The following topics will be covered in lectures: General principles in chemistry and biochemistry for further understanding of physiology. Structure and function of cells and cell organelles, biomolecules and control of energy metabolism, physiology of the neuromuscular and hormonal systems. A brief description of the tissues of the human body.
Laboratory exercises: Dose - response and muscle physiology.

Students will be familiar with laboratory safety such as chemical safety, how to handle chemical spills and chemical accidents and first aid. Practical training will occur in one of the laboratories and it will end with a fire extinguishing training. 

The course is always in the beginning of the semester, before other courses start.

This course is a prerequisite for all laboratory work, so it is important to participate in this course. 

This is a course for pharmacy-, nursing- and dentistry students. The course covers topics, concepts and methods in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Introductory seminars will give an overview of these different disciplines and their integration. The course will discuss: genetic material, genome, chromosomes, genes, mitosis and meiosis. Mendelian-, mitochondrial- and complex inheritance. DNA metabolism and recombinant DNA technology. RNA molecules, gene expression, transcription, amino acids, peptide bonds, protein translation and protein degradation. Protein structure, protein drugs, enzymes and enzyme kinetics. Transgenic animals and bioinformatics. Molecular biology of viruses and gene therapy. The importance of these disciplines in the health services will be emphasized.

Organic chemistry appears all around us, both in the biological aspects of our world and in the production aspect of many of our daily products. Organic chemistry also appears in many other subjects, such as biochemistry, pharmaceutical science, food science, and medicine. Understanding of the organic chemistry can help deepen our understanding of  production processes in the chemical and food industry, biochemical pathways, and the manufacturing and bioactivity of drugs.

In this course, we will cover the basics of organic chemistry. We will cover the various functional groups, their properties and reactivity, with a special emphasis on alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and aromatic compounds. We will also cover stereochemistry of organic compounds and their analysis and identification using NMR, IR, and MS.

General introduction to chemical foundations, atoms, molecules and ions. Stoichiometry and chemical reactions. Properties of gases, solids and liquides, and properties af solutions. Atomic structure and the periodic table. Atomic bonding (ionic, covalent and metal) using VB theory. Chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium. Acids and bases and the properties and application of aqueous solutions (buffers and solubility products). Thermochemistry (enhalpy, entropy, sponaneity and the Gibbs free energy). Electrochemistry (galvanic and electrolyic sells) and application of electrochemistry. Nuclear chemistry.

Molar volume of gases, thermochemistry, reaction enthalpies and Hesse's law, Rate of chemical reactions, decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, reaction reversibility and Le Chatelier's principle, determination of acid ionization constant with potentiometric titration, determination of equilibrium constant with absorbtion measurements.

The course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the occupation of pharmacists. Students get an introduction to laws and regulations regarding health care and pharmaceuticals in Iceland. Students will be introduced to institutions and establishments that handle pharmaceutical matters; the Ministry of health, Icelandic Medicines Agency, the Public health department, and the Social insurance administration.

Students go to presentations to pharmacies, wholesalers, pharmaceutical production companies and hand in reports about these visits. Students get an introduction to pharmacy history, the ethical rules of pharmacists, confidentiality oath, responsibility, and professionalism.

This is a course for pharmacy-, nursing- and dentistry students. The course will focus on metabolism, specifically metabolism important for these disciplines. The course will also cover plasma proteins and hemostasis, bioenergetics, anaerobic and oxidative metabolism, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, fuel metabolism, iron, heme, liver, hormones and nutrition. The last part of the course is only intended for pharmacy and dentistry students with seminars on digestion, adsorption and nutrition highlighting the effects on human health.

The course covers the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical substances that are important in pharmacy. It builds on students' knowledge of chemistry from the first-year fall semester. This course provides a necessary foundation for pharmaceutical formulation and drug absorption and distribution (pharmacokinetics). At the beginning of the course, fundamental mathematical concepts for pharmacy students are reviewed, concluding with a written test that must be passed to continue. Part 2 covers crystal structures and the properties of solid substances. Part 3 focuses on thermodynamics and activity, as well as drug ionization. Part 4 provides a detailed discussion on drug solubility and the factors influencing solubility and drug efficacy in the body.

Alcohols and phenols, ethers and epoxides, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, derivatives carbanions, amines, carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins. Spectroscopical identification of organic compounds.

Students will be trained in the laboratory work needed in the organic lab. Organic compounds will be synthesized with addition, alkylation and aldol condensation. The identification of organic compounds will be performed with the help of derivatives and TLC.

The course is especially aimed at students on their first year of studies in disciplines within the field of health sciences. The joint Health science day is for incoming students of all faculties at the School of Health Sciences in January each year. The main topic is interdisciplinary cooperation and its importance. All basic factors of cooperation will be covered such as the common view on the right to good health, communication and ethics. Furthermore, the role and responsibility of health sciences.

Lectures. Sensory, central nervous, cardiovascular-, respiratory-, renal- and gastrointestinal physiology. Energy balance and control of metabolism and physiology of reproduction. Responses of the human body to exercise.

Practical lessons. Cardiovascular system, renal function and exercise physiology. Practical lessons and discussion sessions related to them are obligatory, lab reports must be submitted, and online exams taken.

Partial exams. Three online partial exams will be applied. Students will be informed in more details at the beginning of the course. 

The course is a continuation of Physical Pharmacy I and is divided into two parts (two exams). The first part provides and in-depth study of drug stability and degradation and the second part focuses on polymers. It is important that students can connect the course material to organic chemistry, which was taught in the first year.

Basic concepts of pharmacokinetics. One compartment model, two compartment model, multicompartment models, pharmacokinetics of drug absorption, bioavailability, clearance, metabolism, intravenous infusion, multiple dose regimens and nonlinear pharmacokinetics. Clinical applications of pharmacokinetic parameters. Dosage adjustments.Drug metabolism, cytochrome P-450 enzymes and their classification, drug transporters.

The objective of the course is to provide students with insight into the use of specialized pharmaceutical analytical methods. Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry is used for the identification and quantification of active substances and metabolites in pharmaceuticals and biological samples. These methods include titrations, spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, IR, AAS, AES), liquid chromatographic methods (TLC, HPLC, UPLC), electrophoretic methods (CE), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS).

The course is intended as an introduction to pharmacy operations. In consultation with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Iceland, the course supervisor will arrange a suitable pharmacy placement and mentor for the student. At the beginning of the course, lectures will be held on over-the-counter medications, as well as training on medical devices, ethics, and communication skills. Following this, the student will undertake a two-week internship at the assigned pharmacy. Assignments will be completed alongside the practical training. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

Chromatographic methods used for drug testing will be presented. Analytical methods used for isolation and drug identification, as well as methods used for quantitative drug analysis. Spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography (LC) in visible and ultraviolet light.

Zero order, first order, second order and third order reactions will be examined. Effects of temperature and pH on reactions. Effects of salts, solubilizes and surfactants on chemical reactions. Hydro- and lipophilicity and flow of drugs through organic membranes.

Practical exercises include separation and quantification with HPLC, determination of pKa values, hydrolysis, phase distribution and diffusion through organic membrane.

The aim of the course is to discuss aspects that are the basis of pharmaceutical production, such as disperse systems, liquid flow, liquid purification, different methods for sterilizing drugs and drug packaging intended for administration outside the digestive system (parenteral dosage forms), filtration and excipients for drug preparation (preservatives, antioxidants, flavors, colors).

Students will learn about solutions, emulsions, dispersions, transdermal drug delivery, ophthalmic pharmaceutical forms, their composition, bioavailability and the requirements that are made to them according to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur).

The course is designed as an introduction to the laws and regulations related to the work of pharmacists. At the beginning of the course, there will be lectures on pharmaceutical laws ideally including guest speakers from the Icelandic Medicines Agency, the Directorate of Health, and Icelandic Health Insurance. A test will be administered on the theoretical part, followed by sessions in the simulation center to practice skills in real-world scenarios. Students get practise in making decisions based on laws and regulations. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

In this course, we cover fundamental topics such as secondary metabolites, the processing of natural substances, the role of natural products in drug discovery, extraction methods, as well as the isolation and identification of natural compounds. We also discuss major classes of natural substances such as sugars, shikimate-derived compounds, lipids, and polyketides. Later in the course, we look at large groups of natural compounds like terpenes, compounds biosynthesized from amino acids, alkaloids, and purine/pyrimidine compounds.

The course covers the symptoms, causes, pathophysiology, and treatment of diseases of the Heart, vascular system, lungs, and endocrine glands. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of action of drugs and their effects on patients with cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and endocrine disorders. In this course, basic concepts in pharmacology and the main types of receptors in the body will also be covered.
The course will explore the pathophysiology and symptoms of major diseases, as well as clinical guidelines for selecting drug treatments. It will also cover the pharmaceutical chemistry of the main classes of cardiovascular drugs, pulmonary drugs, and medications for endocrine disorders.
Additionally, the course will address clinical pharmacokinetics, blood measurements and blood values, renal function and more. Case studies, and dosage considerations for complex medications like cardiac glycosides will be adressed. Common side effects and drug interactions will also be discussed.

The objective of the course is to introduce students to common methods used for the isolation and identification of bioactive natural products. The course also aims to introduce methods used in medicinal chemistry and drug development, such as semi-synthesis of natural products. Students will carry out simple chemical syntheses of biologically active natural compounds, purify the compounds, and determine their purity. They will perform analyses to confirm the chemical structure. Subsequently, students will conduct biological tests and analyze the structure-activity relationship based on results for compounds they have synthesized themselves, as well as compounds synthesized by others. Extractions and chromatographic methods will be employed for the extraction and isolation. Chemical reactions for semi-synthesis and for characterization chromatographic analytical methods like TLC, SPE, column chromatography, and HPLC, along with UV, IR, and NMR spectroscopy will be used for compound analysis.

The course (2 ECTS) is especially aimed at students who have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies in clinical disciplines within the field of health sciences. It is a prerequisite for the clinical course Interdisciplinary clinical cooperation: The HealthSquare (2 ECTS) (health care service for university students). The course is based on the theories of interprofessional education and various teaching strategies will be used in order to encourage active participation of students. Students will work together in interdisciplinary groups. The course is mainly focused on interdisciplinary theories, professionalism, interdisciplinary cooperation, team work and ethical decisions in health care.

Assessment (pass / fail) is based on  project work, activity in project work and exams that take place in electronic form in the teaching cycle. 

Teaching arrangements:
Students are divided into interdisciplinary study groups at the beginning of the semester that plan and execute their own meeting times and hand in their final assignments before the end of October. 

This course covers the design and manufacturing of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as the bioavailability of different drug delivery routes. Students will gain knowledge of various dosage forms and drug delivery methods, including oral, inhalation, nasal, injectable, vaginal, and rectal administration.

Special emphasis will be placed on the manufacturing of tablets and capsules, focusing on key aspects such as particle size and properties, the effect of blending on tableting, excipient selection, and tablet coating. The course will also cover quality control in tablet production and the requirements set forth by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur) for tablet manufacturing.

