Description
When the mechanism of disease is understood, the clinical appearance of this disease can be corrected via drugs. However, the active compound should reach the correct site of the body at the right time and in the right amount. This can be achieved by designing an adequate dosage form, which may include a delivery system, and choosing a suitable route of administration. The choice for a certain administration route and delivery system depends partially on the nature of the active compound. For example: small hydrophobic molecules need a different approach than biopharmaceuticals (large hydrophilic components like therapeutic proteins and vaccines).
During this course, students acquire knowledge on modern dosage forms for diverse administration routes, which a special emphasis on biopharmaceuticals and nanocarriers. Besides the synthesis and characterization of delivery systems, the course focuses on the interaction of those with the absorbing membrane on different levels (organ and cellular).
After an introductory lecture, the main subject is performing a research project. In groups of 2-4 students, an assignment is provided that is closely related to the current research within DDT. By using literature, students plan and execute a small experiment. Afterwards, students present their results in the form of a research report and a poster presentation.
Course Objectives
- Designing and executing a small research project
- Identifying research subjects and applications of drug delivery technology
- Writing a scientific report and creating a scientific poster presentation together with a group of students
- Individually presenting and defending a scientific poster
Reading list
Depending on the subject, specific literature will be studied and incorporated in the research report.
Coordinator
Dhr. Prof. Dr. W. Jiskoot
Mode of instruction
After an introductory lecture, the main subject is performing a research project. In groups of 2-4 students, a practical and several theoretical assignments are provided that are closely related to the current research within DDT. By using literature, students plan and execute a small experiment. Afterwards, students present their results through a research report and a poster presentation.
Assessment method
Individual experimental work (50%), group report (24%), individual theoretical assignments (6%), poster preparation in groups (10%) and individual presentation (10%).
Admission requirements & Registration
This course is mandatory for and restricted to students who do the Minor ‘Modern Drug Discovery’ (MDD). The same admission criteria apply to this course as for the entire Minor MDD. All students that are admitted to the Minor MDD will be registered for this course in uSis by the Minor coordinator.