James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

PC1310 - Foundations of Pharmacy Practice 3

Subject Description

This subject introduces students to clinical pharmacy practice and the professional standards underpinning clinical pharmacy services and specialist pharmacist roles. The concept of pharmaceutical care will be explored and students will be introduced to the areas of patient history taking and care planning, further developing communication skills. To further situate the student in the clinical environment, students will be familiarised with basic pathology testing and the interpretation of laboratory values to aid diagnosis and monitoring of disease states, as well as therapeutic drug monitoring. The underlying chemistry of complementary and alternate medicines (CAMS) will be introduced to inform the therapeutic use of CAMS. Student knowledge in pharmaceutics will be further developed in the consideration of liquid and modified release dosage forms. Students will continue to develop their knowledge and skills in calculations, dispensing and compounding techniques. Understanding of marketing in pharmacy practice will be developed, including the principles and influencing factors of consumer behaviours that inform the provision of quality health care. Application of the knowledge and skills developed will be complemented by experiential placement.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the practice of pharmacy in a clinical setting, identifying professional standards in clinical pharmacy practice
• Explain how marketing and consumer behaviours assist pharmacists in the provision of quality health care
• Describe the underlying chemistry of complementary and alternative medicines
• Analyse and interpret pathology results applicable to diagnosis, disease state management and therapeutic drug monitoring
• Explain the scientific principles of pharmaceutics as they relate to liquid and modified-release dosage forms
• Apply and demonstrate communication and clinical skills in dispensing, compounding and in pharmacy practice settings

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (40%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Availabilities