Additionally, the course will address the adaptation of dosage forms and drug administration for different patient groups, with particular attention to pediatric and geriatric populations.

An intensive course which will work on basic formulation methods for pharmaceutical production. General and advanced methods related to the main pharmaceutical formulations and manufacturing of solutions, dispersions, emulsions, ointments, creams, trituration’s, suppositories, capsules and tablets. Various excipients will be used in the manufacture of drugs such as preservatives, antioxidants, flavorings and dyes. Mixing of powders, particle size evaluation, drying, and flow of powders.Practical exercises: General methods according to the lab book. Production of pharmaceutical formulations according to specifications and prescriptions. Drug requirements and pharmacopoeia must be met in the development of drug formulations. Quality control; chemical and technical evaluation of medicinal products and excipients for pharmaceutical use according to current pharmaceutical requirements.

This course deals with the causes of infectious diseases and their pharmacological treatments. It covers the structure, characteristics, and differences of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, along with practical laboratory training in microbiology. The course will address the symptoms of the most common infectious diseases and clinical guidelines for selecting treatments. It will also examine the medicinal chemistry of the main classes of anti-infective drugs, including those targeting bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these key drug classes will be discussed, as well as their major contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions. In addition, the course covers clinical pharmacokinetics, case studies, and the dosing of drugs that require special handling, such as vancomycin or aminoglycosides.

This course emphasizes on the immune system's function in health and disease, as well as the mechanisms of key drugs affecting immune responses, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and vaccines. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between drug structure and function and their application in clinical treatment.

The course is an internship in pharmacies. The course supervisor is responsible for finding a suitable pharmacy and mentor for the student, in consultation with the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Iceland. At the beginning of the course, lectures will be held on herbal medicine, natural products, and dietary supplements. Social pharmacy will also be introduced, focusing on how medications and pharmaceutical services impact society, healthcare systems, and individuals. This includes examining how medication use, pharmaceutical counseling, and services can improve health, increase safety, and contribute to better healthcare, with particular emphasis on the impact on society and users. After that, the student will undertake a four-week internship at the assigned pharmacy. Projects will be completed alongside the internship. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

During this course, students will learn about different aspects of pharmaceutical nanotechnology as well as the properties of design of experiments (DoE). They will learn about pharmaceutical formulattions on nanoscale and for example their as nanopharmaceutical carriers in passive and active targeting.  Nanopharmaceutical carriers discussed will be lipid/detergent based, polymer based and also bioengineered (extracellular vesicles). The use of these nanocarriers for different diseases will also be explained and what nanopharmaceutical carriers are currently on the market. Analytical methods and regulatory aspects regarding safety and toxicity of these nanocarriers will also be discussed.

The aim of the BS project is to deal with the challenges associated with the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Challenges include the active compound and excipients which have different properties, and when designing pharmaceutical dosage forms, these factors must be taken into account. Students use different methods in the project to prepare a pharmaceutical dogsa form that meets the requirements and goals set by the instructor at the beginning of the course.

The course covers the causes and pharmacological treatments of neurological disorders and mental illnesses. Specifically, it addresses the anatomy of the central nervous system, neurotransmitters and their receptors, neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders, as well as the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders and psychiatric conditions. Clinical guidelines for selecting pharmacological treatments will also be discussed.

The course includes the medicinal chemistry of major drug classes for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, and NMD; neurological disorders such as epilepsy, brain injuries, and migraines; and psychiatric conditions such as depression, psychosis, mania, and anxiety. Additionally, it covers topics on sleep medications, strong analgesics, and addictive substances.

The relationship between structure and activity (SAR), molecular mechanisms of action, and key contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions (where applicable) will be explored. Clinical pharmacology, case studies, and decision-making in pharmacological treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders will also be included.

The following topics will be covered in lectures: General principles in chemistry and biochemistry for further understanding of physiology. Structure and function of cells and cell organelles, biomolecules and control of energy metabolism, physiology of the neuromuscular and hormonal systems. A brief description of the tissues of the human body.
Laboratory exercises: Dose - response and muscle physiology.

Students will be familiar with laboratory safety such as chemical safety, how to handle chemical spills and chemical accidents and first aid. Practical training will occur in one of the laboratories and it will end with a fire extinguishing training. 

The course is always in the beginning of the semester, before other courses start.

This course is a prerequisite for all laboratory work, so it is important to participate in this course. 

This is a course for pharmacy-, nursing- and dentistry students. The course covers topics, concepts and methods in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Introductory seminars will give an overview of these different disciplines and their integration. The course will discuss: genetic material, genome, chromosomes, genes, mitosis and meiosis. Mendelian-, mitochondrial- and complex inheritance. DNA metabolism and recombinant DNA technology. RNA molecules, gene expression, transcription, amino acids, peptide bonds, protein translation and protein degradation. Protein structure, protein drugs, enzymes and enzyme kinetics. Transgenic animals and bioinformatics. Molecular biology of viruses and gene therapy. The importance of these disciplines in the health services will be emphasized.

Organic chemistry appears all around us, both in the biological aspects of our world and in the production aspect of many of our daily products. Organic chemistry also appears in many other subjects, such as biochemistry, pharmaceutical science, food science, and medicine. Understanding of the organic chemistry can help deepen our understanding of  production processes in the chemical and food industry, biochemical pathways, and the manufacturing and bioactivity of drugs.

In this course, we will cover the basics of organic chemistry. We will cover the various functional groups, their properties and reactivity, with a special emphasis on alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and aromatic compounds. We will also cover stereochemistry of organic compounds and their analysis and identification using NMR, IR, and MS.

