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Undergraduate Programme Specification

MPharm Pharmacy

Academic Year 2023/24

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 Years
Total Credits for Programme 480
Exit Awards available No

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 24-03-23

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 Board of Examiners. In line with University Regulations, the School Exceptional Circumstances Committee will make recommendations to the Board of Examiners regarding any cases where exceptional circumstances 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 assessments 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 (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 module equivalents are equal to 10, 20, 30 and 40 CATS, respectively). The number of CATS assigned to each module is described in the module descriptions provided in the Programme Specifications.

4. Students are not normally permitted more than one repeat year (where a repeat year is defined as one required to be taken by a student due to one or more failed resit assessments), 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 assessments 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 assessment without timely submission of valid 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
• Coursework (r.g. assignements, reports, class tests)

Undertake risk assessments concerning pharmaceutical procedures and practices.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Tutorials/Workshops

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

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
• Final year research project

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

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
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• 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

• Written Examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

Analyse medicines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Tutorials/Workshops
• Final year research project

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

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)
• Experirntial learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• E-Portfolio

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
• Workshops
• Practical classes
• Final year research project

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

Describe the design, development and delivery of drugs

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical classes
• Final year research project

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

Demonstrate the application of science, including in a laboratory and clinical setting

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical classes
• Final year research project
• Interprofessional learning
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Describe socioeconomic issues relating to pharmacy practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examination
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

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

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the practice of pharmacy

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops/Tutorials
• Practical classes
• Final year research project
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Provide person-centred care and pharmacy services to patients, with appropriate supervision

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops/Tutorials
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• E-Portfolio

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

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

• Practical classes
• Workshops
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Critically evaluate, interpret and synthesise pharmaceutical information and data.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops/Tutorials
• Practical classes
• Final year research project

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Produce pharmacy-specific documentation and records

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes
• Workshops/Tutorials
• Final year research project
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

Calculate medicine doses and dosage regimens.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops/Tutorials
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• E-Portfolio

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops/Tutorials
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• E-Portfolio

Clinically assess prescriptions and orders

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical classes
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Observed Structured Clinical Examinations

Demonstrate appropriate prescribing skills and attributes

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• 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

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

Demonstrate effective consultation and diagnostic skills, including physical examination, to decide the most appropriate course of action for the person

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

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)
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• E-Portfolio

Work as part of a team, including in a multi-disciplinary context

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Group work
• Experiential learning placements
• Interprofessional learning

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• E-Portfolio

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
• Tutorials/Workshops
• Final year research project

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• 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
• Practical classes
• Tutorials/Workshops
• Final year research project
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• E-Portfolio

Acquire, transform, interpret and critically evaluate data to enable effective decision-making and judgement which minimises risk and optimises patient outcomes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Practical classes
• Tutorials/Workshops
• Final year research project
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops
• Practical classes
• Final year research project

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

Use digital technologies and demonstrate digital literacy

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Tutorials/Workshops
• Practical classes
• Final year research project
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Demonstrate time-management and organisational skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops
• Practical classes
• Final year research project
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Written examinations
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Reflect on learning needs and identify how these can be met

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Workshops
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• E-Portfolio
• Assessment of submitted Personal Development Plan

Demonstrate the values, attitudes and behaviours expected of a pharmacy professional, including an ability to take legal and ethical reasoning into account

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Tutorials/Workshops
• Interprofessional learning
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• Criteria Referenced Assessments
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• E-Portfolio

Analyse data using appropriate statistical methods

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Final year research project
• Practical classes

Methods of Assessment

• Written examination
• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)

Operate within a quality management framework.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical classes
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Coursework (e.g. assignments, reports, class tests)
• E-Portfolio

Recognise and work within the limits of your knowledge and skills, and get support from others when necessary

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical classes
• Experiential learning placements

Methods of Assessment

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations
• E-Portfolio

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Skills for Pharmacy PMY1106 1 0 YES -- 2 weeks N YES -- 0% 100% 0%
Microbes and Medicines PMY1103 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Year 1 CRAs and OSCEs PMY1105 1 0 -- YES 1 weeks N YES -- 0% 0% 100%
Physical and Chemical Properties of Drug Molecules PMY1102 1 30 YES YES 18 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
How the Human Body Works PMY1104 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Introduction to the Profession and Practice of Pharmacy PMY1101 1 30 YES YES 18 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1 PMY2204 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 50% 0% 50%
Medicinal Substances PMY2203 2 30 YES YES 18 weeks N YES -- 60% 0% 40%
Criterion Referenced Assessments/OSCEs for Level 2 PMY2205 2 0 -- YES 1 weeks N YES -- 0% 100% 0%
Pharmaceutical Technology PMY2202 2 30 YES YES 18 weeks N YES -- 50% 0% 50%
Placements and Preparation for Professional Practice 1 PMY2201 2 20 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Delivery of Large and Small Molecules PMY3303 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 30% 0% 70%
Genomic, Personalised and Future Medicines PMY3302 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
OSCEs for Year 3 PMY3305 3 0 -- YES 1 weeks N YES -- 0% 100% 0%
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2 PMY3304 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 50% 0% 50%
Placements & Preparation for Professional Practice 2 PMY3301 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
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%
Advanced Pharmaceutical Care PMY4107 4 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Preparation for Practice PMY4002 4 10 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 10% 0% 90%
Pharmacy Practice Responding to Symptoms PMY4003 4 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Project PMY4005 4 30 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

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.