 runs in Semester 2 at Malaysia and Parkville.
Does BPS1032 have an exam?
No. BPS1032 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.