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Fundamentals of Process Analytical Technology

Unit code: HES6426

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
Duration1 Semester or Teaching Period
Contact hours30 Hours
CampusExternal Venue, Hawthorn
Prerequisites
Admission to the Graduate Certificate of Science (Good Manufacturing Practices) or equivalent
CorequisitesNil

Aims and objectives

To facilitate the development of knowledge, and strategies for applying Process Analytical Technology (PAT) to process understanding and control in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. To make students aware of the paradigm shift away from traditional methods of pharmaceutical analysis to modern process analysers and the tools used to interpret the data output.

 

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate the fundamental principles and expectations of the PAT initiative on a business and regulatory level.
  • Describe the implementation of selected analytical technologies in an At-line, On-line or In-line capacity, outlining the benefits of each mode of implementation.
  • Analyse data obtained from process analysers using quantitative, semi-quantitative and qualitative techniques.
  • Demonstrate skills in writing reports. Research, assess and evaluate information. Evaluate data and identify facts.

Teaching methods

Lectures/Tutorials, Laboratory and/or experiential off-campus learning, Case studies based on actual events that have occurred in the pharmaceutical and related industries will be used, Web Based Unit Presence (Blackboard).

 

Assessment

  • Assignments (40%)
  • Test (20%)
  • Portfolio (10%)
  • Examination (30%)

Generic skills outcomes

Students will be provided with feedback during the assessment for this unit of study on their progress in attaining the following generic skills:

  • Teamwork skills,
  • Analysis skills,
  • Problem solving skills,
  • Communications skills,
  • Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, and the
  • Ability to work independently

Content

A historical perspective of the PAT initiative and its related guidelines
Process maps as applied to PAT implementation
Presenting business cases for PAT implementation.
Risk and critical control points
A review of process analysers and some applications.
An introduction to statistical methods used in conjunction with PAT and process control.
Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy as applied to solid dose manufacturing
Design of Control and Monitoring Systems using PAT.

Reading materials

ICH Q9: Quality Risk Management November 2005
FDA Guidance: PAT- A Framework for Innovative Pharmaceutical Development, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance. September 2004
Pharmaceutical CGMPs for the 21st Century- A Risk-Based Approach, Final Report, September 2004
Lecture notes (provided via Blackboard).

 

Text books

Printed notes will be supplied