General introduction to chemical foundations, atoms, molecules and ions. Stoichiometry and chemical reactions. Properties of gases, solids and liquides, and properties af solutions. Atomic structure and the periodic table. Atomic bonding (ionic, covalent and metal) using VB theory. Chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium. Acids and bases and the properties and application of aqueous solutions (buffers and solubility products). Thermochemistry (enhalpy, entropy, sponaneity and the Gibbs free energy). Electrochemistry (galvanic and electrolyic sells) and application of electrochemistry. Nuclear chemistry.

Molar volume of gases, thermochemistry, reaction enthalpies and Hesse's law, Rate of chemical reactions, decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, reaction reversibility and Le Chatelier's principle, determination of acid ionization constant with potentiometric titration, determination of equilibrium constant with absorbtion measurements.

The course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the occupation of pharmacists. Students get an introduction to laws and regulations regarding health care and pharmaceuticals in Iceland. Students will be introduced to institutions and establishments that handle pharmaceutical matters; the Ministry of health, Icelandic Medicines Agency, the Public health department, and the Social insurance administration.

Students go to presentations to pharmacies, wholesalers, pharmaceutical production companies and hand in reports about these visits. Students get an introduction to pharmacy history, the ethical rules of pharmacists, confidentiality oath, responsibility, and professionalism.

This is a course for pharmacy-, nursing- and dentistry students. The course will focus on metabolism, specifically metabolism important for these disciplines. The course will also cover plasma proteins and hemostasis, bioenergetics, anaerobic and oxidative metabolism, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, fuel metabolism, iron, heme, liver, hormones and nutrition. The last part of the course is only intended for pharmacy and dentistry students with seminars on digestion, adsorption and nutrition highlighting the effects on human health.

The course covers the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical substances that are important in pharmacy. It builds on students' knowledge of chemistry from the first-year fall semester. This course provides a necessary foundation for pharmaceutical formulation and drug absorption and distribution (pharmacokinetics). At the beginning of the course, fundamental mathematical concepts for pharmacy students are reviewed, concluding with a written test that must be passed to continue. Part 2 covers crystal structures and the properties of solid substances. Part 3 focuses on thermodynamics and activity, as well as drug ionization. Part 4 provides a detailed discussion on drug solubility and the factors influencing solubility and drug efficacy in the body.

Alcohols and phenols, ethers and epoxides, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, derivatives carbanions, amines, carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins. Spectroscopical identification of organic compounds.

Students will be trained in the laboratory work needed in the organic lab. Organic compounds will be synthesized with addition, alkylation and aldol condensation. The identification of organic compounds will be performed with the help of derivatives and TLC.

The course is especially aimed at students on their first year of studies in disciplines within the field of health sciences. The joint Health science day is for incoming students of all faculties at the School of Health Sciences in January each year. The main topic is interdisciplinary cooperation and its importance. All basic factors of cooperation will be covered such as the common view on the right to good health, communication and ethics. Furthermore, the role and responsibility of health sciences.

Lectures. Sensory, central nervous, cardiovascular-, respiratory-, renal- and gastrointestinal physiology. Energy balance and control of metabolism and physiology of reproduction. Responses of the human body to exercise.

Practical lessons. Cardiovascular system, renal function and exercise physiology. Practical lessons and discussion sessions related to them are obligatory, lab reports must be submitted, and online exams taken.

Partial exams. Three online partial exams will be applied. Students will be informed in more details at the beginning of the course. 

The course is a continuation of Physical Pharmacy I and is divided into two parts (two exams). The first part provides and in-depth study of drug stability and degradation and the second part focuses on polymers. It is important that students can connect the course material to organic chemistry, which was taught in the first year.

Basic concepts of pharmacokinetics. One compartment model, two compartment model, multicompartment models, pharmacokinetics of drug absorption, bioavailability, clearance, metabolism, intravenous infusion, multiple dose regimens and nonlinear pharmacokinetics. Clinical applications of pharmacokinetic parameters. Dosage adjustments.Drug metabolism, cytochrome P-450 enzymes and their classification, drug transporters.

The objective of the course is to provide students with insight into the use of specialized pharmaceutical analytical methods. Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry is used for the identification and quantification of active substances and metabolites in pharmaceuticals and biological samples. These methods include titrations, spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, IR, AAS, AES), liquid chromatographic methods (TLC, HPLC, UPLC), electrophoretic methods (CE), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS).

The course is intended as an introduction to pharmacy operations. In consultation with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Iceland, the course supervisor will arrange a suitable pharmacy placement and mentor for the student. At the beginning of the course, lectures will be held on over-the-counter medications, as well as training on medical devices, ethics, and communication skills. Following this, the student will undertake a two-week internship at the assigned pharmacy. Assignments will be completed alongside the practical training. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

Chromatographic methods used for drug testing will be presented. Analytical methods used for isolation and drug identification, as well as methods used for quantitative drug analysis. Spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography (LC) in visible and ultraviolet light.

Zero order, first order, second order and third order reactions will be examined. Effects of temperature and pH on reactions. Effects of salts, solubilizes and surfactants on chemical reactions. Hydro- and lipophilicity and flow of drugs through organic membranes.

Practical exercises include separation and quantification with HPLC, determination of pKa values, hydrolysis, phase distribution and diffusion through organic membrane.

The aim of the course is to discuss aspects that are the basis of pharmaceutical production, such as disperse systems, liquid flow, liquid purification, different methods for sterilizing drugs and drug packaging intended for administration outside the digestive system (parenteral dosage forms), filtration and excipients for drug preparation (preservatives, antioxidants, flavors, colors).

