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Undergraduate Programme Specification

MPharm Pharmacy

Academic Year 2021/22

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MPharm Pharmacy Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Pharmacy
Programme Code PMY-MPHARM UCAS Code B230 HECoS Code 100251 - Pharmacy - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Undergraduate Master Length of Programme Full Time - 4 Academic Year(s) Total Credits for Programme 480
Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Pharmacy

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Pharmacy (MPharm)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland and General Pharmaceutical Council

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 05-03-21

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Yes – see below for details of the School Progression Policy.

Programme Specific Regulations

MPharm Progression policy
1. All decisions on progression within the MPharm will be taken by the School Examination Board. In line with University Regulations, the School Exceptional Circumstances Committee will make recommendations to the School Examination Board regarding any cases where exceptional circumstances a have been submitted to the School for consideration.

2. A student must pass all modules within each level of the MPharm before being allowed to progress to the next level or graduate.

3. A student who has cumulatively failed resit examinations in two or fewer module equivalents, at the end of the academic year, will normally be permitted two further resit attempts to pass the module(s) in the following academic year.

4. Students are not normally permitted more than one repeat year, or 3 resit attempts at any module. Students requiring a second repeat year or failing any module after 3 resit attempts, will normally be withdrawn by the School.

5. A student who has cumulatively failed resit examinations in more than two module equivalents, at the end of any examination session, will normally be withdrawn by the School.

6. Any student on the MPharm programme who is absent from an examination without timely submission of exceptional circumstances, will be considered to have withdrawn and will normally be withdrawn by the School.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Yes
Fitness to Practise programmes are those which permit students to enter a profession which is itself subject to Fitness to Practise rules.

Educational Aims Of Programme

The MPharm programme aims to:

• provide a quality education programme for pharmacy students that meets the requirements and Standards of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland and the General Pharmaceutical Council;

• provide an educational environment within which students will have the opportunity to develop their interest in pharmacy;

• prepare students for independent life-long learning by encouraging directed self-study;

• provide a strong integrated knowledge base in pharmaceutical and related clinical sciences and in professional aspects of pharmacy;

• provide training in those practical skills related to the science and practice of pharmacy;

• help students develop a range of key and employability skills;

• foster development of research skills;

• develop awareness of professional and ethical issues;

• facilitate students in developing their full potential.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Safely handle chemical and pharmaceutical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 1-3)
• Practical classes (Levels 1-3)
• Tutorials/Workshops (Levels 1-3)

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework (practical reports)

Undertake risk assessments concerning pharmaceutical procedures and practices.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Tutorials/Workshops

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework (practical reports)

Conduct standard pharmaceutical laboratory procedures.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes (Levels 1–3)

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (practical reports)

Plan, design and execute self-directed and original research investigations, from the problem-recognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of results and findings; this to include the ability to select appropriate techniques and procedures.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes (2nd year onward)
• Undergraduate project (Level 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Laboratory/practical reports
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)

Operate standard pharmaceutical instrumentation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes (2nd year onward)

Methods of Assessment

• Laboratory/practical reports

Evaluate critically and interpret purposefully data derived from laboratory and clinical observations and measurements, in terms of their significance and the theory underlying them.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (all levels)
• Practical classes
• Tutorials/Workshops
• Pharmacy Practice sessions and placements

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Prepare and present medicines, by manufacture and extemporaneous dispensing, including sterile products.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Level 2)
• Practical classes (Level 2)
• Tutorials/Workshops (Level 2)

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework (practical reports)

Analyse medicines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 2 and 3)
• Practical classes (Level 2 and 3)
• Tutorials/Workshops (Levels 2 and 3)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework (practical reports)
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)

Advise patients and others on the safe and effective use of medicines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 1-4)
• Practical classes (Levels 1-4)
• Tutorials/Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Pharmacy practice sessions and placements (Levels 2, 3 and 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework (patient case based assignment in Level 4)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Recognise the physical, chemical and biological principles relevant to the pharmaceutical sciences

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 1-4)
• Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Practicals (Levels 1-3)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework (practical reports)
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (written research paper)

Describe the design, development and delivery of drugs

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 1-4)
• Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Practicals (Levels 1-3)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework (practical reports)
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentation and written research paper)

Describe how the clinical sciences are relevant to the practice of pharmacy

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 1-4)
• Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Practicals (Levels 1-3)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentation and written research paper)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments

Describe the organisation of healthcare provision and the social, legal, ethical and economic issues relating to pharmacy practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 3 and 4)
• Workshops (Levels 2, 3 and 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Written examination
• Presentation (ethics in Level 2 and 4)

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the subject areas identified within the Programme Specification.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops/Tutorials (levels 1-4)
• Practicals (Level 1-4)
• Pharmacy Practice sessions (Levels 3 and 4)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Apply in practice settings the knowledge and understanding required to meet the needs of patients and other health care professionals.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Pharmacy Practice Sessions (Levels 1, 3 and 4) and placements
• Extemporaneous Dispensing Practicals (Level 2)
• IPL Workshops

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Clinical skills assessment
• Coursework (placements)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Apply clinical skills in practice settings to the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Pharmacy Practice Sessions
• Placements (2nd year onward)

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Clinical skills assessment
• Coursework (placements)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Recognise, analyse and solve complex problems relating to clinical practice and other pharmaceutical settings.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practicals (2nd year onward)
• Workshops (2nd year onward)
• Placements (2nd year onward)

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (practical reports and group reports)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Critically evaluate, interpret and synthesise pharmaceutical information and data.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops/Tutorials (levels 1-4)
• Practicals (Level 1-4)
• Pharmacy Practice sessions (Levels 3 and 4)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Produce pharmacy-specific scientific documentation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practicals (2nd year onward)

