MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHARMACEUTICS
Specializations in: Industrial Pharmacy and Cosmetic Science

The graduate programs are designed to provide the theoretical and conceptual framework that is inherent in advanced studies, and to promote the development of specific skills in various areas of the health-care industry. Consequently, the programs have two major and consistent objectives: first, the pursuit of scholarly achievement; second, the enhancement of career mobility. This integrated approach provides students with unique opportunities to concentrate their efforts in areas that are productive and fulfilling.

Graduate courses in pharmaceutics, industrial pharmacy and cosmetic science listed are offered at Long Island University’s Rockland Graduate Campus. Students who work or live in this area may wish to take advantage of these course offerings. All required courses in this program are offered at the Rockland Graduate Campus.  For additional information about these programs, contact:

Dr. Almas Babar
Program Director
(718) 488-1234 or (718) 488-1012

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Students applying for admission to the M.S. in Pharmaceutics program in either specialization of Industrial Pharmacy or Cosmetic Science must have an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology or pharmacy with a minimum grade point average in all undergraduate coursework of 3.0 or higher.

Industrial Pharmacy

The primary goal of the program is to provide advanced study opportunities for individuals interested in various aspects of drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. The areas include pharmaceutical research and development, manufacturing, unit operations and related activities. The program options provide for both thesis and non-thesis pathways, and considerable flexibility in program planning based upon the student’s industrial experience.

*All entering students must successfully complete Mathematics 40 or equivalent.
**Non-credit

In consultation with the Program Director, students may select electives from the graduate course offerings.

Degree Requirements

Students taking the Non-Thesis Option must complete 36 credits of course work and pass the written

Comprehensive Examination. Students taking the Thesis Option must complete 33 credits of course work of which 6 credits are for Research and Thesis, PHS 060. Thesis students must register for PHS 060 in two consecutive semesters, 3 credits each semester.

Cosmetic Science

In keeping with the rapid changes and advances in the field of cosmetic science, the graduate program in cosmetic science provides an appropriate blend of course work in the areas of chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, microbiology and pharmacy. These disciplines are coupled with their applications to the development and formulation of cosmetic products, and will serve to help the student to function more effectively in the cosmetic industry.

In consultation with the Program Director, students may select electives from the graduate course offerings listed.

Degree Requirements

Students taking the Non-Thesis Option must complete 33 credits of course work and pass the written Comprehensive Examination. Students taking the Thesis Option must complete 30 credits of course work of which 6 credits are for Research and Thesis, PHS 060. Thesis students must register for PHS 060 in two consecutive semesters, 3 credits each semester.

GRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Course schedules are printed every semester. The listings below are tentative. They are based on past history and are subject to change.

Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Master of Science Courses
Pharmaceutics, Industrial Pharmacy, and Cosmetic Science

PHS 020 Seminar in Pharmaceutics
A presentation and analysis of recent developments in industrial pharmacy and pharmaceutics. Students are expected to present oral and written reports on a particular subject in consultation with the instructor in charge. May be repeated for credit.
3 credits

PHS 022 Seminar in Cosmetic Science
A presentation and analysis of recent developments in cosmetic science. Students are expected to present oral and written reports on a particular cosmetic topic in consultation with the instructor in charge. Pass-Fail only.
3 credits

PHS 701 Physical Chemistry I
The emphasis will be on chemical thermodynamics, from fundamental principles to applications in chemical equilibrium, including the concept of activity in nonideal systems, and electrochemistry of the pH electrode and other ion selective electrodes.
3 credits

PHS 702 Physical Chemistry II
The emphasis of this course is on chemical kinetics, from experimental measurement of rate processes to activation theory and enzyme kinetics. Steady state activation theory will be included.
3 credits

PHS 901 Basic Pharmaceutics
An introduction to basic pharmaceutical principles associated with pharmaceutical dosage forms. Discussions will focus on factors affecting dosage form design, manufacturing of different dosage forms, biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, drug stability, FDA approvals and recalls, so that the student can obtain the knowledge needed to succeed in the M.S. and Ph.D. curricula. Waiver may be authorized by the division only.
3 credits

PHS 902 Regulatory Compliance in the Practice of Industrial Pharmacy
The course discusses the role of the FDA and other regulatory agencies whose actions impact on the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and cosmetic industries. GMP’s, GLP’s, FDA inspections, validation and other topics are discussed to highlight agencies’ requirements and the do’s and don’ts for compliance.
3 credits

