Pharmacy Technician Diploma (Part Time) - SC232 1. Special Note The Programme is designed to be a professional course, like the Diploma/BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences and the Diploma/BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy programmes currently run by the Department of Health Sciences. Accordingly, the degree of flexibility will differ from most BSc (Hons) Programmes being run by the Faculty. All modules are compulsory and assessment methods will be specific to the modules. 2. Objectives The Pharmacy Technician Diploma is designed to teach students the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for the practice of pharmacy. The course has a broad multidisciplinary scientific base and is flexible enough to meet differing career aspirations. This programme is geared to train or upgrade students specially those in service as assistant pharmacist, pharmacy technician and dispenser. The programme will be delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, Mauritius and the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montpellier I, France. Modules serviced by the University of Montpellier I will be taught in either French language or English Language. For such modules, students will take examinations either in French Language or English Language. Emphasis will also be placed on the personal development of students towards acquiring professional competence, developing their communication skills through oral and written presentations and giving them a sense of community responsibility. 3. General Entry Requirements As per General Entry Requirements for admission to the University for diplomas. 4. Programme Requirements General Certificate of Education ('O' Level) with credit in five subjects and including three science subjects (Mathematics will count as a Science subject). Students should have at least 2 years experience in the relevant field. 5. Programme Duration Normal Maximum Diploma in Pharmacy: 6 Semesters (3 years) 10 Semesters (5 years) 6. Credits per Year Minimum 18 credits, subject to regulation 5. 7. Minimum Credits Required for Award of Diploma: 62 1
8. Assessment Each module will carry 100 marks and will be assessed yearly as follows (unless otherwise specified): Written examination of 3-hour duration for modules bearing 6 credits and a 2-hour written examination paper for modules bearing 2 or 3 credits. Continuous assessment carrying up to 25% of total marks will be based on laboratory work and/or assignments and should include at least 1 class test. All modules carry equal weighting. 9. List of Modules Code Module Name Hrs/Yr L+P Credits DSS 1110 Medical Microbiology/Parasitology and Medical 30/30 3 Entomology DSS 1230 Basic Computing and Bio-information Science 45 3 DPH 1111 Pharmaceutical Organic 30/30 3 DPH 1221 Pharmaceutical Inorganic 30/30 3 DPH 1131 Anatomy and Physiology 30/30 3 DPH 1241 Biochemistry 30/30 3 COMS 1010 Communication Skills D.E. 3 DPH 2111 Analytical and Medicinal 25/15 2 DPH 2021Y Pharmacognosy 75/30 6 DPH 2131 Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence/Pharmacy Management 30/0 2 DPH 2241 Biochemistry and Pathology 45/0 3 DPH 2051Y Pharmaceutics 75/30 6 DPH 3011Y Community Pharmacy 60 4 DPH 3021Y Pharmacology 75/30 6 DPH 3031Y Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance 75/30 6 DPH 3000Y Project/Dissertation - 6 2
10. Programme Plan - Technician Pharmacy Diploma Semester 1 Semester 2 DSS 1230 Basic Computing and Bioinformation DSS 1110 Medical Microbiology/ Parasitology Science and Medical Entomology DPH 1111 Pharmaceutical Organic DPH 1221 Pharmaceutical Inorganic DPH 1131 Anatomy and Physiology DPH 1241 Biochemistry Semester 3 Semester 4 DPH 2111 Analytical and Medicinal COMS 1010 Communication Skills DPH 2021Y Pharmacognosy DPH 2021Y Pharmacognosy DPH 2131 Pharmaceutical DPH 2241 Biochemistry and Pathology Jurisprudence/Pharmacy Management DPH 2051Y Pharmaceutics DPH 2051Y Pharmaceutics Semester 5 Semester 6 DPH 3021Y Pharmacology DPH 3021Y Pharmacology DPH 3031Y Toxicology and DPH 3031Y Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance Pharmacovigilance DPH 3011Y Community Pharmacy DPH 3011Y Community Pharmacy DPH 3000Y Project/Dissertation DPH 3000Y Project/Dissertation 11. Outline Syllabus COMS 1010 - COMMUNICATION SKILLS Writing skills, non-verbal communication, modes of speech delivery and presentation aids, speeches, perception and listening skills, business and technical writing. DPH 1111 - PHARMACEUTICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Introduction to the nomenclature of organic chemical compounds. The chemistry and reaction of main functional groups. The chemistry of pharmaceutical compounds, covering their nomenclature, chemical structure, uses and physical and chemical properties. Stability and storage conditions. Common Pharmaceutical formulations. DPH 1131 - ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY General Human Anatomy. Structure and function of the human skeleton. Structure and function of systems and organs: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive and nervous systems and organs of taste, smell, hearing, seeing and feel. Endocrine glands and hormones. Functional Anatomy. General Embryology. DPH 1221 - PHARMACEUTICAL INORGANIC CHEMISTRY General discussion on inorganic compounds. Acids, bases, common buffers and common compounds used. Their physical and chemical properties, medicinal and pharmaceutical uses, storage conditions and chemical incompatibility. 3
