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Pharmakon Life Science

New to life sciences? Start here

Gain an understanding of the industry and find inspiration for your learning journey in GMP and life sciences.

New to Life Science

Are you a recent graduate, currently unemployed, or looking to change careers? If so, have you considered the opportunities available at a GMP-regulated company?

Or have you just started a job in QA, production, logistics, or development—and been bombarded with terms like compliance, GMP, change control, and deviations?

Don't worry. You're not the only one. We're here to help you get started.

On this page, you'll find answers to:

  • What you need to know as a newcomer to the Industry.
  • What your learning journey might look like.
  • What the content of GMP-course at SDU is like.

What do you need to know as a newcomer to the industry?

When you work in the life sciences, there are strict requirements regarding quality, documentation, and processes. It’s not just about rules—it’s about patient safety.

The most important things you need to understand are:

  • What GMP means—and what it requires of you.
  • how to document things correctly.
  • what deviations, qualification, and validation entail.
  • why all procedures and changes must be managed and approved.

Your learning journey – start here

  1. Understand the basic principles
    Read our articles on What is GMP, Data Integrity, and Quality Systems.

  2. Learn the language
    Use our GMP dictionary to understand the terms you encounter in everyday life.

  3. Take a course at
    Our introductory courses on GMP are tailored for those who are new to the field and want to get off to a solid start.

  4. Ask questions
    No one expects you to know everything—but everyone expects you to ask. Make active use of your colleagues, SOPs, and the quality manager.

Example: What will you do?

You have been tasked with verifying that a batch log has been filled out correctly. You notice that a signature is missing—but production is already complete.

What will you do?

Suggested responses for reflection

  • Just ignore it—it happens all the time.
  • Add the signature yourself—you know who it was.
  • Go to the quality manager and report it as a non-conformity.

Correct answer

Go to QA.

It may seem like a minor issue—but a lack of documentation can constitute a critical GMP violation.

University courses provide valuable insights into GMP

Twice a year, in June and August, a number of students from the University of Southern Denmark take the exam for the elective course “GMP in Life Sciences.”

The elective course is offered at two different departments and gives students an edge when applying for jobs after graduation.

The course was developed at Pharmakon and is taught by experienced instructors from Pharmakon. The course provides students with a valuable understanding of the requirements that define a GMP-regulated environment, thereby ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter the life sciences field.

Classes are held both online and on campus and cover the following topics:

Legislation and Regulatory Requirements: GMP Regulations, EudraLex Vol. 4, and Practical Interpretation
Quality System and Documentation: SOPs, Data Integrity, and Good Documentation Practices
Deviations, CAPA, and Change Control: Root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and change control
Production and Hygiene: Raw materials, processes, equipment, controls, prevention of contamination.
Risk Management, Qualification, and Validation: Equipment and Processes
GMP in Practice: Review of the quality system, classification, and readiness for inspection.

You don't need to be an expert—you just need to be curious

  • Being new is a strength
  • You see things that others have become blind to
  • Ask a question
  • Think critically


And remember: GMP is about people looking out for people.