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Unit of study_

PHAR1911: Fundamentals of Pharmacy

2025 unit information

This unit of study provides a broad introduction to the discipline of pharmacy, focusing on two complementary components that are fundamental to the study of pharmacy. By doing so, this unit provides a foundation for all future units of study in subsequent years of the degree. The pharmacy practice component includes an introduction to the roles that pharmacists play in health care as well as the skills and knowledge required of a professional pharmacist. Students are challenged to begin thinking and behaving as future members of the pharmacy profession, and reflect on attitudes and beliefs that will shape their practice. The pharmaceutical sciences component introduces aspects of the chemistry of small (drug) molecules and large biological molecules, as well as pharmaceutical calculations. Laboratory work enhances confidence and develop skills in the handling and manipulation of chemicals and in the observation and processing of experimental results. Both components provide opportunities to develop specific skills in research, critical thinking, writing, group work and presenting in the context of activities designed to orient students to their future profession.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 12
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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HSC Chemistry and Mathematics Advanced (2U). Students who have not completed HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take a Chemistry Bridging Course (offered in February and as a distance course at other times of the year)

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Describe the main characteristics of the structure and properties of drug molecules and large biological molecules.
  • LO2. Describe principles of laboratory safety practices and pharmaceutical calculations which underpin simple extemporaneous product preparations.
  • LO3. Assess and critically evaluate the appropriateness, quality and reliability of information resources used to arrive at evidence-based conclusions when solving medicine and disease-related problems in pharmacy.
  • LO4. Explain the fundamental characteristics and organisation of the pharmacy profession, including professional, legal and ethical considerations that inform patient care.
  • LO5. Discuss the pharmacist’s role in ensuring safe and effective provision of medicines and health services across Australian health settings, and how this contributes to and complements the roles of other health professionals.
  • LO6. Communicate effectively and appropriately, in a culturally-capable manner with peers, university staff and health professionals.
  • LO7. Apply appropriate writing and referencing techniques, including appropriately acknowledging sources, to uphold academic honesty.
  • LO8. Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development through independent learning and continuous reflection.
  • LO9. Work effectively and cooperatively as a member of a learning team.
  • LO10. Identify the different elements of a unit of study (including learning outcomes, learning tasks, assessments and feedback) and recognise how they contribute to learning.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.