PHA-20009 - Module Specification
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

The MPharm Stage 2 programme continues to provide a truly integrated and fully contextualised course of study as part of the Keele MPharm degree. In an identical manner to the Stage 1 programme, the Stage 2 programme is based upon a single 120-credit module that comprises cycles of learning, assessment and reflection, and all topics progress logically and coherently with patient-oriented themes. The principal aim is to further develop knowledge and skills in a wide variety of disciplines by demonstrating the linkages between applied topics in science and practice that underpin all subsequent learning.
The MPharm Stage 2 programme allows students to further develop a deeper understanding of the topics covered at Stage 1 and see how they are applied in the pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice. Topics are sometimes highlighted with overt links to Stage 1; for example, aspects of physical chemistry and the analysis of small organic molecules is fundamental to an appreciation of the Pharmaceutical Science and Formulation theme in Cycle 1, and fundamental studies of metabolism lead to a deeper understanding of metabolic interrelationships and the metabolism of xenobiotics in the Pharmacology and Drug Action theme of Cycle 2. Similarly, the dispensing course at Stage 2 follows on directly from the equivalent theme in Stage 1. Also included in the Stage 2 programme is a visit to a pharmaceutical company that specialises in liquid formulations so students will be able to experience the manufacture of pharmaceuticals on an industrial scale.

The principal aim is to further develop knowledge and skills in a wide variety of disciplines by demonstrating the linkages between applied topics in science and practice that underpin all subsequent learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of and apply an integrated approach towards patient care which links pharmaceutical science and pharmacy practice: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Explain how physiological patient factors affect the choice of pharmacological agents to treat disease states based upon absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion data
: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Identify and describe the mechanisms of common drug-drug, drug-patient and drug-food interactions and their consequences for patient care: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Explain how drug resistance and drug interactions have consequences for patient care: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Explain the relationship between absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs and their physicochemical properties and formulation: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Compare and evaluate the efficiency and safety of different routes of drug administration: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Explain the underpinning concepts in physical chemistry and materials science which underpin drug formulation: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Evaluate and select processes and formulations appropriate to the manufacture of specified drug products: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Explain the processes involved in the quality assurance of all aspects of pharmaceutical drug development, formulation and the manufacturing process
: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Describe in detail analytical techniques employed to assure quality and safety during the drug development process and the quality, safety and efficacy of the finished drug product: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Demonstrate the relationship between the design of drug product formulation, properties of the formulation, in vitro behaviour and in vivo performance: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Apply the physicochemical principles underlying the formulation of various dosage forms to the extemporaneous preparation of medicines: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Describe the relevance of microbiology within healthcare practice, and the challenges presented by infection in the context of patient care: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Describe in detail the metabolic interrelationships of the various tissues and organs of the human body, including the role of hormones in the intergration of metabolism and the maintenance of homeostasis: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Explain the common techniques used in the analysis of biological data to arrive at safe and appropriate drug selection for a patient: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Interpret nationally and locally produced guidelines in the selection and recommendation of appropriate therapeutic regimens for patients: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Apply a methodical approach to, and demonstrate competence in, the supply of medicines, including controlled drugs, in light of relevant clinical, legal, ethical and pharmaceutical factors: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Demonstrate competence in pharmaceutical calculations related to pharmacology, pharmaceutics and pharmacy practice: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Demonstrate competence in the performance of laboratory techniques in the pharmceutical sciences and the analysis of data generated therein: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Communicate complex concepts effectively, both orally and in writing, in a manner that reflects professional practice: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Study hours

Large- and small-group teaching sessions: 200 hours
Skills-based practical work and placement activity: 200 hours
Directed private study: 500 hours
Non-directed private study, revision and assessment: 300 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment