BSc in Pharmacy

Five years $8,000 per academic year

Overview

A pharmacy graduate is an individual who has completed a degree programme in pharmacy. They have acquired knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical sciences, medication therapy management, drug discovery, drug development, and patient care. Pharmacy graduates typically undergo a rigorous academic curriculum that includes courses in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacotherapy, and clinical pharmacy practice. They also receive training in pharmacy law, ethics, and regulatory affairs to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. Upon graduation, pharmacy graduates are eligible to pursue licensure and practice as pharmacists in various healthcare settings, such as community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and the pharmaceutical industry. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system by collaborating with healthcare professionals to optimise medication therapy, ensure patient safety, and promote positive health outcomes. Pharmacy graduates are responsible for dispensing prescription medications, providing drug information to patients and healthcare providers, counseling patients on medication use, managing medication therapy, and monitoring patient outcomes. They may also be involved in medication compounding, medication reconciliation, medication therapy reviews, and immunisations. With advancements in healthcare technology and research, pharmacy graduates are increasingly involved in pharmaceutical research and development, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, medication management systems, and healthcare informatics. They may also pursue specialised areas of pharmacy practice, such as geriatric pharmacy, ambulatory care pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, psychiatric pharmacy, or critical care pharmacy. Overall, pharmacy graduates possess a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practice, enabling them to contribute to the safe and effective use of medications, improve patient health outcomes, and participate in the advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge and innovation.

Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma: Secondary school certificate, attained within the last five years and with a general high school score of 85% or above.
• Equalised transcript is required for students who have graduated from international institutions.
• Minimum Grade in Related Subjects: Minimum High School Score of 80% in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• English Language Proficiency: Minimum English Language requirement is 45 in PTE, 5.5 in IELTS -64in ibt-TOEFL or 95 in Duolingo.
• Applicants dismissed for any reason from any university, school or college will not be considered.

• Application Form: Online application is required.
• Official transcripts: Provide a copy of your official transcript (for applicants who graduated from international institutions, an equalized transcript is required).
• Certification Letter from High School: Provide an official letter from your High School Confirming your High School Average.
• A copy of your Passport and national ID

Curriculum

First Year

1. Introduction to Pharmacy: An overview of the pharmacy profession, ethics, and the role of pharmacists in healthcare.
2. Pharmaceutical Chemistry: The study of organic and inorganic chemistry as it applies to pharmaceutical compounds.
3. Biochemistry: An introduction to the chemical processes and principles occurring in living organisms, with a focus on drug metabolism.
4. Anatomy and Physiology: The study of the structure and function of the human body, including major organ systems.
5. Pharmacology: Introduction to the basic principles of pharmacology, including drug action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.
6. Pharmaceutics: The science of dosage form design and formulation, including topics like pharmaceutical calculations, drug delivery systems, and compounding.
7. Microbiology: Study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and their relevance to pharmaceutical practice.
8. Biostatistics: Introduction to statistical methods used in healthcare research and drug development.
9. Pharmacy Practice: Introduction to pharmacy law, regulations, and practice management.
10. Communication Skills: Development of effective verbal and written communication skills, including patient counseling.

Second Year

1. Medicinal Chemistry: In-depth study of the chemical properties, structure-activity relationships, and synthesis of drugs.
2. Pharmacotherapy: Detailed exploration of the use of drugs to treat specific diseases and conditions, including therapeutic principles and patient care.
3. Pharmacokinetics: Study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination in the body.
4. Pharmacognosy: Examination of natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, and their applications in medicine.
5. Pathophysiology: Study of the physiological processes and mechanisms of disease development, focusing on the major organ systems.
6. Pharmaceutical Analysis: Techniques and methods used to analyse pharmaceutical compounds, including quality control and drug assay.
7. Pharmacy Practice: Continued exploration of pharmacy law, regulations, and patient care, including clinical skills and patient assessment.
8. Social and Administrative Pharmacy: Understanding the social, economic, and administrative aspects of pharmacy practice, including healthcare systems.
9. Pharmacy Calculations: Advanced pharmaceutical calculations and dosage calculations for specific patient populations.
10. Clinical Skills: Development of patient assessment skills, including physical examination and clinical decision-making.