Students will learn about solutions, emulsions, dispersions, transdermal drug delivery, ophthalmic pharmaceutical forms, their composition, bioavailability and the requirements that are made to them according to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur).

The course is designed as an introduction to the laws and regulations related to the work of pharmacists. At the beginning of the course, there will be lectures on pharmaceutical laws ideally including guest speakers from the Icelandic Medicines Agency, the Directorate of Health, and Icelandic Health Insurance. A test will be administered on the theoretical part, followed by sessions in the simulation center to practice skills in real-world scenarios. Students get practise in making decisions based on laws and regulations. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

In this course, we cover fundamental topics such as secondary metabolites, the processing of natural substances, the role of natural products in drug discovery, extraction methods, as well as the isolation and identification of natural compounds. We also discuss major classes of natural substances such as sugars, shikimate-derived compounds, lipids, and polyketides. Later in the course, we look at large groups of natural compounds like terpenes, compounds biosynthesized from amino acids, alkaloids, and purine/pyrimidine compounds.

The course covers the symptoms, causes, pathophysiology, and treatment of diseases of the Heart, vascular system, lungs, and endocrine glands. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of action of drugs and their effects on patients with cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and endocrine disorders. In this course, basic concepts in pharmacology and the main types of receptors in the body will also be covered.
The course will explore the pathophysiology and symptoms of major diseases, as well as clinical guidelines for selecting drug treatments. It will also cover the pharmaceutical chemistry of the main classes of cardiovascular drugs, pulmonary drugs, and medications for endocrine disorders.
Additionally, the course will address clinical pharmacokinetics, blood measurements and blood values, renal function and more. Case studies, and dosage considerations for complex medications like cardiac glycosides will be adressed. Common side effects and drug interactions will also be discussed.

The objective of the course is to introduce students to common methods used for the isolation and identification of bioactive natural products. The course also aims to introduce methods used in medicinal chemistry and drug development, such as semi-synthesis of natural products. Students will carry out simple chemical syntheses of biologically active natural compounds, purify the compounds, and determine their purity. They will perform analyses to confirm the chemical structure. Subsequently, students will conduct biological tests and analyze the structure-activity relationship based on results for compounds they have synthesized themselves, as well as compounds synthesized by others. Extractions and chromatographic methods will be employed for the extraction and isolation. Chemical reactions for semi-synthesis and for characterization chromatographic analytical methods like TLC, SPE, column chromatography, and HPLC, along with UV, IR, and NMR spectroscopy will be used for compound analysis.

The course (2 ECTS) is especially aimed at students who have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies in clinical disciplines within the field of health sciences. It is a prerequisite for the clinical course Interdisciplinary clinical cooperation: The HealthSquare (2 ECTS) (health care service for university students). The course is based on the theories of interprofessional education and various teaching strategies will be used in order to encourage active participation of students. Students will work together in interdisciplinary groups. The course is mainly focused on interdisciplinary theories, professionalism, interdisciplinary cooperation, team work and ethical decisions in health care.

Assessment (pass / fail) is based on  project work, activity in project work and exams that take place in electronic form in the teaching cycle. 

Teaching arrangements:
Students are divided into interdisciplinary study groups at the beginning of the semester that plan and execute their own meeting times and hand in their final assignments before the end of October. 

This course covers the design and manufacturing of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as the bioavailability of different drug delivery routes. Students will gain knowledge of various dosage forms and drug delivery methods, including oral, inhalation, nasal, injectable, vaginal, and rectal administration.

Special emphasis will be placed on the manufacturing of tablets and capsules, focusing on key aspects such as particle size and properties, the effect of blending on tableting, excipient selection, and tablet coating. The course will also cover quality control in tablet production and the requirements set forth by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur) for tablet manufacturing.

Additionally, the course will address the adaptation of dosage forms and drug administration for different patient groups, with particular attention to pediatric and geriatric populations.

An intensive course which will work on basic formulation methods for pharmaceutical production. General and advanced methods related to the main pharmaceutical formulations and manufacturing of solutions, dispersions, emulsions, ointments, creams, trituration’s, suppositories, capsules and tablets. Various excipients will be used in the manufacture of drugs such as preservatives, antioxidants, flavorings and dyes. Mixing of powders, particle size evaluation, drying, and flow of powders.Practical exercises: General methods according to the lab book. Production of pharmaceutical formulations according to specifications and prescriptions. Drug requirements and pharmacopoeia must be met in the development of drug formulations. Quality control; chemical and technical evaluation of medicinal products and excipients for pharmaceutical use according to current pharmaceutical requirements.

This course deals with the causes of infectious diseases and their pharmacological treatments. It covers the structure, characteristics, and differences of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, along with practical laboratory training in microbiology. The course will address the symptoms of the most common infectious diseases and clinical guidelines for selecting treatments. It will also examine the medicinal chemistry of the main classes of anti-infective drugs, including those targeting bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these key drug classes will be discussed, as well as their major contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions. In addition, the course covers clinical pharmacokinetics, case studies, and the dosing of drugs that require special handling, such as vancomycin or aminoglycosides.

This course emphasizes on the immune system's function in health and disease, as well as the mechanisms of key drugs affecting immune responses, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and vaccines. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between drug structure and function and their application in clinical treatment.

