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.