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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

173804 v.6 Master of Clinical Pharmacy

MClinPharm(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 004010K
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This course provides advanced knowledge and skills in clinical pharmacy, with a focus on enhanced clinical capability. Special emphasis is placed on the effective use and interpretation of clinical and laboratory data, and evidence from scientific literature in the identification and management of drug-related problems. Students will also undertake practice-relevant research designed to develop their skills to solve real-world problems.


Professional Recognition

Registered pharmacists who successfully complete the course may apply for continuing professional development (CPD) credits. The award of this course does not qualify a graduate for registration as a pharmacist in Australia.


Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this course may lead to careers in medication reviews and cognitive services or hospital pharmacy. This course does not qualify graduates for registration as a pharmacist in Australia.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically, applicants require a pharmacy degree, an appropriate honours degree or a relevant postgraduate diploma with a minimum of one year of work experience as a registered pharmacist, preferably with experience in hospital pharmacy. Selection is competitive and is based on grades achieved in previous study and relevant experience.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy; Graduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Course Entry/Completion Note

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance section of the faculty website.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


This course builds on the curriculum of the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy by incorporating an advanced practice unit (Extended Clinical Services 601) and a significant clinical research project, undertaken with the guidance of Curtin’s experienced staff.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply advanced pharmacotherapeutic and pharmaceutical knowledge to ensure optimum patient outcomes

2. demonstrate logical and rational processes in analysing and evaluating components of an issue as an individual or in a team; think creatively to design solutions

3. analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, concepts, problems and theories relating to patient care

4. interpret and convey appropriate and relevant knowledge and skills to health care professionals, patients and others

5. use appropriate technologies and recognise advantages and limitations in solving clinical problems and undertaking research

6. reflect upon and undertake responsibility for continuing and maintaining advanced clinical and professional skills and knowledge

7. recognise, evaluate and apply as appropriate; international standards of practice within a local clinical pharmacy context

8. recognise the significance of cultural diversity in individualising patient care; demonstrate cultural safety in the practice of clinical pharmacy

9. work effectively, autonomously and collaboratively and demonstrate leadership skills in an ethical and professional manner


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is three semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study. Units are usually scheduled to facilitate part-time study. Clinical Pharmacy Project 697 requires a significant time commitment to allow for completion in the semester duration.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
313241 v.2   Medication Management and Clinical Review 520 3.5 25.0
314856 v.1   Advanced Therapeutics 527 4.0 25.0
304887 v.2   Drug Information for Contemporary Pharmacy Practice 528 3.0 25.0
314857 v.1   Laboratory Tests in Clinical Practice 527 3.5 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
313240 v.1   Geriatric Pharmacotherapy 521 4.0 25.0
314858 v.1   Advanced Therapeutics 528 4.0 25.0
13152 v.3   Health Research Methods 681 4.0 25.0
314859 v.1   Clinical Research Project Development 528 0.5 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
13462 v.2   Clinical Pharmacy Project 697 9.0 75.0
314860 v.1   Extended Clinical Services 601 3.0 25.0
  100.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.