UCL SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

BRUNSWICK SQUARE

Module Specification
1.

Module Code

PHAY3104

2.

MODULE TITLE

Options

3.

Faculty

Life Sciences

4.

Division

UCL School of Pharmacy

5.

Module Leader

Dr Andy Wilderspin, Dr Li Wei

6.

Level of Study

Undergraduate Level 6 (Year 3)

7.

Course Units / Module

Credits (ECTS)

1 c.u. (30 UK credits; 15 ECTS)

8.

Mode of Study

Full-time

9.

Teaching Period

Both semesters

10.

Pre-requisites

Successful completion of Year 2 MPharm

11.

JACS code:

B200 Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy

12.

Programmes

Programme
MPharm

PHAY 3104

March 2015

Module Type

Module Code

Compulsory

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13. Module Outline

This module is split into two complementary strands. Strand A sub-Options allow students to
further develop expertise in a specific area of current pharmacy practice (in its broadest sense),
for which the fundamentals have been covered in the core curriculum. This is paired with a
Strand B sub-Option which provides a "science into practice" element, whereby the students are
introduced to an area of study at the cutting edge of science currently linked to practice.
Students must study one sub-Option from each of Strand A and Strand B. Students are allocated
to the sub-options based on their stated higher preferences with, if necessary, reference to past
exam performance. For operational reasons, the sub-Option group sizes will be limited to the
numbers associated with the groups for Greenlight visits, hospital placements and
workshops/practicals within the other 3rd year modules (currently 8 groups of 25).
14. Horizontal integration
This module relates to the other modules in year 3, but as the students will study specific subOptions from a range available, the specific relationship will be different for each sub-Option topic.
15. Vertical integration
This module builds on all previous modules, but as the students will study specific sub-Options
from a range available, the specific relationship will be different for each sub-Option topic. The
module also represents a further move away from simple didactic learning to more student-centred
and specialised knowledge acquisition.
16.

Syllabus

1.
2.

The specific details of each individual sub-Option is described in that sub-Option handbook.
It is expected that the sub-Options will develop year-on-year, as the science and practice of
pharmacy develop.
Students will study one sub-Option from Strand A with a paired sub-Option from Strand B.
Both strands will be delivered via a combination of lectures, workshops and self-directed
learning, as well as external activities where appropriate.
Strand A sub-Options may change focus but currently include the following areas:
The cancer pathway: the patient journey and the role of the pharmacist
Drugs from natural sources
Health medicines and global pharmacy
Clinical trials
Health psychology and mental health care
Management and quality improvement strategies in pharmacy
Tailoring therapy to the individual
Physiological gender differences and common diseases in women
Strand B sub-Options may change focus but currently include the following areas:
Advanced cancer therapy: new targets and new drugs
Substances of abuse and natural medicines
Infectious diseases: challenges and opportunities
Medicines for children
The aging brain and neurodegeneration
Drug discovery in cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Drug delivery across biological barriers
Biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars

3.
4.
5.

6.

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17.

Learning Outcomes

Specific subject-based outcomes for each sub-Option are described in the module handbook.
Generic expectations applicable to all sub-Options are described below.
At the end of the module students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
1.

Describe the current and future issues within their specialist areas.

Subject Specific / Professional Skills

1.

Describe how their specialist area of study does or could influence the practice of
pharmacy, now or in the future.

Transferable / Key Skills

1.

Searching the literature for specific topics.

General Pharmaceutical Council's Standards for the Initial Education and Training of
Pharmacists, Standard 10: Learning Outcomes (level of outcome)
The exact range of outcomes will to some extent depend on the nature of the sub-Options
selected, but the following may be included:
10.1
e.
f.
g.

10.2

Expectations of a pharmacy professional

Demonstrate how the science of pharmacy is applied in the design and development of
medicines and devices (SHOWS HOW)
Contribute to the education and training of other members of the team, including peer
review and assessment (DOES)
Contribute to the development of other members of the team through coaching and
feedback (DOES)
The skills required in practice

10.2.1 Implementing health policy

b.
Access and critically evaluate evidence to support safe, rational and cost effective use of
medicines (SHOWS HOW)
c
Use the evidence base to review current practice (SHOWS HOW)
h.
Provide evidence-based medicines information (SHOWS HOW)
10.2.3 Ensuring that safe and effective systems are in place to manage the risk inherent in
the practice of pharmacy and the delivery of pharmaceutical services.
b.
Apply pharmaceutical principles to the formulation, preparation and packaging of products
(SHOWS HOW)
c.
Verify safety and accuracy utilising pharmaceutical calculations (DOES).
e.
Manage and maintain quality management systems including maintaining appropriate
records (SHOWS HOW)
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18.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The sub-Options groups will allow small group teaching (approx. 25 students each), hence
facilitating a greater emphasis on student-centred learning. Consequently, lectures, seminars,
workshops and tutorials will be utilised, with each student undertaking assignments as well as
being expected to attend research seminars and read associated material. Students will be
expected to attend and fully participate in all timetabled lectures, review, presentation and seminar
sessions. Each sub-Option will comprise a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials, which will be
examined (see below) but in addition students will carry out directed study towards their
coursework assessments. Coursework will include one written piece and one presentation as a
minimum. In addition there will be appropriate use of linked formative coursework and a
summative MCQ may be used. Care will be taken to ensure an equivalence of workload and
challenge across the sub-Options.
19.

Teaching and Learning Pattern

Activity
Lectures /Seminars/Tutorials
Practicals
Directed study
Independent study
TOTAL HOURS

20.

Hours
44
0
156
175
375

Assessment Methods

The module is assessed via written examination at the end of the academic year, covering the
sub-Options studied in both strands A and B. Coursework will vary between sub-Options but as a
minimum will involve an individual written coursework (contributing up to 70 % of the coursework
mark) and an individual or group presentation (contributing up to 30 % of the coursework mark).
Other individual activities may include an MCQ (contributing up to 20% of the coursework mark).
21.

Assessment Pattern

Assessment Component
Written examination
Coursework

Type
Exam
CW

Weighting
70 %
30 %

Pass Mark
40 %
40 %

Each component must be passed separately. The final module mark is a weighted average of the
marks of the individual components.
22.

Re-assessment

Reassessment will follow the same mode as the first assessment. A failed written examination will
necessitate the student sitting a second written examination, which will take place in the
September re-assessment period. Failed coursework will result in the student being given further
coursework assignments to be completed by an appropriate deadline before the September reassessment period.

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Lack of attendance at and / or engagement with the coursework exercises will result in the
students failing this component.
23.

Indicative Reading

Each sub-Option will have its own indicative reading list as suggested in the Handbook. Students
will be expected to participate in literature searching.
24.

Module Evaluation

The module will be evaluated using a standardised end-of-module questionnaire. Students will
have the opportunity of discussing any ongoing concerns at the year-level DSSCC.

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