PHS 931 Advanced Physical Pharmacy I
A systematic study of the application of physico-chemical principles to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sciences. Topics include complexation, colloids, interfacial phenomena, dissolution theory, suspensions, micromeritics and rheology.
Prerequisite: Math 40
3 credits

PHS 932 Advanced Physical Pharmacy II
An in-depth analysis of the chemical kinetics of pharmaceutical systems as applied to both in-vitro and in-vivo models. Drug decomposition, stabilization and storage of solutions, polyphasic systems and solids are emphasized.
Prerequisite: PHS 931
3 credits

PHS 934 Principles of Industrial Pharmacy I
A study of methods used to formulate, manufacture and stability-test various dosage forms including tablets, ointments, creams, capsules, suspensions, sterile products, etc. The different techniques used to formulate dosage forms possessing unique properties such as sustained or delayed release will also be covered.
3 credits

PHS 935 Principles of Industrial Pharmacy II
A laboratory course designed to give students experience in utilizing industrial instrumentation to test basic principles and theories in the design and production of various dosage forms.
Laboratory fee: $110.00
3 credits

PHS 936 Dosage Form Design
Biopharmaceutic and pharmacokinetic principles, coupled with physical pharmacy concepts, are used to discuss methods necessary for optimizing the design of various drug-delivery systems. The course is intended for those having a basic understanding of dosage forms and their design, and is geared to the underlying principles of drug release from dosage forms. While a major portion of the course is devoted to oral solids, liquids, topicals and parenteral design are also covered, together with means of evaluation and testing.
3 credits

PHS 937 Pharmaceutical Engineering
An introduction to basic engineering principles that are involved in the commercial manufacture of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Discussions will focus on how such principles as blending, mixing, heat and mass transfer are utilized to design and specify equipment used in producing powders, tablets, capsules and parenteral products. Basic concepts of cost estimation will also be discussed.
3 credits

PHS 950, 951 Cosmetic/ Dermatological Formulations and Technology I & II
Designed for in-depth studies of skin, mechanistic analysis of the relevant skin functions, percutaneous absorption, and rationale for dermatological formulations, physicochemical principles used, performance criteria and evaluation of the topical systems. Emphasis is placed on the product development, scale-ups, manufacturing, stability-testing and performance evaluations of modern-day cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical topical products. The courses cover all types of skin care, hair care and treatment systems including creams, lotions, shampoos, gels, fluids, makeups, sunscreens and pharmaceutical  dermatologicals.
3 credits

PHS 952 Cosmetic/Dermatological Formulations and Technology Laboratory
Designed for in-depth study of product development, scale-up, manufacturing, stability-testing and performance evaluations of modern-day cosmetic and toiletry products.
3 credits

PHS 954 Special Topics in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Microbiology
Laboratory design and equipment requirements include discussions of laminar flow, automation, etc. Special attention to: legal requirements, sanitation and good manufacturing practices; disinfectants, antiseptics, preservatives and preservation; test methods for air, water, raw materials, finished products; sterility tests and new techniques in diagnostic work; assay methods; evaluation of personal products; microbiological statistics
3 credits

PHS 955 Integrated Dosage Form Development
The course will introduce students to the challenges of pharmaceutical development in a regulated environment and will emphasize the role of a pharmaceutical scientist in drug discovery development. An overview of the drug discovery process will be provided, underscoring the importance of basic biopharmaceutical principles in optimal drug candidate selection. Preformulation considerations and formulation development for clinical studies and commercialization will be discussed. The role of drug delivery technologies to enhance product performance or improve patient compliance will be reviewed. Students will be introduced to the regulatory aspects of drug product development including stability testing, bioavailability, bioequivalence, and technology transfer. The scope and need for stronger collaboration between the industry and academia will be highlighted.
3 credits

PHS 958 Aerosol Science and Technology
An in-depth study of the physicochemical principles of aerosol science and technology. The topics covered include: aerosol propellants, containers, valve and actuator systems, product development, manufacturing,  stability testing and performance evaluations of all types of aerosol products. Special emphasis is placed on the homogeneous and heterogeneous systems used in the formulations of topical, nasal and inhalation aerosol drug delivery products.
3 credits

PHS 960 Properties/Applications of Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Raw Materials
Designed to be of special value to individuals involved in formulation and manufacturing work of cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical products. Covers the physicochemical properties of major classes of raw materials. These include tablets, ointments and creams, surfactants, film formers, plasticizers,  reservatives, antioxidants, sunscreens, thickeners and dispersants, pharmaceutical solvents, etc. Special emphasis is placed on the creative and innovative application of these raw materials in the development of contemporary cosmetic/toiletry and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
3 credits

