Outline

Overview

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 determining legality of prescriptions, 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	Jessica Pace, jessica.pace@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jessica Pace, jessica.pace@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andrew Bartlett, andrew.bartlett@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Tutorial participation Participation	0%	Multiple weeks	13 sessions. 85% attendance required
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Tutorial quizzes PBS calculations Pharmaceutical calculations Med safety 80% pass mark	0%	Multiple weeks	3 x 30 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Final practical examination Assessment of practical skills and associated documentation.	0%	Multiple weeks	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Class participation: Students are expected to participate in all tutorials and lab sessions in a professional manner. This includes completing all the pre-work before attending class. Satisfactory participation means submitting prework on time, attending classes on time, uploading their dispensing records and photo of each product to CANVAS after each class and their completed self and peer assessment logs, skills mastery sheet and properties of pharmaceutical ingredients at the end of semester.
Tutorial quiz- PBS calculations: Quiz is completed during scheduled workshop time. Students will be required to accurately assess the ingredients and PBS status of a PBS products and price them accordingly.Pass mark required to satisfy the requirements of the course is 80%.
Tutorial quiz- Pharmaceutical calculations: Quiz is completed during scheduled workshop time. Students will be required to accurately calculated a range of pharmaceutical calculations. Pass mark required to satisfy requirements is 80%.
Tutorial quiz- Medication Safety: Quiz competed during scheduled workshop time. Students will identify and apply a range of strategies for improving medication safety and preventing medication errors. Pass mark required to satisfy requirements is 80%.
An additional opportunity may be offered during semester to reattempt quizzes not passed.
Final practical examination: Students are required to identify type of product, write an appropriate method, prepare, dispense and submit one compounded product, and complete the associated examination dispensing record on each attempt. Students need 2 satisfactory compounded products and 2 satisfactory labelling and documentation for compounded products to pass the course. Students will have 4 attempts to achieve this- week 7 exam, week 12 exam and 2 free chance replacement exams in the main semester 1 exam period.
Supplementary Yr assessments: Students may be offered re-assessment of compulsory-to-pass assessments, in the Replacement exam periods (RE2) at the end of the year, as described in the Third Year Rule. For more information see the BPharm Yr 3 Canvas site.
Repeating students: Exemption from components for students repeating PHAR3815 may be granted if competency has been demonstrated in the most recent attempt.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

Result name	Mark range	Description
SR – Satisfied Requirements	No mark	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
FR -Failed Requirements	No mark	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.

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.

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 2023 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 2023. 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	Preparation of extemporaneous products	Science laboratory (40 hr)
	How to succeed in Dispensing Method writing Calculations , PBS/ Pricing Medication Safety	Workshop (6 hr)
	Learning independently including pre-work, post-work, reports and assignments	Independent study (25 hr)
Ongoing	Compounding skills videos	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to dispensing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Pharmaceutical Calculations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	PBS Calculations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Medication safety	Lecture (2 hr)
Weekly	Weekly product briefings	Independent study (8 hr)

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 85% of tutorials/labs (i.e. at least 11 out of 13), 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

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

If you are unable to attend one of your timetabled classes, you must contact the unit of study coordinator as soon as possible to see if you can attend another tutorial. You need an approved special consideration application for your attendance at an alternative class to count towards your final grade for the unit. 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), 26th edition available through SUPA or the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

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. 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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.14. 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
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 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
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 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
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.16. demonstrating awareness of the appropriate conditions for secure and safe storage and distribution of medications to ensure stability and efficacy
	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 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		promoting both the best interests and safety of patients and the public
1.6		demonstrating a proactive and reflective approach to developing their own professional competence and expertise
3.12		consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care
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
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
4.4		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

Responding to student feedback

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

Requirement to achieve 10 satisfactory products in weekly lab sessions has been removed and students instead complete additional practical examinations.

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHAR3815: Pharmaceutical Skills and Dispensing A

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect