Pharmacy
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School of Pharmacy
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Explore…Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
- I haven’t done A-levels – how do I know if I’m eligible for the course?
- I don’t have any pharmacy work experience – does this matter?
- I’ve already done a degree, can I start the MPharm course?
- Do I have to have an interview?
- Can I transfer to Pharmacy after completing the first year of a degree course?
- Can I transfer into the second or third year of the course at Keele?
Assessments
- Can I retake a test?
- What happens if I’m late handing in work?
- What happens if I fail a module?
- What happens if someone copies my work?
- When will I get my work back?
Lifestyle
- Should I join a society or club?
- Should I live on campus or at home?
- I have a disability – how will I be treated?
MPharm Course
- Is it true that the first year of the MPharm course is the hardest?
- Is it true that the first year of the course doesn’t count?
- How will staff communicate with me?
Staff
- I’m having a problem, when can I see members of staff?
- How do I know which member of staff I should contact?
- Will staff tell other people about my problems?
Teaching Sessions: Lectures, Practicals etc.
- How long does a lecture last?
- Can I eat or drink in lectures?
- Can I talk or text in lectures?
- What should I do in a lecture?
- What should I wear to class?
- What should I take to class?
- Do I have to go to teaching sessions?
- Can I arrive late for/leave early from teaching sessions?
- What will a practical session be like?
Timetable
- Where do I get my timetable from?
- Will my timetable always stay the same?
Admissions
- I haven’t done A-levels – how do I know if I’m eligible for the course?
We accept a variety of British and overseas qualifications other than A-levels. You can either look at our UCAS profile on the UCAS website (www.ucas.com) or contact us to find out if your qualifications are suitable.
- I don’t have any pharmacy work experience – does this matter?
A lack of Pharmacy related work experience will not necessarily exclude you from invited to interview. However, we strongly suggest that either you gain some work experience or research the roles and careers of pharmacists thoroughly. You need to be sure that it is the right course for you.
- I’ve already done a degree, can I start the MPharm course?
We do accept graduate students and you must have acquired a minimum of a 2:1 classification. Please contact us to find out whether or not your degree subject is suitable.
- Do I have to have an interview?
We interview all applicants to whom we wish to make an offer, even at clearing time. This is an essential part of the admissions process at Keele and provides valuable information to both the staff and applicants. Please note that we will not offer a second interview to candidates who have been unsuccessful at interview on a prior occasion.
- Can I transfer to Pharmacy after completing the first year of a degree course?
We do accept students who have started one course and then decided to reconsider their choices. However, when considering the academic achievements of applicants we look at completed qualifications. If you haven’t completed your degree then we would look at your previous qualifications. If these meet our criteria then we would consider whether we could make you an offer. We cannot accept first year degree marks in lieu of suitable A-levels.
- Can I transfer into the second or third year of the course at Keele?
At Keele we only accept students into the first year of the course. The decision to do this relates to the way the course is structured. Every School of Pharmacy teaches the required components in a different way and in a different order. To ensure that you don’t miss out on anything we ask all students to begin in the first year.
Assessments:
Once you arrive at Keele you will receive a copy of the marking criteria used for work submitted on the MPharm course. This is broken down into a range of percentage bands from 0% up to 100%. In any assignment the main concern is whether you have addressed the question set. This might be the title of an essay or questions you need to answer in a lab report which help to explore the results you obtained. If you do not answer the question, no matter how good your work is you will receive a mark of zero. Always think carefully about what you are being asked to do. Better answers will show evidence of reading around the subject rather than just using the material given to you by the tutors. You will also need to show that you have understood the theories you have been taught as well as being able to show independent thinking and good reasoning. You should also be able to support our answers or arguments with correctly referenced evidence.
Whether you can retake a test depends on the type of test it is. Formative tests are used to determine how well you are getting on and to give you feedback. These will not contribute to your module mark. For example, there will be quizzes on WebCT designed to test your knowledge that you can retake several times throughout a semester to see how much you have improved. Summative tests will contribute to your module mark. This might be a class test or end of semester exam. If you do not achieve the pass mark in a class test or exam you will have the opportunity to re-take it during the re-assessment period after each semester.
- What happens if I’m late handing in work?