Third Year

1. Pharmacotherapy: Continued exploration of the use of drugs in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, with a focus on specific patient populations.
2. Clinical Pharmacy: Introduction to the practice of clinical pharmacy, including medication therapy management, patient monitoring, and collaborative healthcare teams.
3. Pharmaceutical Formulations: In-depth study of various pharmaceutical dosage forms, including solid, liquid, and semisolid formulations, and their formulation techniques.
4. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Advanced concepts and applications of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination, as well as drug-receptor interactions.
5. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Study of biotechnological processes and applications in drug development, including biopharmaceuticals and genetic engineering.
6. Pharmaceutical Analysis: Advanced analytical techniques used in the analysis and characterisation of pharmaceutical compounds, including chromatography and spectroscopy.
7. Pharmacoeconomics: Introduction to economic evaluation methods applied to pharmaceuticals, including cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses.
8. Clinical Skills and Patient Counseling: Further development of clinical skills, including patient assessment, medication counseling, and medication therapy management.
9. Research Methodology: Introduction to research design, data collection, and analysis techniques used in pharmaceutical research.
10. Elective Courses: Students may have the opportunity to choose elective courses based on their interests and career goals, such as pharmacogenomics, toxicology, or drug regulatory affairs.

Fourth Year

1. Advanced Pharmacotherapy: In-depth exploration of therapeutic approaches and evidence-based medicine in the treatment of complex diseases and conditions.
2. Clinical Pharmacy Practice: Advanced experiential rotations in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or specialised care facilities, to apply pharmaceutical knowledge in real world scenarios.
3. Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Continued study of legal and ethical considerations in pharmacy practice, including regulations, drug control, and professional responsibilities.
4. Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management: Introduction to marketing strategies, management principles, and entrepreneurship in the pharmaceutical industry.
5. Drug Information and Literature Evaluation: Techniques for retrieving, evaluating, and interpreting scientific literature and drug information resources.
6. Clinical Research: Advanced concepts and practices in clinical research, including study design, data analysis, and ethical considerations.
7. Public Health and Epidemiology: Understanding public health principles, epidemiological methods, and their applications in pharmacy practice.
8. Professional Development: Focus on career planning, professional organisations, continuing education, and lifelong learning in the pharmacy profession.

Fifth Year

1. Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice: Continued experiential rotations with a focus on advanced patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership roles in pharmacy practice.
2. Pharmacy Management and Administration: Study of pharmacy operations, financial management, human resources, and regulatory compliance in various healthcare settings.
3. Advanced Topics in Pharmacy: Specialised courses or seminars on emerging trends, novel therapeutics, or advanced topics in pharmaceutical sciences.
4. Pharmacy Research Project: Completion of a research project under the guidance of a faculty member, involving experimental design, data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings.
5. Advanced Pharmacy Electives: Students may have the opportunity to choose advanced elective courses aligned with their specific interests, such as clinical toxicology, clinical trials, or pharmaceutical informatics.
6. Capstone Course: Integration of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme through case studies, simulations, or comprehensive examinations. It’s important to note that the curriculum may also include laboratory work, case studies, and practical experiences in community or hospital pharmacies, which allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, elective courses are offered to allow students to choose a specialisation or concentration area within pharmacy. The exact structure and content of the curriculum can vary, so it’s best to refer to the specific program and institution you are interested in for more detailed information.

Skills Development

Skills development for pharmacy graduates is crucial to enhance their professional competency and excel in their careers. Here are some key skills that pharmacy graduates can focus on developing:

1. Clinical Knowledge: Continuously update and expand clinical knowledge in areas such as pharmacology, therapeutics, disease management, and drug interactions. Stay informed about the latest research, guidelines, and treatment protocols.
2. Medication Management: Develop expertise in medication management, including proper dispensing, dosage calculations, drug storage, inventory management, and ensuring medication safety.
3. Communication Skills: Enhance communication skills to effectively interact with patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders. This includes active listening, clear and concise verbal and written communication, and the ability to explain complex medical information in a patient-friendly manner.
4. Patient Counseling: Improve patient counseling skills to provide comprehensive medication information, address patient concerns, promote medication adherence, and empower patients to actively participate in their own healthcare.
5. Interprofessional Collaboration: Foster collaborative relationships with healthcare professionals from different disciplines, including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. Develop teamwork skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
6. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Cultivate strong critical thinking skills to evaluate and interpret scientific literature, identifying medication-related problems, and develop appropriate interventions or recommendations.
7. Ethical and Professional Behaviour: Adhere to ethical standards and professional codes of conduct. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and empathy in all interactions with patients, colleagues, and the community.
8. Technological Proficiency: Stay updated with the latest technology and pharmacy informatics systems. Familiarise yourself with electronic health records, medication management software, and other tools that facilitate efficient pharmacy practice.
9. Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Develop skills in conducting research, evaluating scientific literature, and applying evidence-based practice principles. Stays informed about emerging research and contribute to the advancement of pharmacy knowledge.
10. Continuous Learning: Embrace a lifelong learning mindset to stay abreast of new developments, emerging therapies, and changes in the healthcare landscape. Participate in continuing education programmes, conferences, and professional organisations to enhance knowledge and skills. Remember that skills development is an ongoing process, and pharmacy graduates should actively seek opportunities to enhance their abilities throughout their careers.