TECNOLOGIA FARMACEUTICA - LABORATORIO GALENICO - TECNOLOGIA COSMETICA CON ESERCITAZIONI A - LModule TECNOLOGIA FARMACEUTICA
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: CLAUDIA CARBONEExpected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to provide students with foundational knowledge regarding the formulation, technological, and biopharmaceutical aspects of both conventional and non-conventional/innovative dosage forms currently available in medical therapy.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge on the categories and properties of excipients and how they influence the final quality characteristics of a medicinal product. Gain basic insights into specific industrial processes for manufacturing dosage forms, as well as fundamental knowledge of the quality control tests applied to finished products prior to distribution.
- Understand the differences between various dosage forms (liquid, solid, semi-solid) and their respective therapeutic purposes.
- Utilize the acquired knowledge effectively during the mandatory pre-graduation professional internship (tirocinio professionale).
Course Structure
The A-L Pharmaceutical Technology module consists of lectures (9 CFU).
A small number of lessons may be dictated in English.
+ In-depth lessons (optional) will be provided on topics relating to the teacher's experimental research topics.
+ Additional
and optional lessons (honor courses) will be provided for in-depth analysis of
innovative topics of current research interest in the pharmaceutical
technological field.
If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of:
- Mathematic, Statistic and Informatic;
-General and Analitical Chemistry;
- Anatomy;
- Microbiology, Pharmacology and Physiology;
- Basic knowdledge of excipients for pharmaceutical use.
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance at the course is mandatory for at least 70% of the lectures.
Detailed Course Content
COURSE CONTENT
FUNDAMENTAL OPERATIONS IN PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY: Commicution and milling (polverizzazione), mixing (solids, liquids, semi-solids), filtration, drying, lyophilization, sterilization. Packaging and containers.
CONVENTIONAL DOSAGE FORMS
Solid Dosage Forms:
- Powders as dosage forms. Granules: definition, classification, manufacturing processes, excipients, requirements, and physicochemical quality controls.
- Focus on polymeric materials.
- Tablets: definition, classification, excipients, manufacturing processes. Tablet coating (sugar coating, film coating, gastro-soluble and gastro-resistant/enteric coatings) and quality controls.
- Capsules: definition, classification, excipients, manufacturing processes for hard and soft capsules, quality controls.
- Rectal and Vaginal Preparations: definition, classification, excipients, manufacturing processes, and quality controls.
Liquid Dosage Forms:
Aqueous and hydroalcoholic solutions. Suspensions. Emulsions. Focus on surfactants as excipients in different dosage forms. Liquid preparations for oral use: syrups.
Sterile Dosage Forms:
- Ophthalmic preparations: definition, classification, excipients, physicochemical and microbiological requirements, quality controls.
- Parenteral preparations: definition, classification, excipients, physicochemical and microbiological requirements, quality controls.
Inhalation and Pressurized Dosage Forms:
- Nasal preparations: definition, classification, excipients, requirements, and administration devices.
- Pulmonary preparations: definition, classification, excipients, requirements, and administration devices.
Ear/Auricular preparations.
Dermal and Transdermal Dosage Forms:
Semi-solid preparations for cutaneous application: definition, classification, excipients.
Biopharmaceutical aspects and skin permeation.
Biopharmaceutical aspects and skin permeation.
NON-CONVENTIONAL AND INNOVATIVE DOSAGE FORMS
Modified-release dosage forms for various routes of administration:
- Microencapsulation;
- Molecular inclusion systems (Cyclodextrins);
- Liposomes.
COMPLEMENTARY SECTORS OF PHARMACEUTICAL INTEREST
- Traditional and modern phytotherapeutic and herbal preparations.
- Introduction to the theoretical foundations and technology of homeopathic medicinal products.
Textbook Information
SUGGESTED BOOKS
1. P. Caliceti - TECNOLOGIA FARMACEUTICA – prima edizione – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2025.
2. M.E. Aulton – TECNOLOGIE FARMACEUTICHE Progettazione e allestimento dei medicinali. Edizioni EDRA, 2013.
3. P. Colombo et al. - PRINCIPI DI TECNOLOGIA FARMACEUTICA – seconda edizione – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2015.
4. Medicamenta VII Ed. (1° vol.) - Cooperativa Farmaceutica, Milano.
BOOKS TO CONSULT
4. F.U.I. in vigore e relativi supplementi e aggiornamenti.
5. Farmacopea Europea in vigore.T.A. Florence & D. Attwood – Le basi chimico-fisiche della tecnologia farmaceutica - McMillan Press 2002.