If you miss a deadline by up to 7 days the mark for your work will be capped at 40%. If you submit work any later than this then a mark of zero will be recorded. This may not apply if you have submitted valid extenuating circumstances to the Programme Office. Tutors will always set deadlines that reflect the complexity of the work you are doing and the length of the assignment they expect you to write. For example, if a piece of work is due in at the end of a lab session you will not be expected to write in as much depth or detail as if the report were due in two weeks after the lab session. However, accidents happen and illness occurs. If you think you will be unable to meet a deadline you should immediately talk to either your Year Tutor or one of the Directors of Undergraduate Studies. These are the only people who can grant extensions on submission deadlines. You will have to put your request in writing before the published deadline in order to obtain an extension.
- What happens if I fail a module?
This will depend on the module itself, and what the assessments for that module are. You may be requested to re-sit an exam, re-submit a piece of coursework or submit coursework if you missed the deadline the first time round. If you do fail a module you won’t be able to achieve full marks as the mark for any re-take is capped at 40%.
- What happens if someone copies my work?
You are responsible for your own work and that includes looking after it. While we encourage students to discuss problems and help each other to understand you should neither copy work nor allow others to copy from you. This includes, but is not limited to, showing someone a hard copy of your work and allowing them to take it away and read it or lending someone your memory stick on which your files are stored even if for an unconnected purpose. You will be asked to submit many of your assignments electronically and these will automatically be checked for plagiarism. If you are found either to have copied someone else without referencing the work, or to have allowed your work to be copied, you may find yourself with a low or zero mark for the work or, for more than one offence, you may be required to retake the module or even be removed from the course.
- When will I get my work back?
You will have your coursework returned to your within 2-3 weeks. Tutors aim to return work to you in plenty of time for you to revise from it or improve upon your technique before handing in your next assignment. Work may be returned to you during teaching session or you may be requested to collect it from the Programmes Office in the School of Pharmacy.
Lifestyle:
All of the teaching venues and halls of residence on campus are no more than a few minutes walking distance away from one another. If you need to visit any of the off-campus sites, such as the Clinical Education Centre and Health Library you will find the local bus service runs through campus and on to these venues every thirty minutes. The pharmacy placements organised in the first two years of the course can all be reached by public transport in under one hour. Public transport also provides links from the campus to both Newcastle-under-Lyme and Hanley as well as Stoke-on-Trent where the trains stop. If, with all that in mind, you still think you need a car, then remember to register your car on campus and obtain a parking permit.
The central library on campus has several labs full of computers for both checking your e-mail and completing assignments. In addition, pharmacy students have the use of the new IT wing in the Lennard-Jones Laboratories (Chemistry) which is within one minute’s walk of the School of Pharmacy and contains over 70 computers and several printers. For workshops and dispensing classes where IT facilities are required MPharm students will use the Pharmacy Practice Suite which contains numerous laptops equipped with all relevant software and access to the internet. For those of you who do wish to bring your own computer there is access to the internet available in all halls of residence as well as wireless internet access across many of the campus buildings, including the Pharmacy building.
- Should I join a society or club?
It’s up to you to manage the balance of your work and free time. You can’t study all the time and a break can leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. Joining a club or society gives you the opportunity to meet new people and try new things, or at least continue doing something that you already know you enjoy. It will help you to study by giving you a break and a change of scenery as well as allowing you to use different skills.
- Should I live on campus or at home?
For those of you who have this choice there are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to both options. Other than factoring in the time it takes you to commute to Keele there is no reason why you shouldn’t live at home rather than on campus while you are studying on the MPharm course. It may mean you have to be little more organised; it can be annoying to find you have forgotten to bring something essential with you when you can’t just nip back to your room in between lectures. You may find campus accommodation more sociable as you will be living with friends but you may also find that you miss the support of your family. You may have more freedom on campus, with no-one demanding you are in the house by midnight, but you may also be more constrained by having to do all domestic tasks yourself with no family to share them with. There are also financial aspects to consider when choosing where to live. If you choose one thing and find it’s not right for you it’s not the end of the world, talk to a member of staff and see what your options are.
- I have a disability – how will I be treated?
As far as it is reasonably possible you will be treated exactly the same as any other student within the School of Pharmacy. All students do the same work and undergo the same assessments. We may advise you to seek extra help in certain circumstances if, for example, you struggle making lecture notes or you are dyslexic. The Centre for Learning and Student Support can organise the relevant assessments to help students get appropriate support and adjustments. This might be, for example, extra time for class tests and written exams, exam papers in a different colour or font size, or the possibility of sitting exams in a separate room.
