PHA-20009 - Module Specification
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

120 credits at stage 1 (MPharm Programme).

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The MPharm Stage 2 programme continues to provide a truly integrated and fully contextualised course of study as part of the Keele MPharm degree. In an identical manner to the Stage 1 programme, the Stage 2 programme is based upon a single 120-credit module that comprises cycles of learning, assessment and reflection, and all topics progress logically and coherently with patient-oriented themes. The principal aim is to further develop knowledge and skills in a wide variety of disciplines by demonstrating the linkages between applied topics in science, therapeutics and practice that underpin all subsequent learning.
The MPharm Stage 2 programme allows students to further develop a deeper understanding of the topics covered at Stage 1 and see how they are applied in the pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice. Topics are sometimes highlighted with overt links to Stage 1; for example, aspects of physical chemistry and the analysis of small organic molecules is fundamental to an appreciation of the Pharmaceutical Science and Formulation theme. Fundamental studies of metabolism lead to a deeper understanding of metabolic interrelationships and the metabolism of xenobiotics in the Pharmacology and Drug Action theme.
Therapeutic material with a patient focus will be introduced to students, in order further contextualise their learning in the physical, formulation and pharmacological sciences.
Dedicated placement learning hours will further support and enrich the students learning experience.

The principal aim is to further develop knowledge and skills in a wide variety of disciplines by demonstrating the linkages between applied topics in science and practice that underpin all subsequent learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Apply the principles of risk management to clinical care to ensure patient safety: 7
Apply an integrated approach to the therapeutic management of patients with specified disease states: 3,5,6,7,8
Interpret nationally and locally produced guidelines in the selection and recommendation of appropriate therapeutic regimens for patients: 3,5,6,7,8
Respond appropriately to medical emergencies, including the provision of first aid: 5,7
Explain how disease pathophysiology is affected by the pharmacological agents used to treat diseases, and how differences in the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of these agents can affect the patient-centred choice of agent, including the role of pharmacogenomics: 1,2,3,4,6,8
Identify and describe the mechanisms of common drug-drug, drug-patient and drug-food interactions and their consequences for patient care: 3,5,6
Explain the relationship between absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs and their physicochemical properties and formulation: 3,6,8
Describe in detail the metabolic interrelationships of the various tissues and organs of the human body, including the role of hormones in the integration of metabolism and the maintenance of homeostasis: 3,6,8
Explain the common techniques used in the analysis of biological data to arrive at safe and appropriate drug selection for a patient: 3,6,7,8
Compare and evaluate the efficiency and safety of different routes of drug administration: 1,2,3,4,6,8
Explain the concepts in physical chemistry and materials science which underpin drug formulation, including small-molecule and biological-based medicines: 1,2,3,4,6,8
Evaluate and select processes and formulations appropriate to the manufacture of specified drug products: 1,2,3,4,6,8
Describe and apply the processes involved in the quality assurance of all aspects of pharmaceutical drug development, formulation and the manufacturing process: 3,6,8
Describe and apply the processes and legal framework governing the production and supply of aseptic products: 2,3,6
Select and justify choice of analytical techniques employed to assure quality and safety during the drug development process and the quality, safety and efficacy of the finished drug products, including small-molecule and biological-based medicines: 1,2,3,4,6,8
Demonstrate the relationship between the design of drug product formulation, properties of the formulation, in vitro behaviour and in vivo performance: 2,3,6,8
Demonstrate competence in pharmaceutical calculations related to pharmacology, pharmaceutics and pharmacy practice: 1,2,3,4,6,7
Demonstrate competence in the performance of laboratory techniques in the pharmaceutical sciences and the analysis of data generated therein: 1,2,4,7
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in a manner that reflects professional practice appropriate for this level of study: 2,5,7,8
Demonstrate competence in appropriate basic physical assessment skills for the purposes of clinical management of patients: 5,7
Obtain informed consent before providing care and pharmacy services: 5,7

Study hours

Large- and small-group teaching sessions: 220 hours
Skills-based practical work: 180 hours
Placement activity 240 hours
Directed private study: 260 hours
Non-directed private study, revision and assessment: 300 hours

School Rules

Students must achieve a minimum overall module mark of 50%, with all SCIMS components passed, to progress to MPharm Programme Stage 3.

Description of Module Assessment