The course is an internship in pharmacies. The course supervisor is responsible for finding a suitable pharmacy and mentor for the student, in consultation with the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Iceland. At the beginning of the course, lectures will be held on herbal medicine, natural products, and dietary supplements. Social pharmacy will also be introduced, focusing on how medications and pharmaceutical services impact society, healthcare systems, and individuals. This includes examining how medication use, pharmaceutical counseling, and services can improve health, increase safety, and contribute to better healthcare, with particular emphasis on the impact on society and users. After that, the student will undertake a four-week internship at the assigned pharmacy. Projects will be completed alongside the internship. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

During this course, students will learn about different aspects of pharmaceutical nanotechnology as well as the properties of design of experiments (DoE). They will learn about pharmaceutical formulattions on nanoscale and for example their as nanopharmaceutical carriers in passive and active targeting.  Nanopharmaceutical carriers discussed will be lipid/detergent based, polymer based and also bioengineered (extracellular vesicles). The use of these nanocarriers for different diseases will also be explained and what nanopharmaceutical carriers are currently on the market. Analytical methods and regulatory aspects regarding safety and toxicity of these nanocarriers will also be discussed.

The aim of the BS project is to deal with the challenges associated with the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Challenges include the active compound and excipients which have different properties, and when designing pharmaceutical dosage forms, these factors must be taken into account. Students use different methods in the project to prepare a pharmaceutical dogsa form that meets the requirements and goals set by the instructor at the beginning of the course.

The course covers the causes and pharmacological treatments of neurological disorders and mental illnesses. Specifically, it addresses the anatomy of the central nervous system, neurotransmitters and their receptors, neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders, as well as the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders and psychiatric conditions. Clinical guidelines for selecting pharmacological treatments will also be discussed.

The course includes the medicinal chemistry of major drug classes for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, and NMD; neurological disorders such as epilepsy, brain injuries, and migraines; and psychiatric conditions such as depression, psychosis, mania, and anxiety. Additionally, it covers topics on sleep medications, strong analgesics, and addictive substances.

The relationship between structure and activity (SAR), molecular mechanisms of action, and key contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions (where applicable) will be explored. Clinical pharmacology, case studies, and decision-making in pharmacological treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders will also be included.

The following topics will be covered in lectures: General principles in chemistry and biochemistry for further understanding of physiology. Structure and function of cells and cell organelles, biomolecules and control of energy metabolism, physiology of the neuromuscular and hormonal systems. A brief description of the tissues of the human body.
Laboratory exercises: Dose - response and muscle physiology.

Students will be familiar with laboratory safety such as chemical safety, how to handle chemical spills and chemical accidents and first aid. Practical training will occur in one of the laboratories and it will end with a fire extinguishing training. 

The course is always in the beginning of the semester, before other courses start.

This course is a prerequisite for all laboratory work, so it is important to participate in this course. 

This is a course for pharmacy-, nursing- and dentistry students. The course covers topics, concepts and methods in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Introductory seminars will give an overview of these different disciplines and their integration. The course will discuss: genetic material, genome, chromosomes, genes, mitosis and meiosis. Mendelian-, mitochondrial- and complex inheritance. DNA metabolism and recombinant DNA technology. RNA molecules, gene expression, transcription, amino acids, peptide bonds, protein translation and protein degradation. Protein structure, protein drugs, enzymes and enzyme kinetics. Transgenic animals and bioinformatics. Molecular biology of viruses and gene therapy. The importance of these disciplines in the health services will be emphasized.

Organic chemistry appears all around us, both in the biological aspects of our world and in the production aspect of many of our daily products. Organic chemistry also appears in many other subjects, such as biochemistry, pharmaceutical science, food science, and medicine. Understanding of the organic chemistry can help deepen our understanding of  production processes in the chemical and food industry, biochemical pathways, and the manufacturing and bioactivity of drugs.

In this course, we will cover the basics of organic chemistry. We will cover the various functional groups, their properties and reactivity, with a special emphasis on alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and aromatic compounds. We will also cover stereochemistry of organic compounds and their analysis and identification using NMR, IR, and MS.

General introduction to chemical foundations, atoms, molecules and ions. Stoichiometry and chemical reactions. Properties of gases, solids and liquides, and properties af solutions. Atomic structure and the periodic table. Atomic bonding (ionic, covalent and metal) using VB theory. Chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium. Acids and bases and the properties and application of aqueous solutions (buffers and solubility products). Thermochemistry (enhalpy, entropy, sponaneity and the Gibbs free energy). Electrochemistry (galvanic and electrolyic sells) and application of electrochemistry. Nuclear chemistry.

Molar volume of gases, thermochemistry, reaction enthalpies and Hesse's law, Rate of chemical reactions, decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, reaction reversibility and Le Chatelier's principle, determination of acid ionization constant with potentiometric titration, determination of equilibrium constant with absorbtion measurements.

The course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the occupation of pharmacists. Students get an introduction to laws and regulations regarding health care and pharmaceuticals in Iceland. Students will be introduced to institutions and establishments that handle pharmaceutical matters; the Ministry of health, Icelandic Medicines Agency, the Public health department, and the Social insurance administration.

Students go to presentations to pharmacies, wholesalers, pharmaceutical production companies and hand in reports about these visits. Students get an introduction to pharmacy history, the ethical rules of pharmacists, confidentiality oath, responsibility, and professionalism.

This is a course for pharmacy-, nursing- and dentistry students. The course will focus on metabolism, specifically metabolism important for these disciplines. The course will also cover plasma proteins and hemostasis, bioenergetics, anaerobic and oxidative metabolism, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, fuel metabolism, iron, heme, liver, hormones and nutrition. The last part of the course is only intended for pharmacy and dentistry students with seminars on digestion, adsorption and nutrition highlighting the effects on human health.

