312042 v.1 Master of Pharmacy

Introduction

The Master of Pharmacy is a Graduate Entry Master course (GEM) which is designed to enable the student through diligent study and application to become a compounding and pharmacotherapeutic expert. Theory is comprehensive and includes chemical, biological, physiological, pharmaceutical and pharmacotherapeutics.The course is composed of twenty-four units, which include practical and research aspects. The introductory units are completed in an intensive six-week training program in trimester one, involving 30 hours weekly contact and continuous assessment. The remaining nine first year units are completed during trimesters two and three (which correspond to semesters one and two). Five units are completed in trimester two and four units in trimester three. A community pharmacy placement, where students are supervised by a practicing pharmacist, to develop skills in the clinical setting, must be completed prior to undertaking the remaining ten second year units (five in each trimester). Students will also complete a hospital placement and develop further research skills.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor degree or equivalent and a history of above average grades. Essential prerequisites include completion of at least one tertiary unit in mathematics, statistics, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, human biology and physiology. For international students, English language competency equivalent to an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 7.0, is required.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is offered over six study periods on a full-time basis and is of two years duration. Bentley campus will offer one intake annually in January.

Course Organisation

This graduate entry masters degree provides a pathway for science graduates to become registered pharmacists. It presents students with a comprehensive theoretical base, including chemical, biological, physiological, pharmaceutical and pharmacotherapeutic studies. At the end of the first year, students complete a community pharmacy placement under the supervision of a practising pharmacist to develop skills in a clinical setting. In the second year students focus on pharmacotherapy / pharmacy practice and on developing their research skills. Students also complete a hospital placement to further develop their practical skills. Throughout this course, students use high-quality laboratories and facilities designed to enhance teaching and aid the development of essential practical skills. The school laboratories include a model dispensary, a manufacturing laboratory, an asepsis suite and laboratories for microbiological, chemical and pharmacological investigations.The course is composed of 25 units. Students complete study period one in addition to two usual semesters each year. Study period one in the first year of the course requires successful completion of three units introducing important concepts in pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmaceutical practice. The main areas of focus in the first year of the course are pharmaceutical science, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutical practice. The second year of the course involves community and hospital pharmacy placements and the study of pharmacotherapy and research design.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for provisional registration as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. A further period of supervised practice is required in order to be eligible for general registration as a pharmacist.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are highly employable. They may seek a career in healthcare working in the fields of community, hospital or consultancy pharmacy. Graduates may also develop a career in the pharmaceutical industry which employs pharmacists in a number of areas including research roles in the development of medicines, production of pharmaceuticals, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, marketing and drug information. They may also work for the State or Federal Government in regulatory and policy roles.

Additional Course Expenses

Students are expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Students will require a laboratory coat and safety glasses.

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.

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.