In this project, BTEC students on the L3 Certificate Applied Science course will experience and develop their knowledge of the science industry by researching the pharmaceutical industry and simulating the production of a new drug.  They will also learn first-hand from an industry professional. From visiting MSD, the focus of this unit will be the synthesis of medication. They will consider the synthesis of a specific medication from raw materials to a commercial product. Learners will know communication practices, how laboratories are designed, how information is stored in laboratory information management (LIMS) and how to work safely in a scientific workplace.

The launch event consisted of a visit to Net Park, a local pharmaceutical business, and a visit from a Plant Manager from MSD, a pharmaceutical industry.  The project progressed to creating and developing a new drug for the market, which coincidentally tied in with the early stages of the global Covid-19 pandemic, meaning even more authentic connections to the world we live in for the students.