University of Bradford

School of Life Sciences – School of Pharmacy

MPharm 5-year Programme 2009 entry

Awarding and teaching institution: University of Bradford

Final award: MPharm [QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England at Level M]

Programme title: Degree of Master of Pharmacy

Duration: Five years

UCAS code: B231

Subject benchmark statement: Pharmacy

Programme accredited by: Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (next accreditation 2011)

Date produced: May 2003; updated September 2009

Pharmacy is a science-based health care profession that specialises in managing the use of medicines. The course at Bradford is unique, within the UK, being the only one that embeds two separate periods of pre-registration experience. Thus subject to passing your professional qualifying examination you will register as a pharmacist when you graduate.

Your learning will take place in an environment judged to be excellent in terms of its teaching quality by the QAAHE, where special emphasis is placed on the development of your professional abilities and where staff research informs much of the undergraduate curriculum. The department was awarded a grade 4 in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise.

A. Programme Aims: The programme is intended to:

A1 Provide you with a systematic understanding of human biology and disease, the actions and uses of medicines and the legal and social context of pharmacy together with a significant understanding of the materials of pharmacy and the preparation and presentation of drugs as medicines;

A2 Enable you to develop a critical awareness of current problems and or new insights in pharmacy;

A3 Enable you to develop a range of professional skills;

A4 Develop insight into research and scientific method;

A5 Further develop your ability in a range of key skills;

A6 Meet the requirements of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain;

A7 Develop your ability to think critically through the application of rational deductive clinical reasoning;

A8 Enable you to study in greater depth an area of the pharmaceutical sciences or professional practice;

A9 Prepare you for seamless progression to professional practice or further study;

A10 Provide a supportive, structured environment in which you are encouraged to develop as an autonomous and lifelong learner.

B. Programme Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:

B1 Subject Knowledge & Skills

B1.1 Integrate, critically analyse and evaluate principles and concepts of human biology in health and disease, the actions and uses of medicines (including those from natural sources) and the legal, the social context of pharmacy, the materials of pharmacy and the preparation and presentation of drugs as medicines and apply them to the identification and resolution of pharmaceutical problems;

B1.2 Demonstrate competency in performing pharmaceutical calculations;

B1.3 Compound, formulate and record the manufacture of a range of pharmaceutical dosage forms;

B1.4 Gather and interpret the relevant information from a structured clinical interview in order to recognise and treat minor ailments and recognise and refer major conditions;

B1.5 Identify and educate patients with modifiable risk factors for health in order to prevent disease and promote a healthy lifestyle;

B1.6 Show competency with near patient testing;

B1.7 Educate patients and other healthcare professionals about the use of medicines by using effective communication techniques;

B1.8 Recognise the sources of medication error and propose appropriate strategies for minimising them;

B1.9 Demonstrate appropriate and informed decision making skills by the use of clinical reasoning and judgement for the benefit of the patient;

B1.10 Critically appraise medication regimes and formulate appropriate Pharmaceutical Care Plans;

B1.11 Research, evaluate and critically appraise a medicine, process or service in order to provide and improve evidence based pharmaceutical care;

B1.12 Demonstrate competency in prescription processing by appraising the safety, legality and appropriateness of prescriptions;

B1.13 Demonstrate a critical awareness of research and scientific method, through the ability to critically evaluate quantitative and qualitative methodology, hypothesis formulation, selection and application of appropriate methodologies and statistical tests and report the findings and conclusions of laboratory work/a research project in the form of a report;

B1.14 Demonstrate a range of competencies consistent with the RPSGB (Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain) performance standards for pre-registration trainees and reflect on the experiences of solving patient care problems during pre-registration training in order to develop clinical judgement and life-long self-development through reflective practice.


B2 Core Academic Skills

B2.1 Identify and solve problems;

B2.2 Demonstrate critical thinking through the application of rational deductive clinical reasoning, including, problem identification/clarification, hypothesis generation; hypothesis testing, hypothesis review, formulation of diagnostic, educational and therapeutic plans.

