These global companies have significantly contributed to the course content by providing industry experts as guest speakers. This collaboration includes not only AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and Almac. but also other leading companies such as Nestlé, enhancing the industry-based modules of the MSc course. This integration of real-world expertise has a profound impact on the students' career prospects, equipping them with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities.
Visit to AstraZeneca
During their visit to AstraZeneca's Macclesfield site, Pharmaceutical Engineering students were introduced to the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company. They toured the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) research and development laboratories and the oral solid dosage forms Pilot Plant. Presentations highlighted the latest innovations at AstraZeneca, focusing on enhancing innovation and efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
In the API research and development laboratories, students observed various small lab-scale bioreactors integrated with cutting-edge downstream separation processes. The tour of the oral solid dosage forms Pilot Plant exposed students to a range of tableting equipment, each with unique designs and functions, including a twin screw wet granulator, roller compact dry granulator, and freeze-drying equipment.
AstraZeneca provided presentations on designing modular continuous bioprocesses, showcasing how APIs can be produced continuously at high production rates without compromising quality. Additional presentations focused on career development within AstraZeneca and the broader pharmaceutical industry, delivered by former Sheffield students now employed at the company. These insights offered students a comprehensive understanding of potential career paths and the innovative technologies shaping the future of pharmaceutical engineering.
“The trip to AstraZeneca was eye-opening. Seeing the scale of their operations and the advanced technology used in their labs was incredibly inspiring. It really helped me understand how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world pharmaceutical manufacturing."
"The tour and presentations provided a clear picture of how efficiency and innovation are prioritised in the industry."
Visit to GSK
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a leading global healthcare company, has a major production and development center at its Ware site in the UK. This facility specialises in producing pharmaceutical products in the respiratory and oncology fields, offering students a comprehensive view of the material flow from API to finished products.
During their visit to GSK, students learned about the company's latest advancements in aerosol manufacturing and modeling, aimed at enhancing drug quality. Thorough presentations showcased these innovations and provided guidance on improving technical skills for future career growth.
The tour also included the pilot-scale production plant for oral solid dosage form manufacturing, highlighting batch-to-batch manufacturing processes and equipment.
"Our visit to GSK was fantastic. The detailed tour of their aerosol manufacturing facilities and the insights into their modeling techniques were very informative. It gave me a new perspective on how quality is maintained in drug production."
"Hearing from former Sheffield students now working at GSK about career development was really motivating. It showed us the potential career paths we can pursue after completing our degree."
Visit to Almac
The final visit was to Almac’s Loughborough site, renowned for its expertise in pharmaceutical development and commercial-scale manufacturing. As a key player in the industry, Almac emphasises quality and innovation, offering services in formulation development, clinical trial supply, and commercial production to various industry clients.
During the tour, students explored the clinical trial laboratories where new drug formulations are tested. They also visited the commercial production area to understand the manufacturing processes for both oral solid dosage forms and aseptic dosage forms. The tour included demonstrations of regulatory procedures and cleaning methods, showcasing how Almac ensures compliance with industry standards and maintains high production quality.
“Seeing the application of what we learn in class to real-world scenarios was invaluable. It definitely solidified my interest in pursuing a career in pharmaceutical development”, reported by students.