PHAR1921: Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice
Skip to main content
Unit of study_

PHAR1921: Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice

2025 unit information

This unit of study builds on PHAR1911 (Fundamentals of Pharmacy) and integrates basic scientific concepts underpinning compounding and pharmaceutical dosage forms with pharmacy practice. The pharmaceutics component delves into the fundamental principles and scientific theories underpinning pharmaceutical practice. It provides a comprehensive understanding of various dosage forms used in pharmacy, focusing on the key concepts necessary for their safe and effective preparation. These principles guide pharmacists in making informed decisions regarding the appropriate use of different forms in clinical practice, ensuring optimal drug delivery and patient care. Students will explore how these scientific concepts translate into practical considerations in pharmacy practice. The pharmacy practice component focuses on professional pharmacy services and the quality use of medicines, covering topics such as communication with patients and patient self-management, and quality use of medicines in primary care, focusing on the provision of non-prescription medicines. This unit includes a one-week placement (work-integrated learning) in a community pharmacy.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 12
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
None
Assumed knowledge:
? 
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 different types of pharmaceutical dosage forms, and explain why and when each dosage form would be appropriate, and how each dosage form is prepared.
  • LO2. Describe the forces, science and terminology behind different dosage forms.
  • LO3. Prepare extemporaneous products to appropriate standards of safety and quality.
  • LO4. Conduct multi-step pharmaceutical calculations.
  • LO5. Define patient-centred care, and list examples of elements which demonstrate patient-centred care and why they are important.
  • LO6. Communicate effectively and appropriately in a culturally-capable manner with patients, families, carers and other health professionals.
  • LO7. Identify, access and process appropriate sources of evidence-based clinical information, and effectively communicate the relevant information.
  • LO8. Describe the role of a pharmacist in ensuring safe and effective use of a medicine.
  • LO9. Identify key elements of shared decision making and describe its benefits for patients, health professionals and the health system.
  • LO10. Apply a systematic reasoning process to diagnose and manage a range of simple, ambulatory conditions in pharmacy using appropriate non-pharmacological strategies, or over-the-counter products using endorsed professional protocols.
  • LO11. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of fundamental concepts involved in dispensing a prescription legally and correctly.
  • LO12. Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development through independent learning and continuous reflection.
  • LO13. Recognise the importance of personal physical, emotional and mental health, list simple strategies to improve personal health and wellbeing, and recognise when it may be appropriate to seek support.
  • LO14. Work effectively and cooperatively as a member of a learning team.

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 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney

Find your current year census dates

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.