B2.3 Demonstrate an evidence-based approach to clinical decision-making and problem-solving, through ability to: identify the best available evidence; analyse and interpret evidence;

B3 Personal & Key Skills

B3.1 In accordance with the Pharmacy benchmark statement, you will be able to demonstrate independent and self critical learner skills, written and verbal communication skills, team-working skills, numeracy, time management and organisational skills, problem-solving and C&IT skills.

C. The Curriculum

The MPharm degree is designed as a 5-year Practice Integrated Programme, incorporating two six-month periods of pre-registration training during your third and fifth years of study. The pre-registration training is undertaken in approved premises under the supervision of a pre-registration tutor, and is recognised by the RPSGB as satisfying their requirements for registration purposes.

The course is modular and semesterised in nature. You will study modules amounting to 480 Credits over the five year period, 120 Credits at each Stage of the course. Each semester comprises of single (10 credit), double (20 credit) or linked (20 credits spread across two semesters) modules. You will study a total of 60 Credits each semester.

Stage 1 will introduce you to the scientific principles required in the delivery of pharmaceutical services. During Stage 2 you will revisit and consolidate the scientific principles used in the delivery of pharmaceutical services and develop an understanding of why (and which) drugs are used in the management of minor and major illness. At Stage 3 you will extend the principles of the pharmaceutical sciences and apply them towards the delivery of medicines-management of patients. Furthermore you will learn how to evaluate data / patient’s therapy. Stage 4 builds upon this enabling you to analyse in depth and critically appraise clinical data in the delivery of medicines-management and formulate pharmaceutical care plans. You will also further develop your appreciation of research and scientific method by undertaking a substantial research project.

The curriculum is summarised in the table on the following page and is effective for the academic year 2009 – 2010.

D. Teaching Learning and Assessment Strategies

The programme articulates with the Teaching and Learning and the Excellence Plus strategies of the University.

A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme. They progressively focus on student-centred approaches to learning, thus you will be expected to take increasing responsibility for your learning as you progress through the course. In this way you will develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continued professional development.

Outcomes B1.1 to B1.13 will be developed in a number of modules, through a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, role-play, case studies, CAL and directed study. Directed study will involve you in a variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed Web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. In addition individual project/dissertation work will help you develop outcomes B1.13.

Outcomes B1.1 to B1.13 together with outcome B1.14 will also be developed through exposure to the pharmacy practice environment during the two periods of pre-registration training. Outcome B1.14 is assessed via a portfolio of evidence.

Outcomes B1.1, B1.4, B1.7, B1.9 and B1.10 will also be developed through exposure to a variety of health care environments through a programme of work-based learning and extra-mural study.

The development of outcomes B2.1 and B2.3 will be through involvement in small-group, workshops, project-based and case-based work and assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, the formulation of care plans and clinical assessments.

You will demonstrate your achievement via written closed-book examinations using constructed- (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of professional and clinical assessments.

Key skills are embedded throughout the curriculum with most modules developing at least one of the skills specified in outcome B3.1.

