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  • Pharmaceutical Science (graduate certificate)

Pharmaceutical Science (graduate certificate)


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Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Location
Oshawa
OCAS Code
PHRS
Next Intake
September 2023
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Faculty
Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology (SEIT)
Length
Three semesters
Delivery
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person. Learn more.
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Program Overview

Prepare for a career in Canada’s strong pharmaceutical sector – a rewarding field that is seeing continuous job growth and demand in response to our growing and aging population. You will help to ensure access to better, safer drugs and consumer products, medical cannabis, and health products, by using your training to contribute to effective formulations, dosages, and manufacturing processes and the assurance of quality for a wide variety of products.

As a graduate, your knowledge and skills will encompass the validation and standardization of formulations, methods, and processes and the ability to conduct experiments following scientific methodology that includes data analysis, proper documentation of observations and analyses, and clear summaries and recommendations. A strong focus is placed on Good Documentation, Laboratory and Manufacturing Practices and Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols to ensure you are prepared to enter this regulated industry. 

Featuring a 280-hour field placement, this program will set you on the path for a life-changing career that allows you to make a positive impact on the millions of Canadians who rely on the products you will help produce to improve and maintain their health.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability
September 2023OpenWaitlistedApply now
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Placement
Practical Hands on Experience
Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Admission Requirements

  • Diploma or degree in chemistry, life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy or a related field.
    • A minimum of two courses must be in chemistry and one of these courses must have a lab component.
  • Proof of English language proficiency required.
  • For candidates with a diploma or advanced diploma, five years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry or a related field is recommended.

Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $5,077 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $16,885 (CAD)

View full costs

Semester 1 Courses

  • Microbiology (BIOL 1103)
  • Principles Of Analytic Chemistry (CHEM 1105)
  • Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 1106)
  • Technical Writing for Pharmaceutical Industry (COMM 1115)
  • Pharmacology (PHRM 1102)
  • Fundamentals Of The Pharmaceutical Industry (PHRM 1103)
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (PHRM 1104)

View all courses

Placement
Placement
Practical Hands on Experience
Practical Hands on Experience
Quality Control/Quality Assurance
Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE

  • Pharmaceutical technologist
  • Quality control technologist
  • Production technologist
  • Document reviewer
  • Instrument technician
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing technologist
  • Lab chemist

    View all career options

    Program Details

    Pharmaceutical Science involves all aspects of the design, development, manufacturing, administration, and use of finished drug products. In this program, you will develop an understanding of the Canadian pharmaceutical, cannabis and natural health product landscape including manufacturers, distributors and regulatory bodies and the impact of international markets and regulators on Canadian operations. A strong focus is placed upon understanding Good Lab, Documentation, and Manufacturing Practices and Quality Control and Quality Assurance practices. The expanding fields and opportunities of Biotherapeutics, Cannabis and Natural Health Products will also be discussed. 

    You will gain hands-on experience working in our labs following in-house and pharmacopeia methods to assess the safety, identity, strength, purity and quality of raw materials and finished products to prepare you to work in wet chemistry, analytical instrumentation and microbiology labs. Experiments are modelled after real-world applications to mimic industry protocols.

    In your final semester, you will apply your knowledge and skills through a 280-hour placement at a pharmaceutical or related organization to launch your career in this exciting industry. 

    Program Learning Outcomes

    1. Evaluate methodologies and perform analysis and purification procedures for chemical compounds and samples in a scientifically relevant and compliant manner.
    2. Verify that the status of chemical analysis instruments and methods are fit for purpose through validation, qualification, calibration, and troubleshooting.
    3. Assess and implement quality assurance and quality control systems, including statistical analysis and investigative reports, in accordance with international and industry standards and government regulations.
    4. Utilize computer and information technologies for the completion, monitoring, and management of chemical laboratory tasks and projects in accordance with government regulations.
    5. Engage in the development and execution of health and safety practices and initiatives for the chemical laboratory to ensure a compliant and safe environment.
    6. Promote ethical, sustainable, and continuous improvement practices through the development, application, and analysis of existing processes and procedures.
    7. Communicate procedures and results through written and oral presentations of technical reports in a scientifically relevant manner.
    8. Complete laboratory tasks and projects within expected deadlines by collaborating in a professional manner with others and working efficiently in chemical laboratory teams.
    9. Perform tasks in compliance with governmental agencies’ expectations of each stage of the pharmaceutical life cycle.
    10. Contribute to collaborative discussions with colleagues regarding the manufacture and analysis of pharmaceutical products, major drug classes, biopharmaceuticals and health products making reference to ingredients, typical pharmacokinetics and human health implications.
    11. Develop and implement recommendations and corrective actions for safety, accuracy, and efficiency of the manufacture and analysis of pharmaceuticals through the investigation and evaluation of information and data.

    Admission Requirements

    • Diploma or degree in chemistry, life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy or a related field.
      • A minimum of two courses must be in chemistry and one of these courses must have a lab component.
    • Proof of English language proficiency required.
    • For candidates with a diploma or advanced diploma, five years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry or a related field is recommended.

    Courses

    The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.

    Semester 1

    • Microbiology (BIOL 1103)
    • Principles Of Analytic Chemistry (CHEM 1105)
    • Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 1106)
    • Technical Writing for Pharmaceutical Industry (COMM 1115)
    • Pharmacology (PHRM 1102)
    • Fundamentals Of The Pharmaceutical Industry (PHRM 1103)
    • Good Manufacturing Practices (PHRM 1104)

    Semester 2

    • Chromatography (CHEM 1203)
    • Spectroscopy (CHEM 1204)
    • Pharmaceutical Microbiology (PHRM 1201)
    • Pharmaceutical Quality Control and Quality Assurance (PHRM 1202)
    • Advanced Pharmaceutics (PHRM 1203)
    • Biopharmaceuticals, Cannabis and Natural Health Products (PHRM 1204)

    Semester 3

    • Placement (PHRS 1300)

    Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.

    Course delivery

    More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.

    The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements.Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

    In-person:
    Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
    Flexible:
    Course is taught in one of DC’s technology-enabled learning classrooms and online at the same time. Students can choose to attend in-person or online.
    Hybrid:
    Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
    Online:
    Fully remote course delivery.

    Costs

    Career Options

    WHAT YOU COULD BE

    • Pharmaceutical technologist
    • Quality control technologist
    • Production technologist
    • Document reviewer
    • Instrument technician
    • Pharmaceutical manufacturing technologist
    • Lab chemist

      WHERE YOU COULD WORK

      • Pharmaceutical companies
      •  Cannabis industry
      •  Health products industry
      •  Food and beverage companies
      • Agriculture industry
      • Cosmetics manufacturers
      • Regulatory agencies

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