188099 v.2 Bachelor of Pharmacy

Introduction

This course offers practical experience as well as a theoretical grounding in the discipline of pharmacy, and is the only course in Western Australia that leads to registration as a pharmacist. The course is taught with a hands-on approach, with a range of laboratories and facilities available to enhance teaching and provide essential practical skills. Pharmacists are involved in the development, testing, manufacture and distribution of medicines and the monitoring of drug therapy. In the first semester of the third year, students are either selected for the honours program or continue with the standard third and fourth year course structure.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

TEE Chemistry and Applicable Mathematics.

Specific Requirements

Applicants other than Australian Year 12 school leavers are also required to complete a Personal Information Form available on request from the School of Pharmacy on (08) 9266 7369 or Email: pharmacy@curtin.edu.au The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication.

Note

Either Biology or Human Biology provides valuable preparation for the course. Preference is given to new applicants from Western Australia who are leaving school.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

The course is four years full-time. Part-time study is not available.

Course Organisation

The main areas of specialisation are - pharmaceutics - which forms an increasingly important component of each year, pharmacognosy - the study of natural drugs, pharmaceutical biology - which includes biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology- the effect of drugs on the body, and pharmaceutical chemistry, which includes analytical, physical, organic and biological chemistry. These develop into pharmaceutical practice and pharmacotherapy which consider professional pharmacy roles. Each year of the course must be passed before proceeding to the next year.

Professional Recognition

Graduates of the course are recognised in Western Australia and elsewhere for registration as professional pharmacists. Pharmacists registered in Western Australia can practise anywhere in Australasia. After meeting certain requirements registration is possible in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Additional Course Expenses

Students will be required to purchase a laboratory coat or protective clothing, glassware and dispensing aids. Broken apparatus may also be charged for. Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

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.