FARM5200 – The use of biopolymers in drugs and improvement of health

Course content

The use of biopolymers within pharmacy and medicine is attractive as they are biocompatible and biodegradable substances. The course will give the participants a thorough insight into the chemical and physical properties of biopolymers, focusing on carbohydrate polymers, and how these biopolymers can be structurally characterized. The course will further focus on the use of biopolymers in drug formulations and as drug carriers, and in the development of vaccines. In addition, the health effects of carbohydrate polymers will be covered, with focus on effects on gastrointestinal health, via impact on the microbiota and the immune system, and effects on cholesterol level.

Learning outcome

After completing the course:

  • you will have an in-depth knowledge on the structure and structural characterization of biopolymers, and be able to use the knowledge to analyze the structure of carbohydrate polymers.
  • you will have an in-depth knowledge on molecular weight and molecular weight determination, in addition to physical properties of carbohydrate polymers, like viscosity and gelforming ability, and can utilize this knowledge.
  • you will have an in-depth knowledge on the use of biopolymer-based nanoparticles, films, gels, and other drug formulations.
  • you will be able to explain the application of natural carbohydrate polymers in the development of vaccines (ie against microorganisms).
  • you will be able to discuss the different health effects?of natural carbohydrate polymers; cholesterol-lowering effects, influence on intestinal microbiota and immune system.

Admission to the course

The course is mainly open to students who have been admitted to the 5-year Master`s Programme in Pharmacy at the Department?of Pharmacy, University of Oslo. In the event that space is available, other master`s level students may apply. Knowledge in relevant subject area corresponding to the content of Semester 1 through 7 at the department’s Master`s Programme in Pharmacy is required. For more information, please contact the Study Administration at the Department of Pharmacy, studieinfo@farmasi.uio.no.

Formal prerequisite knowledge