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Unit of study_

PHAR1811: Foundations of Pharmacy

Foundations of Pharmacy is a broad introduction to the discipline of pharmacy and the roles that pharmacists play in health care as well as the ideas, issues, skills and knowledge base required of a professional pharmacist. A number of topics are introduced but not covered in depth; they will be further developed in subsequent units of study and later years of the degree. Specific skills in research, critical thinking, writing, group work and presenting are developed in the context of activities designed to orient students to their future profession. The intent is that students begin to think and behave as future members of the profession of pharmacy, and reflect upon the attitudes and beliefs that will shape their practice.

Code PHAR1811
Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Assess and critically evaluate the appropriateness, quality and reliability of sources retrieved in order to arrive at evidence-based conclusions when solving drug problems in pharmacy.
  • LO2. Apply a systematic reasoning process in researching, synthesising reference sources and using simple descriptive statistical techniques to solve pharmacy-related problems.
  • LO3. Discuss some of the critical stages in the history of medicine, medicines and pharmacy and understand its implications for contemporary medicine and pharmacy practice
  • LO4. Explain in general terms, the fundamental characteristics and organisation of the profession of pharmacy, including professional, legal and ethical dimensions of practice that inform patient care.
  • LO5. Discuss some of the roles played by pharmacists for ensuring the safe and effective provision of medicines and services across Australian health settings.
  • LO6. Describe the broad structure of the health care system in Australia and the place of medicines within the overall framework.
  • LO7. Understand general principles of laboratory safety practices and pharmaceutical calculations that underpin simple extemporaneous product preparations.
  • LO8. Communicate in ways that are effective, in written and verbal forms, for expert and non-expert audiences that are reasonably encountered in the context of pharmacy practice (e.g. patients, doctors and peers).
  • LO9. Apply writing and referencing techniques to acknowledge sources in way that is appropriate for university study and to avoid plagiarism in all forms.
  • LO10. Engage in continuous reflection and take responsibility for personal and professional development