Solid-State Characterisation of Pharmaceuticals I

Overview

Summary of Lecture Content:
• Introduction to the Solid State 1 – Thermodynamics, Polymorphs and Interactions
• Introduction to the Solid State 2 – Physical Properties and Processes
• X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction (1)
• X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction (2)
• X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction (3)
• X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction (4)
• IR, Raman and near-IR spectroscopy (1)
• IR, Raman and near-IR spectroscopy (2)
• IR, Raman and near-IR spectroscopy (3)
• Thermal analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC and TGA) (1)
• Thermal analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC and TGA) (2)
• Applied Thermal Analysis (TGA, DSC, & ITC)

Summary of Practical Content:
• Workshop 1 & Practical 1: X-ray crystallography
• Workshop 2 & Practical 2: Vibrational spectroscopy
• Workshop 3 & Practical 3: Thermal analysis

Learning Objectives

At the end of the module the students will be able to:
• Explain and evaluate fundamental solid-state concepts, including thermodynamics,
polymorphism, and intermolecular interactions, as they apply to pharmaceutical materials.
• Critically assess the physical properties and transformations of pharmaceutical solids and how • these influence drug formulation, stability, and performance.
• Apply X-ray diffraction techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, to characterise crystalline
pharmaceutical substances and interpret crystallographic data.
• Utilise vibrational spectroscopy methods (IR, Raman, near-IR) to investigate molecular
structure, polymorphic forms, and solid-state interactions in pharmaceutical compounds.
• Interpret thermal analysis data (DSC, TGA, ITC) to characterise phase transitions, thermal
stability, and thermodynamic properties of pharmaceutical solids.
• Demonstrate competence in experimental techniques for solid-state analysis through practical
application and critical analysis of laboratory data.

Skills

Skills associated with module:
• Proficiency in using analytical techniques (e.g. XRD, DSC, TGA, IR, Raman) to investigate the
physical and structural properties of pharmaceutical solids.
• Ability to interpret complex experimental data, draw meaningful conclusions, and critically
assess solid-state behaviours relevant to pharmaceutical development.
• Presenting analytical findings clearly and effectively in scientific formats, including lab reports,
posters, and oral presentations.

Assessment

Assessment Profile
Element type Element weight (%)
Coursework 100

Course Requirements:
• Coursework submission 100 %
• Laboratory Class attendance 100 %
• Total coursework elements must be passed at 50%