Outline

Overview

This unit of study builds on PHAR1911 (Fundamentals of Pharmacy) and integrates basic scientific concepts underpinning compounding and pharmaceutical dosage forms with pharmacy practice. The pharmaceutics component delves into the fundamental principles and scientific theories underpinning pharmaceutical practice. It provides a comprehensive understanding of various dosage forms used in pharmacy, focusing on the key concepts necessary for their safe and effective preparation. These principles guide pharmacists in making informed decisions regarding the appropriate use of different forms in clinical practice, ensuring optimal drug delivery and patient care. Students will explore how these scientific concepts translate into practical considerations in pharmacy practice. The pharmacy practice component focuses on professional pharmacy services and the quality use of medicines, covering topics such as communication with patients and patient self-management, and quality use of medicines in primary care, focusing on the provision of non-prescription medicines. This unit includes a one-week placement (work-integrated learning) in a community pharmacy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	HSC Chemistry and Mathematics Advanced (2U). Students who have not completed HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take a Chemistry Bridging Course (offered in February and as a distance course at other times of the year)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Pegah Varamini, pegah.varamini@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam Written examination	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Laboratory participation and portfolio Laboratory tasks, preparation and student portfolio	12.5%	Multiple weeks	2- 2.5 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Work Integrated Learning (RISR Portfolio) OTC counseling, prescription dispensing, and pharmacy stock management	0%	Multiple weeks	37.5 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Tabletting Video Video demonstrating how tablets are made	7.5%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Placement Debrief Debrief session following your clinical placement.	0%	Multiple weeks	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Cultural Competence Workshop Workshop to gain deeper understanding of cultural competence: race, racism and privilege in health	0%	Multiple weeks	3 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Mental Health & Wellbeing Program Attendance, participation and submission of task(s)	0%	Week 02	Lectures, workshop,and submitted task(s)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task #Early Feedback Task (#EFT); Semi open-book assessment.	2.5%	Week 03	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Simulated Dispensing Post-workshop take-home task	0%	Week 05	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	In-semester test Written exam covering content from Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice up to and including Week 6.	20%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2025 at 17:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Health Infographic and Statement of Significance Health infographic	12.5%	Week 09	1-page PDF + audio recording (5 mins)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Preceptor Assessment Preceptor assessment of workplace behaviour	0%	Week 13	10 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early in-class assessment (#EFT): during week three, you will complete this quiz in your pharmacy practice workshop. This mandatory assessment serves as an early-feedback assessment for both Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutics knowledge. It aims to provide you with early feedback on your readiness for academic success in this unit before the Census date.

In-semester test: The in-semester test will consist of a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. The test covers content from Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice up to and including Week 6. Materials from lectures, workshops and laboratory sessions are examinable.

Simulated Dispensing: You are required to complete a formative 30 min take-home simulated dispensing task, after completing the Pharmacy Skills Workshop and Extemporaneous Dispensing Skills workshop.

Health Infographics Assignment: in this assignment you will be required to work in a group, selecting, researching and curating a health infographic on a selected OTC topic as well as an audio explainer to your infographic (up to 5 minutes).

Tabletting video: you are required to create a 5 minute video as a group to explain the process of making tablets.

Laboratory participation: compulsory attendance and satisfactory completion of portfolio/reports across a range of laboratory experiences: paracetamol suspension, compounding and tabletting.

Community Pharmacy Placement, Work Integrated Learning (RISR Portfolio) + Preceptor Assessment: you will be undertaking a compulsory week-long placement (37.5hrs) in a community pharmacy to observe and develop skills in dispensing, counselling on simple ailments and observe the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy and the role that pharmacists play in ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines. These activities are marked by your preceptor. You must attend, participate in and pass the marked activities in these assessments in order to pass this UoS (50%).

Placement Debrief: following your community pharmacy placement you will participate in a one-hour debrief session. These sessions provide an opportunity for students to reflect and share their placement experience with tutors and peers. These classes are intended to be a safe and confidential environment for students to raise any queries related to the legal, professional and ethical queries which may also arise from the practice of pharmacy in the real-world. You must attend, participate during the class discussion in order to pass this UoS (50%).

Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop:this is a compulsory workshop in week 2 to give you insight about the importance of mental health and developing resilience as a healthcare professional. You must watch the accompanying pre-recorded lectures, attend and participate in this assessment in order to pass this UoS (50%).

Cultural Competence Workshop: This workshop is compulsory and will provide you with an interactive experience in understanding how race, racism and privilege influence health. You must attend and participate in this assessment in order to pass this UoS (50%).

Final Exam: The final exam will consist of a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. Materials from lectures, workshops and laboratory sessions are examinable. You must obtain a grade of 50% or higher in this assessment to satisfy the requirements for this unit of study. If you do not pass this assessment the maximum final grade you can obtain will be 45 FA, regardless of the total raw mark you obtain for the UoS.