PHS 970 Principles of Quality Assurance
Provides an introduction to both theory and practice of the total control of quality in pharmaceutical  manufacturing. Topics include: total quality control; quality assurance organization and its role in research, development and production; current good manufacturing practices; statistical quality control and expanded discussions on process validation and stability and expiration dating.
3 credits

PHS 972 Methods of  Pharmaceutical Analysis
Theory of chromatographic, spectrophotometric and other methods of analysis as applied to clinical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic problems is discussed.
3 credits

PHS 975 Introduction to Packaging Principles
The course will review the structure and composition of various materials used in the preparation of consumer-oriented primary and secondary packaging (pharmaceutical, cosmetic, device, etc.). Their potential interaction and impact on shelf life will be discussed, with the accent on fundamental physical chemical principles applied to package function and design. Regulatory aspects will be discussed whenever applicable. Field trips will be made to give emphasis to the relevance of scientific principles in practical applications.
3 credits

PHS 979 Design of Peptide and Protein Drug Delivery Systems
The course covers an introduction to the gene-cloning technology and ex-vivo cell cultures as a new source for protein and peptide drugs. The course will discuss the chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemical properties of polypeptides; physical and chemical degradation pathways characteristic to protein drugs; suggested mechanisms of protein drug absorption; classification and properties of absorption promoters for macromolecules; how to design the appropriate delivery system for a stable, effective protein drug through parenteral or non-parenteral routes. Specific protein products for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases, which are now commercially available, will be covered.
Prerequisites: PHS 311, 312 or equivalent
3 credits

PHS 980 Sterile Products
The course will provide the fundamental principles used to formulate, manufacture and control sterile products, primarily injectables. Topics to be covered will include formulation criteria, steam, dry heat and ethylene oxide sterilization, sterile filtration, aseptic filling, process validation and packaging selection and evaluation. Demonstrations and experiments will provide first-hand experience in the use of equipment and procedures employed to manufacture sterile products.
3 credits

PHS 981 Polymers in Pharmaceutical Systems
Polymers are widely used in pharmacy as adjuvants, suspending and emulsifying agents, flocculating agents, adhesives, packaging and coating materials. What are the fundamental properties of polymer molecules that lend themselves to such widespread pharmaceutical applications? Although polymers of natural origin are familiar members of the pharmacopoeia, the explosive development of the polymer field has led to new possibilities in the utilization of synthetic materials for pharmaceutical systems; in particular, for the more efficient novel drug delivery devices. An understanding of the nature of polymers ranging from the random chain of repeating units to the more complex and highly specific proteins is necessary to custom-make or modify naturally existing structures to produce useful new pharmaceutical products. This course will provide the student with an understanding of the basic concepts and phenomena of polymers with respect to their end-use in pharmacy.
Prerequisite: PHS 931
3 credits

PHS 982 Science and Technology of Controlled Release Systems
This course will cover design and fabrication of currently utilized devices for controlling the release of drugs to the human body. A wide variety of drug delivery system designs will be analyzed in this course. Mechanisms and kinetics of drug release from these systems, structure and properties of fabrication materials, principles of molecular diffusion across polymer barriers and transport across biological interfaces will be covered. This course is a senior elective for both M.S. and Ph.D. students.
3 credits

PHS 984 Biomaterials in Pharmacy and Medicine
This course will cover combined application of the principles of physical chemistry, biochemistry, materials engineering, mass transfer, fluid mechanics and biological interactions to pharmaceutical and biomedical problems. Some of the realities of biomaterials research, development and performance will also be explored. Case studies include consideration of the selection of materials: components of, or entire, drug-containing implants and artificial organs for use in College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences contact with body fluids; state-of-the-art research ideas; and the relationship of those ideas to improved pharmaceutical and medical systems. Three lecture hours.
3 credits

PHS 985 Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics
The application of pharmacokinetic principles and pharmacokinetic models to dosing, bioavailability and bioequivalence of drugs (i.e. Digoxin, Phenytoin, Theophylline, etc.).
3 credits

PHS 986 Microencapsulation
This course will provide a comprehensive study of the design and production of fine particles, including microcapsules, microspheres, and nanoparticles. The course will stress microencapsulation processes of pharmaceuticals. It will discuss the state of the arts, sciences, and modern techniques that must be mastered to be able to prepare and test products that will work correctly, effectively, and be clinically acceptable for human or animal use. It covers the microencapsulation materials and technologies from chemical, physicochemical, to mechanical procedures. This course also includes characterization and dosage forms of microencapsulation products.
3 credits