Learning Outcomes for the Level 4 International Diploma in Pharmacy and Pharmacology 120 Credits – one Years:

Year 1: Foundation in Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Introduction to Pharmacy and Pharmacology

• Understand the history, principles, and scope of pharmacy and pharmacology.
• Recognise the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists and pharmaceutical professionals.
• Develop awareness of healthcare systems and their impact on pharmacy practice.
• Apply foundational knowledge of drugs and therapeutics in healthcare contexts.
• Demonstrate professional communication and conduct in pharmaceutical settings.

Human Anatomy and Physiology for Pharmacology

• Understand human body systems and their functions in relation to drug action.
• Analyse physiological processes and their relevance to pharmacological interventions.
• Recognise anatomical terminology used in clinical and pharmaceutical contexts.
• Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge to assess drug effects.
• Identify variations and abnormalities for informed clinical and pharmaceutical decisions.

Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

• Understand the chemical principles underlying drug design and development.
• Analyse molecular structures and chemical properties of pharmaceutical compounds.
• Apply chemical knowledge to predict drug interactions and stability.
• Develop problem-solving skills in pharmaceutical formulation and analysis.
• Evaluate chemical data to support safe and effective medication use.

Drug Formulation and Compounding Techniques

• Demonstrate methods for preparing and compounding pharmaceutical products safely.
• Apply standard procedures for dosage form preparation and quality control.
• Understand excipients, additives, and their roles in drug formulation.
• Identify and correct errors in compounding and preparation processes.
• Maintain accurate records of formulations and quality checks.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

• Understand drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes.
• Analyse the relationship between drug concentration and therapeutic effect.
• Apply pharmacokinetic principles to optimise drug dosing regimens.
• Evaluate factors affecting drug action and patient response.
• Use knowledge to enhance safe and effective medication management.

Clinical Pharmacy and Patient Care

• Apply pharmacological knowledge in clinical patient care settings.
• Conduct patient assessments and evaluate medication therapy outcomes.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure safe and effective drug use.
• Provide patient education regarding medication adherence and safety.
• Monitor, record, and adjust treatment plans based on clinical observations.

Medication Safety and Quality Assurance

• Understand principles of medication safety and risk management.
• Implement procedures to prevent medication errors and adverse drug events.
• Conduct quality assurance checks for pharmaceutical products and processes.
• Evaluate safety protocols in pharmacy practice and clinical settings.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.

Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice

• Understand legal frameworks and ethical principles governing pharmacy practice.
• Apply professional standards in clinical and pharmaceutical decision-making.
• Recognise patient rights, confidentiality, and consent requirements.
• Evaluate ethical dilemmas and apply critical thinking to resolve them.
• Maintain accountability and professionalism in all pharmacy activities.

Pharmaceutical Technology and Laboratory Techniques

• Operate laboratory equipment and pharmaceutical technology effectively.
• Conduct experiments and analyses following standard protocols.
• Apply practical skills to develop, test, and evaluate pharmaceutical products.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Integrate technological advances into pharmaceutical practice for improved outcomes.

Community and Hospital Pharmacy Practices

• Understand the roles of pharmacists in community and hospital settings.
• Manage dispensing, prescription verification, and patient counselling processes.
• Implement healthcare protocols and monitor patient therapy in clinical settings.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient outcomes.
• Adapt pharmacy services to meet the needs of diverse populations.

Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice

• Understand research principles, study designs, and data analysis in pharmacy.
• Evaluate scientific literature to inform clinical and pharmaceutical decisions.
• Conduct research projects following ethical and methodological standards.
• Apply evidence-based practices to improve medication therapy and patient care.
• Develop critical thinking skills to assess and implement healthcare innovations.

Project Management and Professional Development in Pharmacy

• Plan, organise, and manage pharmaceutical projects effectively.
• Apply time management, resource allocation, and teamwork in professional settings.
• Evaluate project outcomes and implement improvements for efficiency.
• Engage in continuous professional development and reflective practice.
• Demonstrate leadership, communication, and career progression strategies in pharmacy.