TUS Athlone pharmaceutical science student Hazel conducts an experiment in lab. Photo credit: Jeff Harvey.
The Technological University of the Shannon’s (TUS) Athlone Campus has retained its Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) accreditation, a quality mark originally awarded to its BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2018 and renewed again in 2020.
The accreditation has now been reaffirmed and extended until 2028 when it will be reviewed again by the APS Board.
TUS is the only Irish university to hold APS accreditation.
Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology Dr Carmel Kealey welcomed the news: “We are delighted to receive APS certification for the continued accreditation of our Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which is now entering into its twentieth year.
“It is a rigorous programme that develops in graduates a thorough and systematic understanding of the disciplines that underpin the development of a successful drug product and enables them to pursue rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical, fine chemicals and biopharmaceuticals sectors.”
Programme co-ordinator and re-accreditation lead Jim Roche said, “Pharmaceutical scientists are experts in the research, development, and manufacture of medicines; they have a key role in the regulation of medicines and understanding their use in patients.
“In its focus on pharmaceutical technologies, drug properties and laboratory competencies, this degree equips graduates with a spectrum of skillsets that will ease their transition into the challenges of research endeavours or supporting pharmaceutical development and supply for the benefit of society.”
Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health Dr Don Faller also welcomed the news and congratulated the department on retaining the coveted accreditation:
“A sincere thanks to the professionalism and agility of TUS academic, administrative, and technical colleagues who have supported this programme so enthusiastically, the APS audit team, our external examiners and to our departmental and faculty management since 2004 and especially not forgetting the students and graduates who have participated in the accreditation assessment exercises.”
The APS accreditation panel commended TUS Athlone on the degree’s practical and professional skills modules and noted the positivity and enthusiasm espoused by students.
The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) is an esteemed UK-based professional membership body for pharmaceutical scientists.
The degree is also recognised for professional graduate admission to the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland (GradICI), the professional body representing chemists in Ireland.