DPH 1241 - BIOCHEMISTRY Introduction to Biochemistry. of biomolecules like amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Brief chemistry and roles of vitamins and Coenzymes. Enzyme kinetics and action. Molecular biology: DNA structure, replication, transcription and translation. Structure of organelles. Receptors, ligands and cell communication. DPH 2021Y - PHARMACOGNOSY Definition,history and scope of Pharmacognosy including indigenous system of medicine. Plants of medicinal importance: morphological and botanical aspects (including local plants). Various systems of classification of drugs of natural origin. Traditional medicine. DPH 2051Y - PHARMACEUTICS Introduction of different dosage forms: their classification, applications and delivery systems. Familiarisation with new drugs and new delivery systems. Introduction to pharmacopoiea. Metrology-Systems of weight and measures. Packing of pharmaceuticals. Size separation. Mixing and homogenisation. Clarification and filtration. Extraction and galenicals. Dispensing pharmacy: prescriptions, incompatibilities with prescription, posology. Dispensed medication: powders and types of powders, liquid oral dosage forms, biphasic liquid dosage forms: suspensions, emulsion, semi solid dosage forms. Dispensing practice. Sterility. Concept of essential drugs. Rationale use of drugs. Accessibility to drugs. DPH 2111 - ANALYTICAL AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY Acid/base reactions, gravimetry, redox reactions. Solutions: properties and applications in pharmacy. Analytical procedures in pharmacopoeias and various analytical techniques. Basic medicinal chemistry: absorption and metabolism of drugs. Quality control of drugs. DPH 2131 - PHARMACEUTICAL JURISPRUDENCE/PHARMACY MANAGEMENT Origin and nature of pharmaceutical legislations. Evaluation of the Concept of pharmacy as an integral part of the Health Care System. Principles and significance of Professional Ethics. The Pharmacy Act. Introduction to Trade, Industry and Commerce. Introduction to elements of Economics and Management. Forms of Business Organisations. Channels of distribution, Drug house management. Sales promotion, market research, salesmanship, advertising and window display. DPH 2241 - BIOCHEMISTRY AND PATHOLOGY Biochemical aspects of diseases. The pathology and biology of various types of disorders. Laboratory investigations and collection of specimens for diagnosis. DPH 3000Y - PROJECT/DISSERTATION This will be a field-based or lab-based project equivalent to two modules spanning over two semesters. Students will be expected to select a specific topic in Pharmacy for their project. The project is aimed at further developing the student s understanding of the principles of research, providing in-depth knowledge and fieldwork experience in one research area and further developing analytical, IT, reading and critical writing skills. The student will be required to submit a project report which will be in the prescribed format and between 5,000-7,500 words. DPH 3011Y - COMMUNITY PHARMACY Concept of health: definition of physical health, mental health, social health, spiritual health. Determinants of health, indicators of health. Concept of disease and natural history of disease. Nutrition and health. Demography and family planning. First Aid: Emergency treatment in shock, heart disease, fractures and resuscitation methods, elements of minor surgery and dressing. Environment and health. Communicable disease: causative agents, modes of transmission and prevention. Non-communicable diseases. Epidemiology: scope, methods, uses of dynamic of disease transmission, immunity and immunisation, principles of disease control and health. Concepts of Clinical Pharmacy. Good counselling. 4
DPH 3021Y - PHARMACOLOGY Introduction to pharmacology, scope of pharmacology. Routes of administration of drugs, their advantages and disadvantages. Various processes of absorption of drugs and the factors affecting them, metabolism, distribution and excretion of drugs. General mechanism of drug action and the factors which modify drug action. Pharmacological classification of drugs. DPH 3031Y - TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOVIGILANCE Principles of drug treatment and drug toxicity. The Dangerous Drug Act. The toxicity of industrial polluants: heavy metals, organometallic compounds, solvents, gases and vapours, CFC s pesticides and fertilisers, paints. International requirements for labeling, transport, storage and disposal of dangerous chemicals. The Dangerous Chemicals Act. Pharmacovigilance: adverse reactions to drugs, overutilisation of drugs, generic drugs. DSS 1110 - MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY/PARASITOLOGY & MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY Principles of bacteriology, virology and pathology. Pathological changes in the body due to the action of pathogens of various diseases. Characteristics of airborne infections, waterborne and food borne diseases. Very brief description of treatment of some infections and diseases. DSS 1230 - BASIC COMPUTING AND BIO-INFORMATION SCIENCE Introduction to word processing and spreadsheet. Analysis of data using appropriate software(s). Introduction to the Internet and MEDLINE. 5