Overview
BACKGROUND
The Master of pharmacy degree course in Pharmaceutical Analysis is intended to train highly qualified analysts involved in both quality assurance and quality control of pharmaceuticals and related substances. On completion of the course, the students will be expensed to be competent in modern analytical techniques, monitoring of pharmaceutical and related manufacturing processes and the setting up and running of a quality control laboratory. The analyst will obtain sound scientific foundation to qualify them for academic appointments and carry out original research.
- The programme is offered on full-time basis extending over two academic years. In the first year, the students will study Pharmaceutical Analysis by Course work and Examination. The second year will be devoted to research in a specified area and writing up of a Master’s thesis.
- Candidates will be required to give and attend seminars, as prescribed throughout the coursework period for all the courses.
OBJECTIVES
- Describe the theory underlying the application of various techniques in pharmaceutical analysis.
- Evaluate analytical method(s) to employ in analyses.
- Design pharmaceutical manufacturing procedures.
- Monitor pharmaceutical manufacturing procedures.
- Set up and manage a pharmaceutical quality control laboratory.
- Develop a research idea and undertake original research in the field of pharmaceutical analysis and related sciences.
Philosophy of the programme
The Kenya Vision 2030 blueprint specifies quality health service delivery to the highest standards as a key component of the social pillars while the Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides for the right to healthcare. Quality medicines are critical in the provision of the desired standard of health care services. Hence, there is a fundamental need to constantly monitor the medicines in clinical use to safeguard against sub-standard and counterfeit medicines. Pharmaceutical analysts are therefore required to participate in the different stages of production and distribution of drugs including manufacturing premises, equipment, raw materials, intermediate products, finished products, product release, review for marketing authorization, and post-market surveillance.
Rationale of the programme
The Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry has experienced rapid growth in the recent past. More than 30 manufacturing industries are currently involved in the production of medicines and other health products for both the domestic and export markets. In addition, the country imports a significant proportion of the medicines used within the country, majority of which are generics. Consequently, quality assurance and quality control are essential to guarantee quality of the medicines at the various stages of production and distribution. Quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry requires hands-on specialists who are skilled in all aspects of pharmaceutical analysis as well as effective regulatory control. Currently, there are only few specialists in the field of pharmaceutical analysis with postgraduate training to meet the market demand in Kenya.
Structure
STRUCTURE
The Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutical Analysis shall be a full-time programme. The programme shall run over a minimum of four (4) semesters and maximum of eight (8) semesters of 18 weeks each.
The programme shall be divided into Year I and Year II. In Year I of the programme, the student will study Pharmaceutical Analysis by coursework and examination. Year I of the programme shall consist of nine taught courses. A student will be required to complete satisfactorily all the Year I courses before proceeding to Year II of the programme. A student shall be required to register for and complete a twelve-week industry placement before proceeding to Year II of the programme.
Year II of the programme will be devoted to research in a specified area of pharmaceutical analysis and writing up of a Master’s thesis.
MODE OF DELIVERY OF THE PROGRAMME
The course shall be offered either by face-to-face lectures, seminars, tutorials, assignments, term papers, exercises, presentations, laboratory practicals, and self-directed learning.
Admission Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The following shall be eligible for admission into the programme:
- Holders of Bachelor of Pharmacy degree of the University of Nairobi or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by Senate.
- Registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board or with the relevant regulatory body for international applicants.
- Applicants from non-English speaking countries shall provide evidence of proficiency English.
SCHEDULE OF INTAKES
Intakes are in September every calendar year. Registration and admission for qualified applicants commence in August. For more information on Registration & Admission please click here.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
When To Apply - applications for admission are received on a rolling basis, and you should try to apply as soon as possible after you meet the admission requirements stipulated above. Module II applications may be submitted directly here.
Application Fees - an application fee of Ksh 3000.00 for Module II applications must be paid for every application.
Required documentation – copies of your KCSE (or GCSE/GCE) certificate, Bachelor of Pharmacy degree certificate plus transcripts, and the Registration Certificate from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board or with the relevant regulatory body must be submitted with the application. You must also submit a certified copy of a picture ID (national identity card, passport biodata page). All uploaded documents must be certified, clear and legible.
CONTACTS OF SUPPORT PERSONS
For enquiries, kindly contact the Chairman’s Office via:
Email: dept-pharmacy@uonbi.ac.ke
Tel: +254 020 491 5007
Careers
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
On qualification, the Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutical Analysis graduates will be involved in both quality assurance and quality control of pharmaceuticals and related substances, both in the public and private practice arenas. They will be competent in modern analytical techniques used in the monitoring of pharmaceuticals and related manufacturing processes. They will also be knowledgeable in the setting up and running of a quality control laboratory. Further, the programme equips the learners will sound scientific foundation to carry out original research and are qualified for academic appointments.
ATTACHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The programme has an industrial placement component. Over a period of four months, the learner will be attached to an established pharmaceutical manufacturing industry or quality control laboratory for experiential learning and mastery of laboratory skills in real-time pharmaceutical analysis. Learning activities will involve active participation in pharmaceutical analyses, drug quality control processes, laboratory management and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.
NOTABLE ALUMNI.
Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage – VC Egerton University
Dr. Serah Muteru – Director, National Quality Control Laboratory
Fees and Funding
| Year 1 | Year 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 348,000.00 | 348,000.00 | 696,000.00 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500.00 | 6,500.00 | 13,000.00 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000.00 | - | 5,000.00 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 14,000.00 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 10,000.00 | - | 10,000.00 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 | 4,000.00 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 | 10,000.00 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 4,500.00 | 4,500.00 | 9,000.00 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
| THESIS EXAMINATION | - | 30,000.00 | 30,000.00 |
| Grand totals | 390,000.00 | 405,000.00 | 795,000.00 |
Exam Regulations
EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
The examination shall consist of two parts:-
Part I (First Year) Examination
(a) Candidates enrolled for the degree shall be required to take part I examinations and pass a total of (8) courses at the end of the first year before being allowed to proceed to the second year of study.
(b) The examination papers will each comprise of a 1x3 hour written examination and 1x0.5 hour oral per course.
(c) The pass mark in each paper will be 50%.
(d) Final written examination will constitute 70% of the total mark in each paper.
(e) Coursework assessment shall consist of term papers, seminar paper, practical exercises and other tests as may be given in each course and shall constitute 30% of the total mark in each paper.
(f) A candidate who fails in two papers with a mark between 40-49% may, on the recommendation of Board of Examiners and approval by Senate be allowed to sit a supplementary examination in the failed papers within 3 months.
(g) A candidate who fails in more than three papers or in any one paper with a mark of less than 40% or in a supplementary examination shall be discontinued.
Part II - Examinations
The completed thesis will be examined according to the common regulations governing Masters degree examinations.
