Exploring Tablet Dissolution with a Conductivity Probe

Dissolution testing of tablets is
an important aspect of quality
assurance and control in the pharmaceutical industry. Students pursing
courses in pharmaceutical chemistry and related areas can be exposed
to (inter alia) the Noyes–Whitney model in
isolation without accompanying laboratory work. We developed a simple,
inquiry-based laboratory activity that uses a conductivity sensor
to continuously monitor the dissolution of sodium chloride tablets.
Learning goals were written to develop both knowledge and cognitive
development in students, with purposeful inclusion of transferable
and transversal skills. The laboratory work could be completed within
two hours, and students submitted a publication-style short communication
for summative assessment of the activity. Student feedback was gathered
by a questionnaire, which yielded positive responses. Overall, this
simple, low-cost activity incorporates important themes from physical
chemistry and pharmaceutics and fosters critical and divergent thinking
in students.