6. Martin - Physical Pharmacy - Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, London.
7. Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19th Ed.
8. Livingstone – Pharmaceutics. The science of dosage form design- Ed. ME Aulton.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Techniques for the preparation of the most common galenic pharmaceutical forms | |
| 2 | Conventional pharmaceutical drug dosage forms | |
| 3 | Innovative Drug Dosage Forms |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Assessment Methods
The examination consists of a written test, which includes an initial section of multiple-choice questions followed by a section of open-ended questions.
Upon the professor's recommendation and at the student's discretion, the written test may be supplemented by an oral examination.
The written test covers the theoretical topics included in the Pharmaceutical Technology modules.
Learning assessments may also be conducted via remote learning platforms, should circumstances require it.
Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD/DSA)
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, interested students may request a personal interview to arrange potential compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs.
Students may contact Prof. Santina Chiechio, the departmental CInAP liaison (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD/DSA) at the Department of Drug and Health Sciences.
Students may contact Prof. Santina Chiechio, the departmental CInAP liaison (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD/DSA) at the Department of Drug and Health Sciences.
EVALUATION CRITERIA (Applicable to the Integrated Course)
The final examination will be assessed based on the following equally weighted indicators, consistent with the expected learning outcomes (Dublin Descriptors):
- capacity for personal elaboration and operational initiative;
- ability to consult and utilize bibliographical material;
- presentation and communication skills;
- scientific understanding of the subject matter.
Therefore, the final grade takes into account the various factors listed below.
Quality of knowledge, skills, and competences possessed and/or demonstrated:
a) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of knowledge
b) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of skills
c) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of competences
b) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of skills
c) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of competences
Presentation modality:
a) Expressive capacity;
b) Appropriate use of subject-specific terminology;
c) Logical reasoning and consequentiality in connecting content;
e) Ability to link different topics, identifying common points and establishing a coherent overall framework, namely by managing the structure, organization, and logical connections of the discourse;
f) Synthesis skills, also through the use of subject-specific symbolism and the graphical representation of notions and concepts (e.g., in the form of formulas, diagrams, and equations).
b) Appropriate use of subject-specific terminology;
c) Logical reasoning and consequentiality in connecting content;
e) Ability to link different topics, identifying common points and establishing a coherent overall framework, namely by managing the structure, organization, and logical connections of the discourse;
f) Synthesis skills, also through the use of subject-specific symbolism and the graphical representation of notions and concepts (e.g., in the form of formulas, diagrams, and equations).
Relational qualities:
Willingness to engage and interact with the examiner during the interview.
Personal qualities:
a) critical thinking;
b) self-assessment skills;
c) problem-solving skills;
d) decision-making capacity.
b) self-assessment skills;
c) problem-solving skills;
d) decision-making capacity.
Based on the above criteria, the final evaluation is graded as follows:
a) Fail (Non idoneo)
The candidate demonstrates significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics. Analytical and synthesis skills are negligible, with frequent generalizations. The use of references is completely inappropriate.
b) Sufficient (18 to 20/30)
The candidate demonstrates few acquired notions, a superficial level of understanding, and numerous gaps. Expressive capacity is modest but sufficient to maintain a coherent dialogue; logical skills and consequentiality in linking arguments are at an elementary level; poor synthesis skills and rather limited graphical expression; scarce interaction with the examiner during the interview.
c) Fair / Pass (21 to 23/30)
The candidate demonstrates a fair acquisition of notions but limited depth, with few gaps; expressive capacity is more than sufficient to maintain a coherent dialogue; acceptable mastery of scientific language; logical skills and consequentiality in linking arguments of moderate complexity; more than sufficient synthesis skills and acceptable graphical expression.
d) Good (24 to 26/30)
The candidate demonstrates a rather broad range of notions, moderate depth, with minor gaps; satisfactory expressive capacity and significant mastery of scientific language; dialogue skills and critical thinking are clearly identifiable; good synthesis skills and a more than acceptable capacity for graphical expression.
e) Very Good (27 to 29/30)
The candidate demonstrates a very extensive, well-deepened range of notions, with marginal gaps; remarkable expressive capacity and high mastery of scientific language; remarkable dialogue skills, strong competence, and significant aptitude for logical synthesis; high synthesis skills and excellent capacity for graphical expression.
f) Excellent (30 to 30/30 with Honours)
The candidate demonstrates a very extensive and in-depth range of notions, with any gaps being negligible; high expressive capacity and high mastery of scientific language; optimal dialogue skills, strong aptitude for linking different topics; excellent synthesis skills and great proficiency in graphical expression.