The course covers the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical substances that are important in pharmacy. It builds on students' knowledge of chemistry from the first-year fall semester. This course provides a necessary foundation for pharmaceutical formulation and drug absorption and distribution (pharmacokinetics). At the beginning of the course, fundamental mathematical concepts for pharmacy students are reviewed, concluding with a written test that must be passed to continue. Part 2 covers crystal structures and the properties of solid substances. Part 3 focuses on thermodynamics and activity, as well as drug ionization. Part 4 provides a detailed discussion on drug solubility and the factors influencing solubility and drug efficacy in the body.

Alcohols and phenols, ethers and epoxides, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, derivatives carbanions, amines, carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins. Spectroscopical identification of organic compounds.

Students will be trained in the laboratory work needed in the organic lab. Organic compounds will be synthesized with addition, alkylation and aldol condensation. The identification of organic compounds will be performed with the help of derivatives and TLC.

The course is especially aimed at students on their first year of studies in disciplines within the field of health sciences. The joint Health science day is for incoming students of all faculties at the School of Health Sciences in January each year. The main topic is interdisciplinary cooperation and its importance. All basic factors of cooperation will be covered such as the common view on the right to good health, communication and ethics. Furthermore, the role and responsibility of health sciences.

Lectures. Sensory, central nervous, cardiovascular-, respiratory-, renal- and gastrointestinal physiology. Energy balance and control of metabolism and physiology of reproduction. Responses of the human body to exercise.

Practical lessons. Cardiovascular system, renal function and exercise physiology. Practical lessons and discussion sessions related to them are obligatory, lab reports must be submitted, and online exams taken.

Partial exams. Three online partial exams will be applied. Students will be informed in more details at the beginning of the course. 

The course is a continuation of Physical Pharmacy I and is divided into two parts (two exams). The first part provides and in-depth study of drug stability and degradation and the second part focuses on polymers. It is important that students can connect the course material to organic chemistry, which was taught in the first year.

Basic concepts of pharmacokinetics. One compartment model, two compartment model, multicompartment models, pharmacokinetics of drug absorption, bioavailability, clearance, metabolism, intravenous infusion, multiple dose regimens and nonlinear pharmacokinetics. Clinical applications of pharmacokinetic parameters. Dosage adjustments.Drug metabolism, cytochrome P-450 enzymes and their classification, drug transporters.

The objective of the course is to provide students with insight into the use of specialized pharmaceutical analytical methods. Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry is used for the identification and quantification of active substances and metabolites in pharmaceuticals and biological samples. These methods include titrations, spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, IR, AAS, AES), liquid chromatographic methods (TLC, HPLC, UPLC), electrophoretic methods (CE), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS).

The course is intended as an introduction to pharmacy operations. In consultation with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Iceland, the course supervisor will arrange a suitable pharmacy placement and mentor for the student. At the beginning of the course, lectures will be held on over-the-counter medications, as well as training on medical devices, ethics, and communication skills. Following this, the student will undertake a two-week internship at the assigned pharmacy. Assignments will be completed alongside the practical training. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

Chromatographic methods used for drug testing will be presented. Analytical methods used for isolation and drug identification, as well as methods used for quantitative drug analysis. Spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography (LC) in visible and ultraviolet light.

Zero order, first order, second order and third order reactions will be examined. Effects of temperature and pH on reactions. Effects of salts, solubilizes and surfactants on chemical reactions. Hydro- and lipophilicity and flow of drugs through organic membranes.

Practical exercises include separation and quantification with HPLC, determination of pKa values, hydrolysis, phase distribution and diffusion through organic membrane.

The aim of the course is to discuss aspects that are the basis of pharmaceutical production, such as disperse systems, liquid flow, liquid purification, different methods for sterilizing drugs and drug packaging intended for administration outside the digestive system (parenteral dosage forms), filtration and excipients for drug preparation (preservatives, antioxidants, flavors, colors).

Students will learn about solutions, emulsions, dispersions, transdermal drug delivery, ophthalmic pharmaceutical forms, their composition, bioavailability and the requirements that are made to them according to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur).

The course is designed as an introduction to the laws and regulations related to the work of pharmacists. At the beginning of the course, there will be lectures on pharmaceutical laws ideally including guest speakers from the Icelandic Medicines Agency, the Directorate of Health, and Icelandic Health Insurance. A test will be administered on the theoretical part, followed by sessions in the simulation center to practice skills in real-world scenarios. Students get practise in making decisions based on laws and regulations. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

In this course, we cover fundamental topics such as secondary metabolites, the processing of natural substances, the role of natural products in drug discovery, extraction methods, as well as the isolation and identification of natural compounds. We also discuss major classes of natural substances such as sugars, shikimate-derived compounds, lipids, and polyketides. Later in the course, we look at large groups of natural compounds like terpenes, compounds biosynthesized from amino acids, alkaloids, and purine/pyrimidine compounds.

The course covers the symptoms, causes, pathophysiology, and treatment of diseases of the Heart, vascular system, lungs, and endocrine glands. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of action of drugs and their effects on patients with cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and endocrine disorders. In this course, basic concepts in pharmacology and the main types of receptors in the body will also be covered.
The course will explore the pathophysiology and symptoms of major diseases, as well as clinical guidelines for selecting drug treatments. It will also cover the pharmaceutical chemistry of the main classes of cardiovascular drugs, pulmonary drugs, and medications for endocrine disorders.
Additionally, the course will address clinical pharmacokinetics, blood measurements and blood values, renal function and more. Case studies, and dosage considerations for complex medications like cardiac glycosides will be adressed. Common side effects and drug interactions will also be discussed.