Unit code / Unit title / Type / Credits / Level / Sem
Stage 1
PH1213L / Introduction to the Study of Pharmacy / C / 20 / 1 / 1&2
PH1002L / Human Body in Health & Disease / C / 20 / 1 / 1&2
PH1003L / Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Aseptics / C / 20 / 1 / 1&2
PH1004L / Chemical Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences / C / 20 / 1 / 1&2
PH1005M / Human Cells and Systems / C / 10 / 1 / 1
PH1214M / Professional Practice 1 – Extemporaneous dispensing / C / 10 / 1 / 1
PH1007M / Principles of Drug Action / C / 10 / 1 / 2
PH1008M / Assessing the Quality of Medicines / C / 10 / 1 / 2
Stage 2
PH2009M / Enzymes and Metabolism / C / 10 / 2 / 3
PH2010M / Pharmaceutics 1 / C / 10 / 2 / 3
PH2011M / Molecules of Life / C / 10 / 2 / 3
PH2006L / Body Control Systems (Neurobiology & Endocrinology) / C / 20 / 2 / 3&4
PH2218L / Respiratory, Renal and Cardiovascular Systems – Biology and Biopharmaceutics / C / 20 / 2 / 3&4
PH2007L / Professional Practice 2 / C / 20 / 2 / 3&4
PH2012M / Pharmacognosy / C / 10 / 2 / 4
PH2217D / Pharmaceutics 2 / C / 20 / 2 / 4
Stage 3
PH3243D / Gastrointestinal System - Biology and Biopharmaceutics / C / 20 / 3 / 5
PH3244M / Skin, Eyes and ENT - Biology and Biopharmaceutics / C / 10 / 3 / 5
PH3238D / Immunity & Infections / C / 20 / 3 / 5
PH3XXXL / Clinical Skills / C / 20 / 3 / 5&7
PH3225Z / Professional Training / 6
PH3004D / Professional Practice 3 / C / 20 / 3 / 7
PH3239T / Research Project – Pharmacological Sciences / O / 30 / 3 / 7
PH3240T / Research Project – Pharmaceutical Sciences / O / 30 / 3 / 7
PH3241T / Research Project – Pharmacy Practice/ Pharmacy Education / O / 30 / 3 / 7
Stage 4
PH4025D / Optional Studies – Pharmaceutical Product Innovation / O / 20 / M / 8
PH4019D / Optional Studies – Infectious and neoplastic disease / O / 20 / M / 8
PH4030D / Optional Studies – Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance / O / 20 / M / 8
PH4022D / Optional Studies – Psychology for Pharmacists / O / 20 / M / 8
PH4XXXD / Optional Studies - Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice / O / 20 / M / 8
LSS3000D / Optional Studies –Management Skills for Pharmacists / O / 20 / M / 8
LSS3001D / Optional Studies – Pharmacy Business Practice and Commercial Awareness / O / 20 / M / 8
PH4026D / Consultation Skills for Pharmacists / C / 20 / M / 8
PH3228Z / Professional Training / 9
PH4027Z / Towards Prescribing Practice. / C / 60 / M / 10

C = Core Module O = Optional Module

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.


E. Admission Requirements

For entry onto the course, the ‘normal route’ is by offering three GCE Advanced level science subjects, one of which must be Chemistry. However, if Chemistry and Biology are offered, we are happy to accept a non-science subject (excluding General Studies) as the third A-level. Alternatively, we will accept two subjects at A-level and a further two at AS-level. As above, Chemistry must be offered at A-level and we prefer to see three out of the four subjects being from the sciences. In either of these subject combinations, our normal offer to candidates is 300 points, which is equivalent to BBB or BBbb grades at A-level and AS-level respectively. You must also have English Language and Mathematics at GCSE (Grade C or above.)

We consider applications from candidates with qualifications equivalent or superior to GCE Advanced level, and in the case of mature applicants, relevant experience may be taken into account. In each case it will be the attainment in Chemistry that will be the principal factor. Candidates offering other qualifications such as BTEC or Vocational A-levels will be considered, but must also obtain 100 points in GCE Advanced level Chemistry.

Scottish candidates normally should offer Advanced Highers in Chemistry and Biology (200 points) plus 80 points at Higher level or above. Irish candidates normally should have a Leaving Certificate with Chemistry and Biology at grade A and three other passes at grade B, all at the Higher level. International or European Baccalaureate candidates should write for guidance to the Admissions Tutors, giving details of their subjects. Indeed, the Admissions Tutors would be pleased to discuss any candidate’s individual circumstances if this would help.

The Department has always encouraged applications from students with disabilities, whose applications are considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all candidates. We make special provisions to provide a suitable learning environment wherever possible. When you enquire we will try to arrange an interview for you with a specialist from our Disability Office to discuss your particular requirements. You will receive information about our facilities, and on the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

F. Admissions Policy

We currently admit up to 175 students each year. Initial selection is made on the basis of the UCAS form. Each application is considered on its merits as shown by GCSE performance, work experience, skills, personal interests and reference.

As part of our admissions policy we will invite you to an Applicant Visit Day (AVD) which will also give you the opportunity to see the University and the city, look round the School and its facilities, and talk to current students who act as guides during your visit.