Skip to main content
Unit of study_

PHAR3815: Pharmaceutical Skills and Dispensing A

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will provide an introduction to dispensing practice and to the extemporaneous preparation of pharmaceutical formulations. Students will develop attitudes, knowledge and skills through practise in interpreting the prescription, accuracy in dispensing, methodical approaches to preparing and dispensing prescribed products including preparing, selecting or using appropriate materials, equipment, labels and containers, documentation of dispensing procedures, effect of ingredients and methods used on the quality of pharmaceutical products, quality control and quality assurance procedures including those to minimise errors in all aspects of the dispensing process to ensure patient safety.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PHAR3815
Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 4
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
(BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3) and (CHEM1611 or CHEM11X2 or CHEM19X2 or CHEM1904) and (CHEM1612 or CHEM11X1 or CHEM19X1 or CHEM1903) and (BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) and PHAR1811 and PHAR1812 and PHAR1821 and PHAR1822 and PCOL2605 and PHAR2811 and PHAR2812 and PHAR2813 and PHAR2821 and PHAR2822 and PHAR2823 and PHSI2601
Corequisites
? 
PHAR3816 and PHAR3817 and PHAR3818 and PHAR3819
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Bartlett, andrew.bartlett@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Daisy Cheung, daisy.cheung@sydney.edu.au
Laith Al-Shdifat, lals9725@uni.sydney.edu.au
Simmie Chung, simmie.chung@sydney.edu.au
Irene Um, irene.um@sydney.edu.au
Kiplin Patanwala, kiplin.patanwala@sydney.edu.au
Jessica Pace, jessica.pace@sydney.edu.au
Kathy Chiang, kathy.chiang@sydney.edu.au
Bryson Hawkins, bryson.hawkins@sydney.edu.au
Elias Najib, elias.najib@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam hurdle task Final written examination
MCQ, short answer
30% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO1
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam hurdle task Final practical examination
Assessment of clinical skills
35% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Participation hurdle task Tutorial participation
Participation
5% Multiple weeks 12 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small continuous assessment hurdle task Products manufactured and dispensing portfolio
Portfolio
10% Ongoing 36 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
In-semester test (Record+) Type B in-semester exam Written examination
Mix of MCQ, short answer questions.
20% Week 07
Due date: 21 Apr 2021 at 10:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?
Type B in-semester exam = Type B in-semester exam ?
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Tutorial participation: Students are expected to participate in all tutorials in a professional manner. This includes completing all the pre-work before attending the tutorial.
  • Products manufactured and dispensing portfolio: Students will be required to prepare a number of extemporaneous products and associated dispensing records in each practical class. Completed dispensing record forms and a photo of the product are to be uploaded to LabArchives within the lab. Students are expected to self-assess all their products and peer assess other students. 
  • Mid-Semester written exam: This will assess the attainment of knowledge associated with accurately and safely dispensing extemporaneous products, including identifying information in pharmacy textbooks, pharmaceutical calculations, sources of error and preparation of labels.
  • Written exam: This exam will test the attainment of skills and knowledge associated with accurately and safely dispensing extemporaneous products. This may include identifying information in pharmacy textbooks relevant to dispensing extemporaneous products, knowing how to prepare simple formulations, calculate appropriate quantities for ingredients, identify sources of error and how to prevent them, and prepare labels for extemporaneous products.
  • Final written exam: The final written examination will test the attainment of skills and knowledge associated with accurately and safely dispensing extemporaneous products. This may include identifying information in pharmacy textbooks relevant to dispensing extemporaneous products, knowing how to prepare formulations, calculate appropriate quantities for ingredients, identify sources of error and how to prevent them, and prepare labels for extemporaneous products.
  • Final practical examination: Students are required to prepare, dispense and submit three compounded products, and complete the associated examination dispensing record for each product. Students must satisfactorily compound two out of three products to pass the course.
  • Supplementary Yr assessments: Students may be offered re-assessment of compulsory-to-pass assessments as described in the relevant local provisions. For more information see: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2019/498&RendNum=0

