Aerosol Drug Delivery Short Course 2026

21 – 23 October 2026 (2.5 day duration)

Booking closes: 5 October 2026

Course Structure

Topic 1: Aerosol Properties and Processes Understand particle size distributions, aerosol behaviour, and apply this knowledge to pharmaceutical formulation and device design

Topic 2: Inhalers and Device Systems Explore nebulisers, soft mist inhalers (SMIs), pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), and dry powder inhalers (DPIs), with hands-on application exercises in device optimisation

Topic 3: Measurement and Performance Develop competence in measuring aerosol performance and interpreting key parameters critical to drug development

What to Expect

• Strong applications focus: Every fundamental science concept is applied directly to real-world inhaler design, formulation optimisation, and performance measurement challenges
• Active Team-Based Learning: Move beyond traditional lectures to collaborative problem-solving, ensuring deep understanding and immediate practical application

Teaching Methodology

The course uses Team-Based Learning (TBL), an active learning approach that ensures engagement and deep understanding. Pre-class learning is completed online through the CDT e-portal, consisting of video lectures, reading material and quizzes. In-class sessions follow a structured format: a readiness assurance process to ensure a solid foundation of prerequisite knowledge amongst participants and collaborative application exercises where teams solve challenging real-world problems in drug development. This proven methodology promotes active learning, peer teaching and development of team-working skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Understand the basic concepts of aerosol particle size distribution on linear and logarithmic scales
• Describe the basic operating principles of nebulisers, SMI, pMDIs and DPIs
• Contrast different inhaler device and formulation parameters in order to optimise the performance of inhaled drug products
• Calculate key parameters from aerosol performance measurements

Entry Requirements

Pre-course learning: Approximately 3-10 hours depending on your prior experience (to be completed before attending).

There are no formal prerequisites, however aerosol science is a quantitative discipline. Participants should be comfortable with:

• Rearranging equations and balancing units
• Interpreting linear and logarithmic-scale numbers
• Performing calculations and plotting graphs

What's included

• Access to the CDT training e-portal with pre-class videos, lecture notes and reference materials for 1 year
• Expert facilitation by leading aerosol scientists
• CPD certificate upon successful completion
• Lunch and refreshments throughout the 2.5-day course
• Course dinner on Thursday evening
• Networking opportunity with peers and experts in aerosol science and drug delivery

What's not included

Travel and accommodation expenses are not covered by the course fee.

The course organisers cannot accept liability for personal injury, or for loss of or damage to participants' personal property, occurring during or arising from the course. Nor can they accept liability for travel or accommodation costs incurred should the course be cancelled.

Cancellations

You can cancel your order at any time but there will be no refunds issued after 25 September 2026. If you cancel your order after 25 September 2026 you will still be able to access the online course training materials on our e-portal for the duration of 1 year.

Cost

• Standard - £750
• Academic/Government - £550
• Student - £350

Please note, to qualify for reduced rates, you must apply using a .gov.uk or .ac.uk email address.

Early Bird Rate: Book by 14 August and receive 15% off!

• Standard - £637.50
• Academic/Government - £467.50
• Student - £297.50

Contact Us

For further information about this course, please contact:

Email: aerosol-science@bristol.ac.uk