(94a) Introducing Undergraduates to Pharmaceutical Technology through Problem Sets for a Material and Energy Balance Course

Problem sets have been developed for the introductory chemical engineering course, material and energy balances, that expose students to the principles of pharmaceutical engineering. These include problem sets that convey essential concepts in pharmaceutical terminology, drug delivery, and manufacturing within the context of a material and energy balance calculation. For example, students learn the role of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipients (binders, filler, lubricants) in the formulation of various over the counter and prescription drugs through simple unit conversion and mass/mole/volume composition problems. Drug delivery problems emphasize the use of mass balances and physical property laws. API syntheses are the basis of problems related to reaction stoichiometry as well as those for heats of formation. Mass and energy balance calculation problems focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing unit operations such as blenders, mills, dryers, tablet presses, etc. Actual manufacturing procedures and bill of materials are used to present realistic industrial operations. Some of the more original problem sets deal with regulatory issues (FDA, health and safety) engaging students in problem solving within the context of an actual event. All of the modules include both problem statement and complete solution with accompanying figures which can be readily utilized by faculty in their courses. These are linked to the topics typically taught in an introductory material and energy balance course. Several examples of these problem sets will be presented in the paper.

This educational project is part of the outreach efforts of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS). The Center, led by Rutgers University, is focused on developing structured organic particulate systems used in pharmaceuticals and their manufacturing processes. Rowan University chemical engineering students and faculty are working in collaboration with the Center to create educational materials based on research related to pharmaceutical processing.