Essential Skills for Pharmacists

Code

PHAR1036

School

Pharmacy

Level

1

Credits

30

Semesters

Autumn Malaysia

Summary

This module provides students with a grounding on the necessary scientific fundamentals needed to progress their study to become a pharmacist, it also introduces the role of the pharmacist in health care, introducing them to their future responsibilities in (a) protection of the public (b) ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines and (c) being an expert in drugs and medicines. Students will learn the key components of clinically reviewing a prescription and have an opportunity to implement evidence-based patient advice. Students will be introduced to the need for pharmacists to work in interdisciplinary teams to optimise the treatment of their patients, including an opportunity to work in groups with students from other health care professions during an inter-professional learning workshop.  
Pharmacists make a unique contribution to patient care through their knowledge of medicines. This module teaches students about the structure and design of medicines, the functions of the ingredients within them and how new medicines are developed.  The many different types of medicines available for sale to the public are exemplified by hands-on exercises using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines commonly found in community pharmacies. 

Target Students

BPharm Year One students

Classes

• Two 3-hour workshops each week for 4 weeks
• One 2-hour un assigned
• One 3-hour practicum each week for 7 weeks
• Five 1-hour lectures each week for 13 weeks

Assessment

• 10% Lab Report
• 10% Examsys (mid-term): Examsys (mid-term)
• 40% OSCE
• 40% Examsys (end-term) (2-hour): Examsys (end term)

Learning Outcomes

MLO 1: Comprehend the fundamentals aspects of various fields of pharmacy in improving the patient outcomes, including atomic chemistry, cell biology, medicine degradation and autonomic nervous system pharmacology. (C2-Understanding)
MLO2: Discuss with patients, the public and other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. (A2-Responding)
MLO3: Formulate counselling points for a patient based on effective communication strategies. (C5-Evaluating)
MLO4: Distinguish inappropriate patient lifestyle behaviours and suitable approaches to interventions. (C4-Analysing)
MLO5: Solve pharmaceutical calculations for a range of different pharmacy settings. (C3-Applying)
MLO6: Perform the manufacture of basic extemporaneous formulations in a practical setting. (P4-Mechanism)
MLO7: Demonstrate an understanding of product quality management systems, including maintaining appropriate records. (P5-Complete overt responses)
MLO8:  Illustrate using appropriate literature sources to underpin evidence based medicine advice. (C4-Analysing) 
MLO9: Demonstrate the characteristics of a prospective professional pharmacist as set out in relevant codes of conduct and behaviour. (P5-Complete overt responses)

Conveners

• Dr Georgina Elizabeth Marsh