Honours (Cum Laude) is awarded to candidates who are distinctly above average, and whose potential informational, expressive, conceptual, or logical limitations are overall completely negligible.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Assessment Methods
The examination consists of a written test, which includes an initial section of multiple-choice questions followed by a section of open-ended questions.
Upon the professor's recommendation and at the student's discretion, the written test may be supplemented by an oral examination.
The written test covers the theoretical topics included in the Pharmaceutical Technology modules.
Learning assessments may also be conducted via remote learning platforms, should circumstances require it.
Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD/DSA)
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, interested students may request a personal interview to arrange potential compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs.
Students may contact Prof. Santina Chiechio, the departmental CInAP liaison (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD/DSA) at the Department of Drug and Health Sciences.
Students may contact Prof. Santina Chiechio, the departmental CInAP liaison (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD/DSA) at the Department of Drug and Health Sciences.
EVALUATION CRITERIA (Applicable to the Integrated Course)
The final examination will be assessed based on the following equally weighted indicators, consistent with the expected learning outcomes (Dublin Descriptors):
- capacity for personal elaboration and operational initiative;
- ability to consult and utilize bibliographical material;
- presentation and communication skills;
- scientific understanding of the subject matter.
Therefore, the final grade takes into account the various factors listed below.
Quality of knowledge, skills, and competences possessed and/or demonstrated:
a) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of knowledge
b) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of skills
c) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of competences
b) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of skills
c) appropriateness, accuracy, and consistency of competences
Presentation modality:
a) Expressive capacity;
b) Appropriate use of subject-specific terminology;
c) Logical reasoning and consequentiality in connecting content;
e) Ability to link different topics, identifying common points and establishing a coherent overall framework, namely by managing the structure, organization, and logical connections of the discourse;
f) Synthesis skills, also through the use of subject-specific symbolism and the graphical representation of notions and concepts (e.g., in the form of formulas, diagrams, and equations).
b) Appropriate use of subject-specific terminology;
c) Logical reasoning and consequentiality in connecting content;
e) Ability to link different topics, identifying common points and establishing a coherent overall framework, namely by managing the structure, organization, and logical connections of the discourse;
f) Synthesis skills, also through the use of subject-specific symbolism and the graphical representation of notions and concepts (e.g., in the form of formulas, diagrams, and equations).
Relational qualities:
Willingness to engage and interact with the examiner during the interview.
Personal qualities:
a) critical thinking;
b) self-assessment skills;
c) problem-solving skills;
d) decision-making capacity.
b) self-assessment skills;
c) problem-solving skills;
d) decision-making capacity.
Based on the above criteria, the final evaluation is graded as follows:
a) Fail (Non idoneo)
The candidate demonstrates significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and understanding of the topics. Analytical and synthesis skills are negligible, with frequent generalizations. The use of references is completely inappropriate.
b) Sufficient (18 to 20/30)
The candidate demonstrates few acquired notions, a superficial level of understanding, and numerous gaps. Expressive capacity is modest but sufficient to maintain a coherent dialogue; logical skills and consequentiality in linking arguments are at an elementary level; poor synthesis skills and rather limited graphical expression; scarce interaction with the examiner during the interview.
c) Fair / Pass (21 to 23/30)
The candidate demonstrates a fair acquisition of notions but limited depth, with few gaps; expressive capacity is more than sufficient to maintain a coherent dialogue; acceptable mastery of scientific language; logical skills and consequentiality in linking arguments of moderate complexity; more than sufficient synthesis skills and acceptable graphical expression.
d) Good (24 to 26/30)
The candidate demonstrates a rather broad range of notions, moderate depth, with minor gaps; satisfactory expressive capacity and significant mastery of scientific language; dialogue skills and critical thinking are clearly identifiable; good synthesis skills and a more than acceptable capacity for graphical expression.
e) Very Good (27 to 29/30)
The candidate demonstrates a very extensive, well-deepened range of notions, with marginal gaps; remarkable expressive capacity and high mastery of scientific language; remarkable dialogue skills, strong competence, and significant aptitude for logical synthesis; high synthesis skills and excellent capacity for graphical expression.
f) Excellent (30 to 30/30 with Honours)
The candidate demonstrates a very extensive and in-depth range of notions, with any gaps being negligible; high expressive capacity and high mastery of scientific language; optimal dialogue skills, strong aptitude for linking different topics; excellent synthesis skills and great proficiency in graphical expression.
Honours (Cum Laude) is awarded to candidates who are distinctly above average, and whose potential informational, expressive, conceptual, or logical limitations are overall completely negligible.