The objective of the course is to introduce students to common methods used for the isolation and identification of bioactive natural products. The course also aims to introduce methods used in medicinal chemistry and drug development, such as semi-synthesis of natural products. Students will carry out simple chemical syntheses of biologically active natural compounds, purify the compounds, and determine their purity. They will perform analyses to confirm the chemical structure. Subsequently, students will conduct biological tests and analyze the structure-activity relationship based on results for compounds they have synthesized themselves, as well as compounds synthesized by others. Extractions and chromatographic methods will be employed for the extraction and isolation. Chemical reactions for semi-synthesis and for characterization chromatographic analytical methods like TLC, SPE, column chromatography, and HPLC, along with UV, IR, and NMR spectroscopy will be used for compound analysis.

The course (2 ECTS) is especially aimed at students who have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies in clinical disciplines within the field of health sciences. It is a prerequisite for the clinical course Interdisciplinary clinical cooperation: The HealthSquare (2 ECTS) (health care service for university students). The course is based on the theories of interprofessional education and various teaching strategies will be used in order to encourage active participation of students. Students will work together in interdisciplinary groups. The course is mainly focused on interdisciplinary theories, professionalism, interdisciplinary cooperation, team work and ethical decisions in health care.

Assessment (pass / fail) is based on  project work, activity in project work and exams that take place in electronic form in the teaching cycle. 

Teaching arrangements:
Students are divided into interdisciplinary study groups at the beginning of the semester that plan and execute their own meeting times and hand in their final assignments before the end of October. 

This course covers the design and manufacturing of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as the bioavailability of different drug delivery routes. Students will gain knowledge of various dosage forms and drug delivery methods, including oral, inhalation, nasal, injectable, vaginal, and rectal administration.

Special emphasis will be placed on the manufacturing of tablets and capsules, focusing on key aspects such as particle size and properties, the effect of blending on tableting, excipient selection, and tablet coating. The course will also cover quality control in tablet production and the requirements set forth by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur) for tablet manufacturing.

Additionally, the course will address the adaptation of dosage forms and drug administration for different patient groups, with particular attention to pediatric and geriatric populations.

An intensive course which will work on basic formulation methods for pharmaceutical production. General and advanced methods related to the main pharmaceutical formulations and manufacturing of solutions, dispersions, emulsions, ointments, creams, trituration’s, suppositories, capsules and tablets. Various excipients will be used in the manufacture of drugs such as preservatives, antioxidants, flavorings and dyes. Mixing of powders, particle size evaluation, drying, and flow of powders.Practical exercises: General methods according to the lab book. Production of pharmaceutical formulations according to specifications and prescriptions. Drug requirements and pharmacopoeia must be met in the development of drug formulations. Quality control; chemical and technical evaluation of medicinal products and excipients for pharmaceutical use according to current pharmaceutical requirements.

This course deals with the causes of infectious diseases and their pharmacological treatments. It covers the structure, characteristics, and differences of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, along with practical laboratory training in microbiology. The course will address the symptoms of the most common infectious diseases and clinical guidelines for selecting treatments. It will also examine the medicinal chemistry of the main classes of anti-infective drugs, including those targeting bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these key drug classes will be discussed, as well as their major contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions. In addition, the course covers clinical pharmacokinetics, case studies, and the dosing of drugs that require special handling, such as vancomycin or aminoglycosides.

This course emphasizes on the immune system's function in health and disease, as well as the mechanisms of key drugs affecting immune responses, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and vaccines. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between drug structure and function and their application in clinical treatment.

The course is an internship in pharmacies. The course supervisor is responsible for finding a suitable pharmacy and mentor for the student, in consultation with the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Iceland. At the beginning of the course, lectures will be held on herbal medicine, natural products, and dietary supplements. Social pharmacy will also be introduced, focusing on how medications and pharmaceutical services impact society, healthcare systems, and individuals. This includes examining how medication use, pharmaceutical counseling, and services can improve health, increase safety, and contribute to better healthcare, with particular emphasis on the impact on society and users. After that, the student will undertake a four-week internship at the assigned pharmacy. Projects will be completed alongside the internship. Attendance is mandatory for this course.

During this course, students will learn about different aspects of pharmaceutical nanotechnology as well as the properties of design of experiments (DoE). They will learn about pharmaceutical formulattions on nanoscale and for example their as nanopharmaceutical carriers in passive and active targeting.  Nanopharmaceutical carriers discussed will be lipid/detergent based, polymer based and also bioengineered (extracellular vesicles). The use of these nanocarriers for different diseases will also be explained and what nanopharmaceutical carriers are currently on the market. Analytical methods and regulatory aspects regarding safety and toxicity of these nanocarriers will also be discussed.

The aim of the BS project is to deal with the challenges associated with the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Challenges include the active compound and excipients which have different properties, and when designing pharmaceutical dosage forms, these factors must be taken into account. Students use different methods in the project to prepare a pharmaceutical dogsa form that meets the requirements and goals set by the instructor at the beginning of the course.

The course covers the causes and pharmacological treatments of neurological disorders and mental illnesses. Specifically, it addresses the anatomy of the central nervous system, neurotransmitters and their receptors, neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders, as well as the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders and psychiatric conditions. Clinical guidelines for selecting pharmacological treatments will also be discussed.

The course includes the medicinal chemistry of major drug classes for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, and NMD; neurological disorders such as epilepsy, brain injuries, and migraines; and psychiatric conditions such as depression, psychosis, mania, and anxiety. Additionally, it covers topics on sleep medications, strong analgesics, and addictive substances.

The relationship between structure and activity (SAR), molecular mechanisms of action, and key contraindications, side effects, and drug interactions (where applicable) will be explored. Clinical pharmacology, case studies, and decision-making in pharmacological treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders will also be included.