  • Repeating students: Exemption from components (tutorials, labs) for students repeating PHAR3815 will not be granted.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

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 units 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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

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 Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
- Preparation of extemporaneous products Science laboratory (40 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 01 Introduction Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 02 Medication safety and schedule 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 03 Schedule 3 and Medication safety Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 04 Schedule 4 and Medication safety Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 05 Medication safety and schedule 5 Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 06 Calculations Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 09 Schedule 6 Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 10 Schedule 7 Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 11 Exam preparation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Question and answer Lecture (1 hr) LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Required materials: The following equipment is required in addition to the specified texts and references: two spatulas, one small and one large or medium, and your University of Sydney name badge. The following equipment is highly recommended: marker pen.

While working within the dispensing laboratory:

 all students must:

  • wear a clean white laboratory coat
  • wear clothing that covers torso and legs (short shorts and short skirts are not permitted)
  • wear shoes which completely cover the feet (no sandals or thongs are permitted)
  • ensure that long hair is tied back
  • wear safety glasses when working with ingredients

Attendance: Students are required to attend at least 80% of tutorials (i.e. at least 4 out of 5), even when they have approved Special Consideration for absence. For more information see: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/coursework/pharmacy_rules.shtml

If you are unable to attend a tutorial, you must contact the unit of study coordinator as soon as possible to see if you can attend another tutorial. The unit of study coordinator
may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

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 4 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 80-100 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library Reading List link available on Canvas.

  • The Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF), 25th edition available through SUPA or the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
  • LabArchives

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. apply appropriate numeracy skills to the solution of pharmacy problems
  • LO2. prepare extemporaneous products to appropriate standards of safety and quality
  • LO3. maximise patient safety through QUM; and minimise and manage medicine error
  • LO4. demonstrate an understanding of laws that govern the supply of medicines and the practice of pharmacy
  • LO5. evaluate ingredients for safety, quality and efficacy of medicines
  • LO6. store, supply and dispose of medicines in a safe and an environmentally appropriate manner.
  • LO7. Reflect on strengths and weakness and apply this reflection to improved practice

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care
LO2
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
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
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
3.16. demonstrating awareness of the appropriate conditions for secure and safe storage and distribution of medications to ensure stability and efficacy
LO3
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
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
4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk
4.3. demonstrating self-awareness and self-regulation of personal attributes, strengths and weaknesses which may affect professional performance and/or personal development
4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact
4.9. promoting quality assurance and continuous quality improvement strategies through utilising skills in collaboration, critical thinking, curiosity and creativity
LO4
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
1.4. practising legally by
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
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
LO5
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
LO6
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
3.16. demonstrating awareness of the appropriate conditions for secure and safe storage and distribution of medications to ensure stability and efficacy
LO7
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
1.6. demonstrating a proactive and reflective approach to developing their own professional competence and expertise
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 - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A promoting both the best interests and safety of patients and the public
1.6 P demonstrating a proactive and reflective approach to developing their own professional competence and expertise
3.12 A consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care
3.14 A dispensing medicines safely and accurately in accordance with current legislation, scope of practice, PharmBA Guidelines and other relevant jurisdictional requirements to optimise patient outcomes
3.15 A P preparing and supplying extemporaneously compounded medications safely and accurately in accordance with current legislation, scope of practice, PharmBA Guidelines and other relevant jurisdictional requirements
3.16 A P demonstrating awareness of the appropriate conditions for secure and safe storage and distribution of medications to ensure stability and efficacy
4.11 A demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk
4.3 P demonstrating self-awareness and self-regulation of personal attributes, strengths and weaknesses which may affect professional performance and/or personal development
4.4 A demonstrating awareness of the signs which indicate that a potential risk to public safety may exist if observed in another practitioner, and formulating appropriate responses including support, advice, assistance, referral or reporting where necessary

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

No Changes since last offered

Work, health and safety

When preparing products or working with ingredients, all students must wear rubber gloves (supplied in the laboratory) and safety glasses which meet the requirements as displayed in the notice boards in the dispensing laboratory.

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.