MPharm Course:
- Is it true that the first year of the MPharm course is the hardest?
If you consider the work that is done, and the level at which it is taught, then you might conclude that the first year of the course is the easiest, especially when compared to the level of work you will do in the final year. Alternatively, if you think about how much you already know and what you need to learn in the coming year then the first year is no harder than any other year of the course. If, however, you consider everything that you will do, probably for the first time, during the first year of the course then yes, it may well be the hardest year. Not only will you be starting a new course in a new environment and meeting many new people, but you may also be taking the next step towards independent living, making your own decisions, looking after your money, cooking and cleaning for yourself, organising your own work time and social life, dealing with disputes, making friends, falling out, feeling homesick and squeezing the last moment of sunshine out of a day down by Keele lake. So yes, the first year of the course can be the hardest, but it definitely has its rewards too.
- Is it true that the first year of the course doesn’t count?
This depends on how you view the first year of the course. If you look solely at whether your assessments in the first year count towards your final degree classification then no, the first year doesn’t count. However, you have to successfully pass all modules in every year in order to be allowed to continue onto the next year of the course. The basic pass rate is 40% but certain aspects of some modules have a higher pass rate as these modules are so integral to the study of pharmacy. Equally important is the fact that the later years of the course need a successful foundation on which to build. The better you perform in the first year the better your chances of successfully passing the remaining years of the course and becoming a qualified pharmacist.
- How will staff communicate with me?
There are two answers to this question. The first involves aspects of professionalism and how you will be treated whilst on the course while the second involves practical methods of communication.
The MPharm staff will treat all students as professional colleagues. When you join the School of Pharmacy the staff will be more experienced than you but as you progress through the years you will gain in knowledge and experience and, in the future, you may work side-by-side with these people as contemporaries.
In practical terms the MPharm staff will use a number of ways to communicate with you, predominantly e-mail and WebCT. Announcements regarding deadline changes, module information updates and reminders about class tests or assignment deadlines can all be made through WebCT. E-mails are used for more individual communication and administrative matters. You will be expected to check your Keele e-mail regularly, at least daily. Occasionally we may need to send you a letter by post. It is your responsibility to ensure that your contact details are up-to-date. You can change your contact details by logging into e-Vision from the student homepage. Alternatively you can contact the central Student Course Information office.
Staff:
- I’m having a problem, when can I see a member of staff?
You can talk to any member of staff whenever you see them. If you have a specific issue that you need help with and would prefer a private discussion you can contact any member of staff by e-mail or telephone. Your student handbook will list the contact details for all staff as well as their availability. Many staff operate a drop in policy; if they are in their office then you can go and see them. Some staff outline specific times when they will always be available. You can always ask at the Programme Office and someone will try to help you.
- How do I know which member of staff I should contact?
Queries about your work are usually best directed towards the module leader or one of your lecturers. Alternatively your personal tutor can help you decide how to resolve any academic problems. If you have any personal problems, especially if they might affect your work, you can visit either your personal tutor or your year tutor. If you have any general queries you can ask for help in the Programme Office where staff will either be able to answer your question or direct you to the relevant person. It is important to remember that these are guidelines. You should feel free to contact any member of staff with whom you feel comfortable discussing the problem you have encountered.
- Will staff tell other people about my problems?
Members of staff will never tell other students about your problems or concerns but sometimes it is necessary to tell specific staff members. This will only be done with your permission and to ensure that you get the right help. That might be a deadline extension, extra time during exams, reassurance that you are doing the right thing or advice on how to proceed.
Teaching Sessions:
- How long does a lecture last?
In theory a single lecture last about 50 minutes, from five minutes past the hour until five minutes to the next hour. This gives you 10 minutes to have a break and move between sessions. However, it is up to the lecturer to cover the relevant information you need so lectures may take a little longer, especially if there are lots of questions to answer. Some lectures may be shorter allowing you to ask questions at the end or discuss coursework if required.
- Can I eat or drink in lectures?
The signs outside most lecture theatres state that you may not take food or drink inside which means you may not eat or drink. This helps to keep rooms tidy but it also means you can concentrate on your lectures without being disturbed by rustling noises or spillages. In the School of Pharmacy there are water coolers just outside all rooms where you can refresh yourself.
- Can I talk or text in lectures?