AI allowed (all assessments except Final exam, In-semester test and preceptor assessment)

You are permitted to use automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate your learning and completion of this assignment.  Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Do not enter confidential, personal, copyrighted or otherwise sensitive information into any AI tool.

Do not rely on the accuracy of outputs. You remain responsible for your work. This means you must independently verify and edit AI-generated content to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and suitability of the output.

If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication.

 Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission, must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to reference and acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

 You are advised to keep copies of the prompts you provided and AI outputs as evidence of your research and writing process. This allows you to produce an accurate acknowledgement of AI use when you submit your work. This can be requested by the unit coordinator if there is any uncertainty about the originality of your work.

No use of AI (Final exam, In-semester test and preceptor assessment)

 The use of automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence is prohibited in this assessment. You are not allowed to use AI or any other software to create information or answers, to alter your own original writing, or to generate or modify text from other sources. This includes translation software, editing/paraphrasing software and other generative artificial intelligence tools.

 Unapproved use is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and may result in penalties, which can include a fail for the assessment.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Grade	Mark	Description
High Distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit's material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Paracetamol Suspension Laboratory	Practical (3 hr)
	Tabletting Laboratory	Practical (2.5 hr)
	Work-integrated learning (WIL) in a community pharmacy	Placement (37.5 hr)
	Post-placement Debrief	Workshop (1 hr)
	Cultural Competence Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)
	Self-directed learning	Independent study (100 hr)
	Pharmaceutics-Liquid Formulation Tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 01	1) Introduction to PHAR 1921 2) Introduction to dosage forms 1 3) Introduction to dosage forms 2	Lecture (3 hr)
	1) Introduction to Social Accountability 2) Cultural Competence 3) First Nations Health	Lecture (3 hr)
	1) Mental Health and Wellbeing Lecture 1 2) Mental Health and Wellbeing Lecture 2	Online class (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Pharmacy Practice and Mental Health and Wellbeing	Workshop (2 hr)
	1) Liquid Formulations 1; 2) Liquid Formulation 2; 3) Liquid Formulation 3	Lecture (3 hr)
	1) Pharmacist care 2) Communication Skills in Pharmacy Practice 3) Placements - Workplace Integrated Learning	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	An object-based learning approach to social determinants of health	Workshop (2 hr)
	1) Aerosol Formulations 1; 2) Aerosol Formulations 2; 3) Aerosol Formulations 3	Lecture (3 hr)
	1, 2 & 3) Information Gathering for clinical decision-making	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	1) Suspensions 1; 2) Suspensions 2; 3) Regulatory-Uniformity of dose-Recall	Lecture (3 hr)
	1) Forensics 1: Scheduling 2) Forensics 2: What is a legal prescription? 3) Forensics 3: Introduction to the PBS	Lecture (3 hr)
	Ethical and Culturally Competent Communication	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	1) Emulsions 1; 2) Emulsions 2; 3) Lab induction and safety	Lecture (3 hr)
	1) Over-the-counter medicines supply (S2/S3) 2) Childhood Development and Nutrition in Pharmacy 3) Parasitic Infection: A Bug's Life	Lecture (3 hr)
	Pharmacy Skills Workshop and Extemporaneous Dispensing Skills	Workshop (2 hr)
	Introduction to Compounding/Dispensing Workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	1) Liquids and Solutions; 2) Crystalline and amorphous particles; 3) Rheology	Lecture (3 hr)
	1) Introduction to Dermatology 2) Common Skin Ailments in the Pharmacy 3) Topical Corticosteroids (S2/S3)	Lecture (3 hr)
	Compounding (Lab 1)	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Paediatrics Workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Dermatology Workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
	1) Solid Dosage Forms (tablets) 1; 2) Solid Dosage Forms (tablets) 2; 3) Solid Dosage Forms (tablets) 3	Lecture (3 hr)
	1) Pain & simple analgesics 2) Understanding headaches & migraine 3) Dyspepsia, GORD & Acid Supression	Lecture (3 hr)
	Compounding (Lab 2)	Practical (1.5 hr)
Week 08	1) Suppositories; 2) Body systems; 3) Video presentation briefing.	Lecture (3 hr)
	Pain, headaches and migraine workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
	Compounding (Lab 3)	Practical (1.5 hr)
	1) & 2) Common childhood conditions 3) Cough & cold	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Cough and Cold Workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
	1) Freezing point depression; 2) Osmosis; 3) Protein Formulation	Lecture (3 hr)
	1) Nausea & Vomiting 2) Diarrhoea 3) Constipation & Haemorrhoids	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Gastrointestinal Workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	1) Nausea & Vomiting 2) Diarrhoea 3) Constipation & Haemorrhoids	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend a minimum of 85% of tutorials, workshops and laboratory sessions (i.e., paracetamol suspension, compounding, and tabletting) to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study.

