Integrating vibrational spectroscopy into pharmaceutical education through green analytical chemistry principles: Rationale and development of a teaching module from theory to practice

The growing integration of sustainability principles into pharmaceutical sciences has highlighted the importance of considering Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) in the training of future pharmacists. In this context, vibrational spectroscopy, including near infrared, mid infrared and Raman techniques, offers a particularly suitable framework due to its rapidity, minimal sample preparation, and low environmental impact. This paper therefore focuses on the importance of introducing vibrational techniques within a GAC context to students enrolled in a pharmaceutical sciences curriculum. In the first part, motivational aspects concerning the use of vibrational spectroscopy techniques and chemometrics in the pharmaceutical field are presented. In the second part, the development and implementation of a teaching module designed for undergraduate pharmacy students, integrating vibrational spectroscopy and chemometrics within a GAC perspective is described. The module includes theoretical lessons and practical activities. Emphasis is placed on data-driven analysis, introducing students to preprocessing techniques and multivariate modeling using accessible open-source tools, such as Python and Orange Data Mining. The approach promotes active learning and provides students with practical skills in modern analytical workflows increasingly used in various pharmaceutical sectors. Overall, this pedagogical framework demonstrates how analytical notions and sustainability can be effectively combined in undergraduate education, offering a transferable module integrating green analytical practices, vibrational spectroscopies and chemometrics into pharmaceutical curricula.