Aston University has announced the official opening of their new £3.3m pharmacy teaching laboratory!
Aston officially opened its doors to its new Pharmacy School teaching laboratories on 24 September 2024, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to advanced pharmaceutical education. Funded by the Office for Students (OfS), the project involved the design and construction of a new cutting-edge facility, re-defining the learning experience for future pharmacists. This project was a collaborative effort. PMP acted as Quantity Surveyor, working alongside Broadway Malyan Architects, and Contractor, Interclass PLC.
The labs offer significant space, designed to accommodate growing student numbers, boasting the capacity to hold up to 83 graduate and postgraduate students simultaneously. The labs foster an environment of dynamic learning and collaboration. Beyond general lab space, the project also included the provision of a fully functioning asepsis suite – a game-changer for those pursuing MSc, MPharm, or Oversees Pharmacy Assessment Programme (OSPAP) degrees. It provides an invaluable, hands-on environment where students can prepare and trial various treatment drugs, manipulate formulas and gain practical experience in sterile compounding techniques.
As part of Aston University’s 2030 Strategy, the building stands as a testament to its commitment to offer an accessible environment for all learners. As such, the facility incorporates a mix of carefully considered features:
Height adjustable benches and sinks
Fume hoods and safety cabinets
Audiovisual system which is noise cancelling and works with hearing aids
Acoustics designed to reduce ambient noise levels, which is common in busy laboratories
Large visual screens, linked to optical magnification equipment
Real-time transcription software, which provides lecture subtitles on screens
These cutting-edge labs will empower the university to deliver an enhanced educational experience, with access to the latest equipment, in a comfortable, modern, and inclusive space, Setting students up perfectly to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.
Take a look at some of our other education projects here!
Photo Credit: Interclass PLC