If a tutorial/lab/workshop/placement is missed due to illness or misadventure, students are to submit a special consideration application along with supporting documentation.

Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the commencement of the tutorial/laboratory/workshop/placement will be marked as unprofessional, which is a component of the class participation and professionalism assessment.

For more information see the current handbook

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas for details.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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

LO1. Describe the different types of pharmaceutical dosage forms, and explain why and when each dosage form would be appropriate, and how each dosage form is prepared.
LO2. Describe the forces, science and terminology behind different dosage forms.
LO3. Prepare extemporaneous products to appropriate standards of safety and quality.
LO4. Conduct multi-step pharmaceutical calculations.
LO5. Define patient-centred care, and list examples of elements which demonstrate patient-centred care and why they are important.
LO6. Communicate effectively and appropriately in a culturally-capable manner with patients, families, carers and other health professionals.
LO7. Identify, access and process appropriate sources of evidence-based clinical information, and effectively communicate the relevant information.
LO8. Describe the role of a pharmacist in ensuring safe and effective use of a medicine.
LO9. Identify key elements of shared decision making and describe its benefits for patients, health professionals and the health system.
LO10. Apply a systematic reasoning process to diagnose and manage a range of simple, ambulatory conditions in pharmacy using appropriate non-pharmacological strategies, or over-the-counter products using endorsed professional protocols.
LO11. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of fundamental concepts involved in dispensing a prescription legally and correctly.
LO12. Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development through independent learning and continuous reflection.
LO13. Recognise the importance of personal physical, emotional and mental health, list simple strategies to improve personal health and wellbeing, and recognise when it may be appropriate to seek support.
LO14. Work effectively and cooperatively as a member of a learning team.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.15. preparing and supplying extemporaneously compounded medications safely and accurately in accordance with current legislation, scope of practice, PharmBA Guidelines and other relevant jurisdictional requirements Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.15. preparing and supplying extemporaneously compounded medications safely and accurately in accordance with current legislation, scope of practice, PharmBA Guidelines and other relevant jurisdictional requirements
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.5. demonstrating the delivery of person-centred care including 3.5.a. respecting the personal characteristics, rights, preferences, values, beliefs, needs and diversity of patients, carers and other persons 3.5.b. maintaining privacy and confidentiality in interactions with patients, carers and other persons 3.5.c. optimising as far as is practicable the physical environment in which care takes place 3.5.d. ensuring that the best interests of patients, carers and other persons are foremost in the provision of care 3.5.e. ensuring that patients, carers and other persons are provided with sufficient information and advice to enable them to consider options and give informed consent where appropriate 3.5.f. ensuring that informed consent is obtained, respected and appropriately recorded when appropriate
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 2.1.a. using verbal, written and non-verbal communication which is appropriately tailored to the professional practice context and the capabilities and health literacy of the other person(s) 2.1.b. engaging with all persons in a respectful, culturally appropriate, compassionate, responsive and empathetic manner in professional practice 2.1.c. engaging in culturally appropriate and sensitive communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori people in professional practice which respects their history, culture and protocols 2.1.d. using appropriate communication and interpersonal behaviours in professional practice interactions 2.3. contributing to, and taking prominent roles where appropriate in the interprofessional collaborative health care team, in order to optimise patient outcomes, by 2.3.b. creating and maintaining effective intra-and interprofessional relationships, and working in partnership to achieve negotiated, agreed-upon objectives Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 2.1.a. demonstrating appropriately tailored verbal, written and non-verbal communication 2.1.b. engaging with all persons in a respectful, culturally appropriate, compassionate, responsive and empathetic manner 2.1.c. demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori history, communication styles and community protocols 2.1.d. demonstrating appropriate communication and interpersonal behaviours 2.3. contributing to the interprofessional collaborative health care team in order to optimise patient outcomes by 2.3.b. creating and maintaining effective intra- and interprofessional relationships, and working in partnership to achieve negotiated, agreed-upon objectives
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 2.1.a. demonstrating appropriately tailored verbal, written and non-verbal communication 2.1.b. engaging with all persons in a respectful, culturally appropriate, compassionate, responsive and empathetic manner 2.1.c. demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori history, communication styles and community protocols 2.1.d. demonstrating appropriate communication and interpersonal behaviours 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage health, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 2.4. collaborating with patients, carers and other clients in shared decision-making by 2.4.a. supporting the rights of patients, carers and other clients to access relevant information and participate in decisions relating to their care 2.4.b. respecting their choices Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 2.4. collaborating with patients, carers and other clients in shared decision-making by 2.4.a. supporting the rights of patients, carers and other clients to access relevant information and participate in decisions relating to their care 2.4.b. respecting their choices
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.17. providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management 3.18. assessing ambulatory conditions and providing appropriate management approaches, including pharmacological, nonpharmacological and referral options where appropriate 3.3. prescribing medications in accordance with current jurisdictionspecific legislation, scope of practice and PharmBA Guidelines Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.17. providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management 3.18. assessing ambulatory conditions and recommending appropriate management approaches, including pharmacological, non-pharmacological and referral options where appropriate 3.3. prescribing medications in accordance with current jurisdiction-specific legislation, scope of practice and PharmBA Guidelines
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 1.4. practising legally by 1.4.a. complying with all legal obligations in their practice 3.14. dispensing medicines safely and accurately in accordance with current legislation, scope of practice, PharmBA Guidelines and other relevant jurisdictional requirements to optimise patient outcomes Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 1.4. practising legally by 1.4.a. demonstrating contemporary knowledge and application of legal requirements relating to community and hospital pharmacy practice within their jurisdiction 3.14. dispensing medicines safely and accurately in accordance with current legislation, scope of practice, PharmBA Guidelines and other relevant jurisdictional requirements to optimise patient outcomes
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 1.6. adopting a proactive and reflective approach to maintaining and developing their own professional competence and expertise in order to remain fit-to-practise 4.1. engaging in regular and systematic reflection to enhance professional learning and practice 4.2. identifying and acknowledging professional limitations and seeking appropriate support where necessary, including additional professional education and/or referral of patients to other health care professionals Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 1.6. demonstrating a proactive and reflective approach to developing their own professional competence and expertise 1.8. accepting personal responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions in simulated and/or work-integrated learning environments 4.1. undertaking regular reflection as a means of enhancing learning and practice 4.2. demonstrating awareness of professional limitations and adopting appropriate strategies where necessary, including additional professional education and/or referral of patients to other health care professionals
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 4.6. evaluating personal health and wellbeing status, identifying situations where health or wellbeing may be challenged, and adopting appropriate strategies and mechanisms to minimise their impact on personal and professional life Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 4.6. evaluating personal health and wellbeing status, identifying situations where health or wellbeing may be challenged, and developing appropriate strategies and mechanisms to minimise their impact on personal and professional life
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 2.1.b. engaging with all persons in a respectful, culturally appropriate, compassionate, responsive and empathetic manner in professional practice 2.3. contributing to, and taking prominent roles where appropriate in the interprofessional collaborative health care team, in order to optimise patient outcomes, by 2.3.a. respecting and appreciating the complementary roles of pharmacists and other members of the interprofessional collaborative care team 2.3.c. consistently engaging in appropriate teamwork behaviours Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 2.1.a. demonstrating appropriately tailored verbal, written and non-verbal communication 2.1.b. engaging with all persons in a respectful, culturally appropriate, compassionate, responsive and empathetic manner 2.1.c. demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori history, communication styles and community protocols 2.1.d. demonstrating appropriate communication and interpersonal behaviours 2.3. contributing to the interprofessional collaborative health care team in order to optimise patient outcomes by 2.3.a. demonstrating an understanding and appreciation of the roles of pharmacists and other members of the interprofessional collaborative care team 2.3.c. demonstrating appropriate teamwork behaviours

