PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY (Integrated Co-Op) Credential Awarded: Ontario Post-Graduate Diploma Program Duration: Approx. 52 Weeks 2010 Start Dates: January 18, March 22, June 21, September 20 Schedule: Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 3:30pm, Friday: 9:00am – 2:00pm

Your Career Option

In this program, you will learn and acquire specialized knowledge and practical skills required to function as a Pharmaceutical Formulation Technologist, Pharmaceutical Formulation Chemist or Product Development Scientist in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, cosmetics, and other life-science industries. Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientists are professionals responsible for developing drug formulations, testing to ensure it delivers the drug in the desired manner and conducting experimental scale-up and process validation to assure it can be manufactured on a large scale. Formulation technologists and scientists also assist the Company develop valuable intellectual property and technologies required to effectively create and develop innovative drug products.

Graduates of this program enjoy a high percentage employment rate and work for both multinational and generic company employers such as GSK, Apotex, Biovail, Teva, Patheon, Novopharm, AstraZeneca, Pharmascience, Amgen, and Taro pharmaceuticals. They also find employment in biopharmaceutical, biotechnology and advanced-drug delivery companies.

Our Program

In this program, you will learn and acquire specialized knowledge and practical skills required to function as a Pharmaceutical Formulation Technologist, Pharmaceutical Formulation Chemist or Product Development Scientist in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, cosmetics, and other life-science industries. Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientists are professionals responsible for developing drug formulations, testing to ensure it delivers the drug in the desired manner and conducting experimental scale-up and process validation to assure it can be manufactured on a large scale. Formulation technologists and scientists also assist the Company develop valuable intellectual property and technologies required to effectively create and develop innovative drug products. Graduates of this program enjoy a high percentage employment rate and work for both multinational and generic company employers such as GSK, Apotex, Biovail, Teva, Patheon, Novopharm, AstraZeneca, Pharmascience, Amgen, and Taro pharmaceuticals. They also find employment in biopharmaceutical, biotechnology and advanced-drug delivery companies.

Practical Experience (Integrated Co-op)

A unique and highly successful aspect of our program is the didactic component that all students receive industry standard “work experience” in our own GMP facility. Throughout the program, various practical projects expose the student to pharmaceutical industry standard equipment and instrumentation and lets students apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world work setting.

Admission Requirements

•    A Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biological, Applied or Health Science, Chemistry, Pharmacy, some areas in Life Sciences or a related field. A GPA average of B or 3.0 is recommended.

•    Internationally-educated individuals must have the equivalent of a Canadian Bachelor of Science degree. Degrees completed outside of Canada must be evaluated by one of the following - International Credential Assessment Service, University of Toronto Comparative Education Service or World Education Service.

•    Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

MODULES

FOUNDATION MODULE
The foundation module is designed to provide students an in-depth knowledge of applied pharmaceutical sciences, biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics and regulatory affairs. Novel concepts in leading edge industrial pharmaceutical research, applied statistics and experimental design are a major component of the module.

CORE MODULE
The core module focusses on practical training in pharmaceutical experimental design, formulation technology and manufacturing techniques. Hands-on experience is acquired through team-based projects, in compliance with GMP and GLP, in our state-of-the-art research laboratories and manufacturing plant. Analytical techniques, problem solving, protocol and technical writing skills are acquired throughout the module.

ADVANCED MODULE
The advanced module provides an opportunity to engage in independant drug development and research projects. The focus is on drug delivery, dosage form design, process development and scale-up technology.

EXAMINATION AND CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

Written, oral and practical examinations are mandatory at the end of the foundation and core modules. In the advanced module, assessment is based on dissertation and viva-voce. In addition, the overall grade is also based on continuous assessments encompassing GMP and GLP compliance, pharmaceutical documentation skills and interim quizzes.

The Pharmaceutical Research & Development Technology Diploma is awarded upon successful completion of all three modules.

Work of exceptional quality may be considered for publication in pharmaceutical-oriented journals.

INTERNSHIPS

Students who are at the final stages of their program and have excelled in all aspects of their training may apply for an internship. These opportunities allow selected students to gain additional experience through working with staff and faculty on one of the many unique projects undertaken at the Institute.

PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CAREERS

Graduates of this program are qualified for a career as:

Formulation Technologist
Drug Research Scientist
Process Development Technician
Analytical Research & Development Technician
Technical Writer