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (practical reports and group reports)

Present pharmaceutical science material and arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to both specialist and lay audiences.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practicals
• Workshops
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (presentations)
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)

Calculate medicine doses and dosage regimens.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Extemporaneous Practicals (Levels 1 and 2)
• Pharmacy practice sessions (Levels 3 and 4)
• Workshops (Levels 2, 3 and 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Interpret patient and clinical data, including patient records held within practice settings.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Placements

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Contribute to the development of healthcare through reflective practice, enquiry and innovation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (level 4 placement audit)

Interpret prescriptions and other orders for medicines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Extemporaneous Dispensing Practicals (Level 2)
• Pharmacy Practice Sessions (Levels 3 and 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Observed Structured Clinical Examinations

Prescribe appropriately using patient-based case notes and scenarios.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Hospital placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (Medicines Optimisation Tools)
• Examinations (MCQs, long questions)
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Monitor and assess patients’ response to drug treatment using basic physical examination skills relevant to certain disease states.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops (Levels 2-4)

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (Levels 2-4)

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Interact effectively with patients, the public and healthcare professionals; including communication, both written and oral (interpersonal skills)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 1-4)
• Pharmacy Practice sessions (Level 1-4)
• Tutorials/Workshops (Levels 1-4)

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Work as part of a team

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Group practicals (Levels 1-3)
• Placements (Levels 1-4)

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (group projects)

Problem-solve, relating to qualitative and quantitative information, extending to situations where evaluations have to be made on the basis of limited information.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes (Levels 1-4)
• Tutorials/Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (practical reports and group work)
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Carry out numeracy and computational skills, including such aspects as error analysis and correct use of units and modes of data presentation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 1-4)
• Practical classes (Levels 1-4)
• Tutorials/Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Acquire, transform, interpret and critically evaluate data.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes (Levels 1-4)
• Tutorials/Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)

Retrieve information in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including information retrieval through online computer searches.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Practicals (Levels 1-4)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)

Carry out information technology skills, including word processing, spreadsheet use, database use, archiving data and information, and internet communication.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Tutorials/Workshops (Levels 1-4)
• Practicals (Levels 1-4)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Examinations (MCQs, short questions, long questions)
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (oral presentations and written research paper)

Time-manage and organise, as evidenced by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops (Level 1 and 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Assessment of CPD portfolio
• Submission of coursework by defined dates (penalised if late)
• Submission of undergraduate project by defined date (penalised if late)

Independently study as preparation for continuing professional development.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops (Levels 1 and 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Assessment of portfolio by tutor

Personal Development Plan and write a CV

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops (Levels 1 and 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Assessment of submitted PDP and CV

Have a professional and ethical attitude and approach.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops (levels 1-4)
• Extemporaneous Dispensing Practicals (Levels 1 and 2)
• Pharmacy Practice sessions (Levels 3 and 4)
• Ethical Dilemmas (Level 2 and Level 4)

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• Assessment of performance in ethical debates

Analyse and critically appraise published literature.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops (Levels 1 and 4)
• Undergraduate project

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework
• Assignments
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (critical literature review)

Apply general, biological and medical statistics.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Levels 1, 2 and 4)
• Workshops (Levels 1, 2 and 4)
• Undergraduate project
• Practicals (Levels 1-4)

Methods of Assessment

• Written examination
• Coursework
• Assessment of undergraduate research project (written research paper)

Operate within a quality management framework.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Level 4)
• Workshops (Level 4)
• Pharmacy Practice Sessions (Levels 1-4)

Methods of Assessment

• Examination
* Pharmacy Practice assessments

Recognise the need to work within personal limitations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures (Level 4)
• Workshops (Level 4)
• Pharmacy Practice Sessions (Levels 1-4)

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (placements assessment, medicines optimisation assignment)
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Pharmaceutical Microbiology PMY1001 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 5% 20% 75%
Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry CHM1004 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Physical Pharmaceutics PMY1015 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 25% 75%
Criterion Reference Assessments for Level 1 PMY1050 1 0 YES 1 weeks N YES 0% 0% 100%
Physiology for Pharmacy PMY1016 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 20% 60%
Practising as a Pharmacist PMY1017 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 90% 10% 0%
Skills for Pharmacy PMY1051 1 0 YES 2 weeks N YES 0% 100% 0%
Pharmaceutical Technology PMY2006 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 5% 35% 60%
CRAs for Level 2 PMY2050 2 0 YES 1 weeks N YES 0% 0% 100%
Medicinal Substances PMY2106 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 20% 40% 40%
Applied Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics PMY2107 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 24% 26% 50%
Drug Design/Pharmaceutical analysis PMY3082 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 9% 21% 70%
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations for Level 3 PMY3050 3 0 YES 1 weeks N YES 0% 0% 100%
Advanced Delivery Systems for Large and Small Molecules PMY3176 3 30 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 25% 25% 50%
Clinical Therapeutics PMY3177 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 40% 0% 60%
Pharmacy Practice PMY3178 3 30 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Pharmacy Practice Responding to Symptoms PMY4003 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Preparation for Practice PMY4002 4 10 YES 12 weeks N YES 10% 0% 90%
Project PMY4005 4 30 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Pharmaceutical Care PMY4107 4 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 40% 0% 60%
Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Level 4 PMY4050 4 0 YES 2 weeks N YES 0% 0% 100%
Advancement of Practice Through Evidence PMY4108 4 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 40% 0% 60%

Notes

All Level 1 modules must be passed before proceeding to Level 2.

All Levels 1 and 2 modules must be passed before proceeding to Level 3.

All Levels 1, 2 and 3 modules must be passed before proceeding to Level 4.