You can think about the answer to this question yourself by considering the kind of learning environment you would like to work in and what it means to be a professional. It can be very distracting if you are using a mobile phone, whether speaking or texting, or listening to music. Not only will you be unable to concentrate satisfactorily but you may disturb other students, or members of staff, who are trying to create an effective learning environment.
- What should I do in a lecture?
There are no hard and fast rules about what to do in lectures, other than pay attention and treat the tutor and your peers with respect. A lecture is about more than just someone talking to you. It will involve an experienced member of staff introducing and explaining key concepts. You may have to take notes but tutors will also put some lectures notes on WebCT. These notes are not a substitute for attending the lecture, but they will help you to pay attention to the lecture and make your own, more complete notes. Some lectures will also involve a discussion session where you should be prepared to share your ideas and listen to those of others.
- What should I wear to class?
The answer to this question depends on the type of session you are attending. For general lectures of workshops you can just wear your usual clothing. For practical sessions you should wear full length trousers or skirts, not shorts, and shoes or boots that completely cover your feet, not open-toed sandals or flip-flops. You will also need to wear a lab coat and safety glasses once you get into the lab. On occasions you may have to wear gloves and hair-nets. In any area of teaching that reflects professional practice you will be expected to dress as a professional, for example in communication role plays, on pharmacy placement, in dispensing classes and when meeting patients. This means dressing as you would when you go to work in a healthcare environment.
- What should I take to class?
Again, the answer to this question depends on the type of session you are attending. Lab classes will require you to take a hard-backed lab book, writing equipment and possibly text books or preparative work. In dispensing classes you will need to take your copy of the MEP and BNF. You will receive more guidance as time progresses so pay attention in lecturers and to announcements on WebCT.
- Do I have to go to teaching sessions?
All teaching sessions on the MPharm course are, by default, compulsory unless specifically stated on your timetable as an optional session. If you miss out on any session you will have an incomplete understanding of the material taught. Most teaching sessions are interactive and this supports you in understanding, rather than just learning, about different topics.
- Can I arrive late for/leave early from teaching sessions?
The MPharm course is one step along the route to becoming a professional pharmacist. As such we expect you to behave as professionals throughout your time here. There are many aspects to professionalism and one of these is time-keeping. Hence, you will be expected to arrive on time to all sessions and appointments. Occasionally, however, unexpected things happen to everyone. If you are late for a lecture you should enter quietly at the back and make your apologies to the session leader at the end. If you need to leave early you should let the session leader know either before, or at the beginning of, a session and leave without disturbing anyone.
If you are ill during a session then leave quietly and let the session leader know what happened when you are better. If you know in advance that you will be unable to attend you should let the Programme Office know by e-mail. You will then have to fill in a sickness form once you return to studies. You will find further information in the handbook you receive once you join the School of Pharmacy.
- What will a practical session be like?
Practical sessions vary according to who the tutor is and the subject you are studying. In general you should turn up for a lab session having completed any necessary pre-lab work and with your lab coat to hand. Often you will have to download the lab script off WebCT along with a COSHH form to complete. You may also need to bring the relevant text book with you. The topic of the practical will be introduced along with any equipment you might need to use. There will also be some mention of the safety features that you need to be aware of for that practical. This might include how to dispose of needles or broken glass, whether you should use chemicals in a fumehood or on the bench and what to do if you spill something. You will then begin working through the given practical under the supervision of staff and, sometimes, demonstrators. Staff may ask you questions in order to make sure you understand how the theoretical work you have covered underpins the practicals you undertake. At the end of a lab session you will need to ensure that you have done all the necessary work, tidy your working area and return any items you have used. If you finish early you might be given the option to leave the lab and do some research or start your lab report. Some staff allow time for you to complete the lab report within the timetabled slot and will expect you to submit by the end of the session. You will be told if this is the case.
Timetable:
- Where do I get my timetable from?
The timetable for your first week will usually be included in your welcome pack that you receive once you have enrolled at Keele and registered with the School of Pharmacy. During the first week you will also receive a password allowing you to access your e-mails and Web CT. Once you can log onto WebCT then you can access your own personalised timetable which is regularly updated with new information.
- Will my timetable always stay the same?
The benefit of an on-line timetable is that it can be updated according to specific needs. If a member of staff is ill a session can be cancelled or, if the students need an extra workshop, one can be scheduled. We aim to make changes no less than 5 working days before the scheduled change occurs. The timetable updates itself twice daily so that the view you have during teaching hours is always the most up-to-date.
