Learning Outcomes for the Level 6 International Diploma in Pharmacy & Pharmacology 360 Credits – Three Years:
Year 1: Foundational Knowledge
By the end of Year 1, learners will be able to:
Introduction to Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Understand the role and scope of pharmacy and pharmacology within healthcare systems.
- Recognise key responsibilities of pharmacy professionals in patient care.
- Develop a foundational knowledge of medicines and their therapeutic uses.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Identify major body systems and their functions.
- Relate anatomical structures to physiological processes.
- Explain how body systems interact in health and disease.
Principles of Biochemistry
- Apply biochemical principles to drug action and metabolism.
- Understand macromolecules, enzymes, and metabolic pathways relevant to pharmacy.
- Analyse the biochemical basis of disease.
Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Recognise the role of microorganisms in health and disease.
- Explain the principles of infection control and antimicrobial therapy.
- Conduct basic microbiological analysis in a pharmacy context.
Basic Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Understand fundamental chemical principles relevant to drug design.
- Apply concepts of bonding, reactions, and solubility to pharmaceutical science.
- Analyse simple drug molecules.
General Pharmacology
- Understand drug mechanisms, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
- Classify drugs based on pharmacological activity.
- Relate pharmacological concepts to therapeutic use.
Pharmaceutical Calculations
- Accurately perform essential pharmaceutical calculations.
- Apply dosage, concentration, and dilution principles in practice.
- Ensure safe and effective medicine preparation.
Introduction to Pathophysiology
- Identify causes and progression of common diseases.
- Explain how pathological processes impact drug therapy.
- Relate disease mechanisms to patient care needs.
Communication Skills in Healthcare
- Demonstrate effective communication with patients and healthcare professionals.
- Apply active listening, counselling, and interpersonal skills.
- Understand cultural and ethical considerations in communication.
Health and Safety in Pharmacy Practice
- Identify risks and hazards in pharmaceutical environments.
- Apply workplace safety standards and infection control practices.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols.
Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
- Understand different dosage forms and their characteristics.
- Analyse advantages and limitations of various delivery methods.
- Relate dosage forms to patient-specific needs.
Academic and Research Skills
- Develop academic writing and referencing skills.
- Understand basic research principles in pharmacy.
- Use critical thinking to evaluate sources and evidence.
Year 2: Intermediate Proficiency
By the end of Year 2, learners will be able to:
Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
- Understand the structure, function, and synthesis of drug molecules.
- Apply organic chemistry principles to drug discovery and design.
- Analyse chemical modifications to improve drug efficacy.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Understand how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted.
- Relate dose-response relationships to therapeutic effects.
- Apply pharmacokinetic models to clinical scenarios.
Advanced Pharmacology
- Explain mechanisms of action of major drug classes.
- Relate pharmacological effects to treatment of common diseases.
- Evaluate therapeutic and adverse effects of drugs.
Immunology and Biotechnology in Pharmacy
- Understand immune system function and its relevance to pharmacology.
- Analyse the role of biotechnology in drug development.
- Explain applications of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapy.
Pharmaceutics and Drug Formulation
- Understand principles of drug formulation and delivery systems.
- Analyse excipients and their role in dosage forms.
- Evaluate methods to enhance bioavailability and stability.
Analytical Techniques in Pharmacy
- Apply spectroscopy, chromatography, and other analytical methods.
- Evaluate purity, quality, and safety of pharmaceutical products.
- Use analytical data to support quality assurance.
Pharmacognosy and Natural Products
- Identify medicinal plants and natural sources of drugs.
- Understand extraction and standardisation of natural products.
- Evaluate the therapeutic role of herbal medicines.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Interpret biochemical tests relevant to patient care.
- Relate clinical biochemistry to diagnosis and treatment.
- Evaluate the role of biomarkers in disease management.
Hospital and Community Pharmacy Practice
- Understand the organisation and function of hospital and community pharmacies.
- Apply dispensing, counselling, and clinical support skills.
- Evaluate pharmacy’s role in improving patient outcomes.
Drug Legislation and Ethics
- Understand legal frameworks regulating pharmacy practice.
- Apply ethical principles in decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with drug safety and professional standards.
Epidemiology and Public Health
- Understand principles of epidemiology and disease prevention.
- Evaluate pharmacy’s role in public health campaigns.
- Apply epidemiological data to healthcare decision-making.
Research Methods in Pharmacy
- Understand research design and methodology.
- Apply qualitative and quantitative methods in pharmacy research.
- Develop skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Year 3: Advanced Specialization and Application
By the end of Year 3, learners will be able to:
Advanced Pharmacotherapy
- Apply evidence-based pharmacotherapy to complex clinical cases.
- Analyse drug interactions and adverse effects in treatment plans.
- Develop skills for optimising therapeutic outcomes.
Clinical Pharmacy and Patient Care
- Provide patient-centred care through clinical pharmacy practice.
- Apply clinical guidelines in medication management.
- Monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes in real-world settings.
Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology
- Understand toxic effects of drugs and chemicals.
- Analyse safety pharmacology data to predict adverse outcomes.
- Apply risk assessment to pharmaceutical practice.
Advanced Pharmaceutics and Novel Drug Delivery Systems
- Understand innovative approaches to drug delivery.
- Evaluate controlled-release, transdermal, and nanotechnology systems.
- Analyse how advanced formulations improve therapeutic outcomes.
Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals
- Understand development and production of biopharmaceuticals.
- Analyse applications of recombinant proteins and therapeutic enzymes.
- Evaluate regulatory challenges of biotechnology drugs.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Apply advanced analytical techniques for quality control.
- Validate analytical methods for regulatory compliance.
- Evaluate pharmaceutical data for clinical and industrial use.
Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance
- Understand global pharmaceutical regulations and standards.
- Apply quality assurance practices in drug development.
- Evaluate regulatory submissions and compliance processes.
Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety
- Understand post-marketing surveillance and drug monitoring.
- Identify and report adverse drug reactions.
- Apply strategies for improving medication safety.
Global Trends in Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Analyse global healthcare challenges and innovations.
- Evaluate the impact of digital health and telepharmacy.
- Understand international developments in drug research.
Professional Practice and Leadership in Pharmacy
- Apply leadership and management principles in healthcare.
- Develop decision-making, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Understand professional accountability and lifelong learning.
Research Project / Dissertation
- Design and conduct an independent research project.
- Apply scientific methods to solve a pharmacy-related problem.
- Present findings in a professional written and oral format.
Continuing Professional Development and Career Skills
- Develop lifelong learning skills for professional growth.
- Apply CPD strategies to enhance pharmacy practice.
- Build career development plans for future progression.