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to your feedback and to support your learning outcomes, we are updating the assessment structure for PHAR1921. The five small quizzes linked to Therapeutics–Pharmacy Practice workshops and the Pharmaceutics Knowledge Quiz will now be combined into a single in-semester test in Week 7, worth 20%. This change is designed to simplify your workload and ensure better alignment with learning goals. To keep the overall balance of assessments fair across the unit, we have also made small adjustments to the weightings of some other tasks in both the Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice streams. These changes are part of broader curriculum improvements, including updates to Work Integrated Learning (WIL), and will help create a clearer and more consistent assessment experience this semester.

Additional information

Clinical placement checks and clearances (including verification of immunisations and Criminal Record Check) – Full verification by the Office of Clinical Education Support required for students to undertake placements. This process involves fulfilment of immunisation requirements which can typically take six months to complete. Students were advised on this at enrolment and no exceptions will be made for students who are not fully verified. See link for more information: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks.html
Working with Children Check
Pharmacy Placement WHS Checklist (available via Canvas)

Site visit guidelines

Contact your preceptor by phone or in-person to introduce yourself and confirm your placement at least one week prior to commencement of placement.

Work, health and safety

Required materials:

Protective Lab coat and safety glasses are required for laboratory sessions.

The following equipment is required in addition to the specified texts and references: two spatulas, one small and one large or medium. A marker pen is highly recommended.

While working within the dispensing laboratory, all students must wear a clean white lab coat and wear shoes which completely cover the feet (no sandals or thongs are permitted). No shorts are permitted.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHAR1921: Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links