PC1101 - Introduction to Pharmacy

This subject is an introduction to the profession of pharmacy in the Australian health care context. Pharmacy practice occurs in a variety of settings including hospitals, the community, the armed forces, industry and in government. Students are introduced to the role of pharmacy in Australian society, including the history of pharmacy, professionalism and professional standards. Students are familiarised with the skills necessary to effectively communicate with patients and other health care professionals, in the provision of quality primary and secondary health care in urban areas and the expanding role including rural and remote parts of Australia. Students are also introduced to the scientific foundation of dosage form design, then applying their knowledge in extemporaneous dispensing laboratory sessions.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the role of the pharmacy practitioner as a member of the primary and secondary health care team in Australia;
• Discuss and reflect upon the importance of professionalism and underpinning professional standards to the practice of pharmacy;
• Apply a variety of communication skills appropriate to pharmacy practice contexts;
• Produce elementary extemporaneous preparations utilising appropriate pharmaceutical calculations and compounding techniques;
• Identify the primary source of drug information.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (30%) - Individual
• Calculations Quiz - Hurdle Assessment - (%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Portfolio - (25%) - Group & Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Lab/Practical report - (25%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.