PHA-10014 - Module Specification
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Currently in Stage 1 there are three cycles of learning, assessment, and reflection. Each cycle comprises seven weeks of teaching followed by one week that is reserved for end-of-cycle examinations; other assessments that cannot fall within the teaching period; and a meeting with a personal tutor, who provides comprehensive and relevant feedback on academic performance and achievement during the cycle. This is a key feature of the programme design: students use this week to reflect on their own progress using the immediate feedback and to prepare for the next cycle, which will build on and be linked to themes covered already. The principal aim is to develop knowledge and skills in a wide variety of disciplines by demonstrating the linkages between seemingly dissimilar topics in science and practice that underpin the remainder of the course. Rather than packaging studies into smaller, discrete modules the Stage 1 programme allows you to see more clearly the linkages between all strands of the programme. This is strengthened in later cycles by focusing on particular patient groups and on specific diseases that affect these groups. Cycle 1 will introduce the underpinning topics in the essential sciences and pharmacy practice. This will include the anatomy of different patients groups, the underpinning organic and synthetic chemistry necessary for drug design, the development and use of drugs, and all aspects of communication with patients. Cycle 2 links together studies in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry covering concepts such as molecular properties and drug design and a focus on the gastro-intestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, the basic nervous system, the urinary tract and the reproductive system. Simultaneously, practical dispensing classes will broaden the coverage of pharmacy practice topics. The content of Cycle 3 will introduce pharmacology and begin to expand upon the variety of healthcare issues which affect various patient groups including reference to respiratory disorders, infection and immunity and chemotherapy. Throughout, the relevance of each group of teaching sessions to the healthcare of patients will be highlighted. From the outset, you will be interacting with patients and developing your consulting skills.

The principal aim is to develop knowledge and skills in a wide variety of disciplines by demonstrating the linkages between seemingly disparate topics in science and practice that underpin all subsequent learning, and hence prepare the student for Stage 2 of the MPharm program.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe the concepts of health, illness, public health and the development of health policy, including the role of medicines in society: 3,4
Describe the structure and function of healthcare provision in the UK, including the regulation of healthcare professionals: 3,4
Recognise, and describe the skills, attitudes and values of healthcare professionals: 3,4,5
Describe and apply the underpinning legal framework for the sale and supply of human medicines in the UK: 3,4,5,6
Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the different members of the prescribing team and the responsibilities of a pharmacist prescriber: 5
Describe the legal, policy, professional, ethical and clinical governance frameworks for accountability and responsibility in relation to pharmacist prescribing: 3,4
Describe the basic architecture, metabolic processes and cellular diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: 1,3,4
Describe the different types of inter- and intracellular signalling systems in eukaryotic cells: 1,3,4
Describe the roles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and electrochemistry in biological systems: 3,4
Describe the cellular and molecular interactions involved in the formation and function of tissues: 3,4,6
Describe the structure and function of common receptor types and how drugs interact with these: 3,4,6
Interpret pharmacological data to identify drug-target interactions: 1,2,3,4
Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the major body systems: 3,4,6
Interpret common pathological symptoms associated with abnormal functions in body systems: 3,4,6
Describe the role of genes in living organisms and how inheritance of genes affects human body systems: 1,3,4
Determine the purity and composition of compounds using appropriate practical and analytical techniques: 2,3,4,5
Recognise and describe the structures and functions of molecules and their reactivity: 2,3,4,6
Describe how functional groups affect the physicochemical properties of molecules: 3,4,6
Describe how the physicochemical properties of molecules affect their formulation into medicines and the route of administration to patients: 3,4,6
Describe the relationship between dosage forms and the interaction of drug substances with human physiology: 1,2,3,4,6
Describe the process of drug design and development from identification of target to formulation: 1
Demonstrate competency in laboratory skills and apply a knowledge of the skills necessary for the successful completion of appropriate manipulative practical exercises: 2,5
Demonstrate competence in pharmaceutical calculations appropriate for this level of study: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in a manner that reflects professional practice appropriate for this level of study: 5,6
Demonstrate an ability to make sound and informed decisions in accordance with basic ethical principles: 5
Obtain informed consent before providing care and pharmacy services: 5

Study hours

Active Learning:
Large- and small-group formal teaching sessions: 360 hours
Skills-based practical work: 200 hours
Placements: 120 hours
Independent Study:
Directed private study: 280 hours
Non-directed private study, revision and assessment: 240 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment