PHARM Course Descriptions

Pharmacy (2009-2010)

This integrated anatomy, physiology and histology course and its continuation in PHARM 111 cover all the major human body systems using a systems approach. Major themes are the relationships between structure and function, and homeostasis of the cellular environment. [Offered: W]

This integrated anatomy, physiology and histology course and its prerequisite PHARM 110 cover all the major human body systems using a systems approach. Major themes are the relationships between structure and function, and homeostasis of the cellular environment. [Offered: S]

This first part of a two-part course sequence introduces students to the profession of pharmacy with its many opportunities. Topics include Canadian and global health care systems, the roles of health care professionals, and the current and future practice of pharmacy. Through community service learning, students will gain an understanding of citizenship, needs within a community and the people of a community. As part of this course students must successfully complete PD1 "Co-op Fundamentals". [Offered: W]

This second part of a two-part course sequence introduces students to the profession of pharmacy with its many opportunities. Topics include Canadian and global health care systems, the roles of health care professionals, and the current and future practice of pharmacy. Through community service learning, students will gain an understanding of citizenship, needs within a community and the people of a community. As part of this course students must successfully complete PD1 "Co-op Fundamentals". [Offered: S]

Attaining the correct concentration of a drug at its site of action for a therapeutically useful period is the result of the selection, formulation and administration of an appropriate dosage form. This course, and PHARM 125, consider the scientific and technical aspects important in dosage form design. The lectures and practical laboratory experiences emphasize the role of biopharmaceutics, preformulation and physical pharmacy in the development of safe and effective dosage forms. [Offered: W]

This course is a continuation of PHARM 124. [Offered: S]

This course is designed to help students develop the core communication skills required for success in a career in Pharmacy. This is a foundational course where key concepts are introduced and students have opportunities to practice the skills they are acquiring. [Offered: W]

This second professional communications course builds on the skills acquired in PHARM 127, with increased focus on providing opportunities for students to practice and hone their skill. Student assignments focus on writing, presentation and patient interviewing skills. [Offered: S]

An introduction to pharmacy practice, encompassing medication dispensing (including the language and terminology of medicine), jurisprudence, drug information, patient care, patient safety and human resources. Patient self care therapeutics will involve the preparation of a nonprescription medication treatment algorithm and assessment of appropriateness of self-care, product selection, and patient education and counselling. Traditional didactic instruction will be used, as well as self-directed learning and case-based group learning. [Offered: W]

Professional Practice 2 continues to develop knowledge and skills introduced in Professional Practice I, focusing on pharmaceutical care, collaboration with other health care providers, patient safety and human resources. Students will be introduced to business principles and business plan development, as well as the design of tools to use in a collaborative practice. [Offered: S]

The knowledge acquired from PHARM 129 will be applied to simulated pharmacy situations and patient case scenarios. This will provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical skills and clinical knowledge in a practical context. [Offered: S]

An introduction to the fundamentals of computing and the mathematics essentials needed for other courses in the program. The course will examine the nature of information systems, process support systems and the information enterprise used to understand pharmaco-informatics. Relevant bioinformatics, health informatics and pharmacy information systems will be covered. [Offered: S]

This first course in systems pharmacology will discuss drugs with respect to their actions, uses and adverse effects. Particular emphasis will be placed on the underlying mechanisms that define drug action. The molecular structural features applicable to this action will be presented and the rationale described for the benefits associated with a particular molecule or class of molecules. The course will be tailored to biological systems and the treatment strategy for each system. This course will be directed primarily to general principles. [Offered: S]

An introduction will be provided to major themes in applied pharmaceutical sciences with an emphasis on practical application in patient care settings. An overview of key topics in applied pharmaceutical sciences will be provided, including drug nomenclature, classification and categorization, rudimentary elements of structure-function relationships, principles of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, and the drug discovery process, with application to current issues in practice such as substance abuse and use of medicines in society. [Offered: W]

This is the first of nine sequential courses that are designed to enable students to understand, integrate, and apply concepts from Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Biochemistry and Pathphysiology, Histology and Applied Microbiology to patient scenarios. Students will not only learn core principles from each of these disciplines, but they will also develop skills in critical appraisal, patient assessment, and clinical problem-solving. Ultimately, students will be able to make confident decisions regarding a patient's care plan. The first course will cover core foundational knowledge from each of the disciplines. [Offered: W]

This is the second of nine sequential courses. Topics discussed through patient scenarios and assignments will focus on two to three body systems. [Offered: W]

This is the third of nine sequential courses. Topics discussed through patient scenarios and assignments will focus on two to three body systems. [Offered: F]

This is the fourth of nine sequential courses. Topics discussed through patient scenarios and assignments will focus on two to three body systems. [Offered: F]

Building on PHARM 120 and PHARM 129, students will extend their understanding of the Canadian health-care system, including its structure, financing, regulation and policies. By means of relevant health-care examples, students will develop their skills in ethical analysis, and learn to apply basic principles of public policy analysis, political science, economics, and quality measurement. Students will also be exposed to some international drug issues and how they compare with Canada's pharmaceutical system. The course emphasizes critical analysis and writing skills. [Offered: W]

Several topics are covered related to patient medication therapy including drug interactions, adverse drug reactions and substance abuse. Critical appraisal of the medical literature is introduced. Students must demonstrate an ability to apply their knowledge in these areas to patient specific situations. This course further develops jurisprudence issues as they pertain to practising pharmacists. [Offered: W]

This course continues with the principles and skills of pharmacy practice through pre-laboratory discussions, simulated pharmacy practice laboratories and hospital pharmacy site visits. The simulated pharmacy practice laboratories allow students to develop a structured approach to technical and legal aspects of pharmacy practice by accurately dispensing prescriptions and preparing elegantly compounded pharmaceuticals that are individualized to meet patients' needs. Hospital site visits provide students with the opportunity to observe the role and develop the skills of a pharmacist as a hospital health-care professional and provider of pharmaceutical care. [Offered: W]

This course provides an introduction to microbiology, focussing on the understanding and application of basic microbiological methods (aseptic techniques, streak plating, culture handling, laboratory safety, etc). It also delves into clinically relevant micrbiological and immunological practice and focuses on the understanding and application of available methods for determination of microbes, demonstration of technique applications to infectious microbes and investigative case studies. Course material is applicable to and coordinated with Integrated Patient Focused Care modules. [Offered: W]

The course introduces the general biology of microorganisms, and provides an overview of the host response to infection. Attention is then focused on the clinical aspects of the main bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections of man, and their epidemiology, prevention and treatment. Other topics include sterilization, disinfection, and a survey of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents. [Offered: F]

This course is a continuation of medical microbiology and immunological laboratory topics and techniques introduced in PHARM 232L. The course aims to provide advanced understanding and application of medically relevant techniques to identify infectious microbes, ability to efficiently design experiments to determine specific microbes, and effectively interpret data and develop hypotheses. The use of investigative case studies and demonstration is heavily emphasized. Course material is pertinent and coordinated with the Integrated Patient Focused Care modules. [Offered: F]

This course provides an overview of the methods and especially an appreciation of the applications of pharmaceutical analysis in the practice of pharmacy and medicine. Methods of pharmaceutical analysis covered include UV-visible, IR and NMR spectrophotometry, fluorescence, radiometric assays, thin layer and gas chromatography, HPLC, gel electrophoresis/Western blot, microbiological testing, ELISA, amino acid analyses and pharmacopoieial assays and tests. The applications discussed in detail include pharmaceutical analyses in drug development, pharmacy practice, therapeutic drug monitoring, clinical toxicology, biotechnology and drug overdose/abuse. The development of pharmaceutical analyses for innovative drugs of the future is also introduced. [Offered: F]

This course offers detailed insights into the nature of institutional patient care. Particular attention will be given to understanding the patient, obtaining patient histories and updates on patient status, being able to communicate effectively so that pharmacotherapeutics can be effectively managed, and discovering the rudimentary nature of healthcare teams including the role of the pharmacist in these teams. [Offered: F]

This course provides a fundamental understanding of Health Informatics. This will encompass the nature, key concepts, and applications of this discipline to addressing challenges in the health field. Although no course of this duration can cover all the topics, the material to be presented will target the high profile areas of Health Informatics and point the participants in the direction of broader and deeper explorations. [Offered: F]

This course entails a weekly seminar on topics in Pharmacy. The range of materials to be presented include current issues, special topics demonstrating new trends in patient care and treatment, competing perspectives in the pharmaceutical arena, and scopes of Pharmacy practice. [Offered: W]

This course entails a weekly seminar on topics in Pharmacy. The range of materials to be presented include current issues, special topics demonstrating new trends in patient care and treatment, competing perspectives in the pharmaceutical arena, and scopes of Pharmacy practice. [Offered: F]

This is the fifth of nine sequential courses. Topics discussed through patient scenarios and assignments will focus on two to three body systems. [Offered: S]

This is the sixth of nine sequential courses. Topics discussed through patient scenarious and assignments will focus on two to three body stems. [Offered: S]

This course presents leading-edge discoveries in the pharmaceutical sciences. Students will be required to define the clinical application of such discoveries by integrating information from multiple disciplines in order to develop strategies to solve fundamental health-care problems. [Offered: S]

This course applies knowledge of jurisprudence, therapeutics, drug information and pharmaceutical calculations in a variety of situations. Simulated pharmacies provide an environment for students to consolidate their technical skills, while introducing the application of clinical knowledge in a practical context. Small group sessions are employed to develop patient interviewing skills. Emphasis is placed on communication skills and the practical application of clinical knowledge with patient case scenarios while using the pharmaceutical care model to resolve actual or potential drug related problems. [Offered: S]

This course introduces the fundamentals of both macro- and micro-economic theory and how this influences successful business practices. It will highlight strategies for personal financial success, the business ingredients for successful entrepreneurship, and the supportive opportunities offered through financial organizations. Cases will be presented as a learning tool. [Offered: S]

This course introduces the fundamentals of successful management. Elements covered will include organizational structures, organograms, inter-personal relationships, effective team work, supervisor/subordinate relationships, etiquette, accountability, assessing worker performance. Cases will be presented as a learning tool. [Offered: S]

Building upon experiences gained in Pharmacy 124 and 125 (Pharmaceutics 1 and 2), Advanced Compounding introduces the student to more complex formulations and their use in specific patient populations. Example topics include compounding for geriatric and pediatric patients, veterinary products, USP <795> and its application to extemporaneous compounding, and stability and QC testing. [Offered: S]

Advanced Patient Self Care teaches students to critically evaluate the use of self care therapeutic options such as Natural Health Products, Schedule II and III drugs and functional foods in various disease states and populations. Other topics include: the Natural Health Product approval process, regulatory issues for self selection products and reimbursement for self care services. [Offered: S]

This course addresses global infectious diseases from a public health perspective in an integrated case study format. It focuses on the role of the pharmacist, mode of transmission of these diseases, prevention, control, emergency preparedness, appropriate use of vaccines and vaccine administration. [Offered: S]

This course will introduce the basic learning theory and practice that pharmacists use as educators of specific audiences, such as patients, other healthcare providers, other pharmacists, etc. As part of this course, students will design and execute a learning module, as well as learn to assess its effectiveness. [Offered: S]

This course introduces students to the business aspects of managing new biotechnological pharmaceutical innovation. Students will learn to analyse and connect scientific principles underlying novel and incremental technologies with the commercialization process. [Offered: S]

This course entails a weekly seminar on topics in Pharmacy. The range of materials to be presented include current issues, special topics demonstrating new trends in patient care and treatment, competing perspectives in the pharmaceutical arena, and scopes of Pharmacy practice. [Offered: S]

This elective is designed to permit students to pursue areas of personal interest and/or to gain personal experience in the philosophy, methodology and performance of research in scientific fields through a research project. Typically, the independent study experience can be tailored to meet the requirements of the student and the opportunities presented by a supervisor. If research is chosen, it will typically include the review of pertinent scientific literature and generation of new information. Depending upon the study or project and the supervisor, the research may be conducted in the School of Pharmacy, in a hospital, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical company, etc. A suitable research report must be filed with the Associate Director (or delegate).

This elective is designed to permit students to pursue areas of personal interest and/or to gain personal experience in the philosophy, methodology and performance of research in scientific fields through a research project. Typically, the independent study experience can be tailored to meet the requirements of the student and the opportunities presented by a supervisor. If research is chosen, it will typically include the review of pertinent scientific literature and generation of new information. Depending upon the study or project and the supervisor, the research may be conducted in the School of Pharmacy, in a hospital, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical company, etc. A suitable research report must be filed with the Associate Director (or delegate).

This elective is designed to permit students to pursue areas of personal interest and/or to gain personal experience in the philosophy, methodology and performance of research in scientific fields through a research project. Typically, the independent study experience can be tailored to meet the requirements of the student and the opportunities presented by a supervisor. If research is chosen, it will typically include the review of pertinent scientific literature and generation of new information. Depending upon the study or project and the supervisor, the research may be conducted in the School of Pharmacy, in a hospital, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical company, etc. A suitable research report must be filed with the Associate Director (or delegate).

This elective is designed to permit students to pursue areas of personal interest and/or to gain personal experience in the philosophy, methodology and performance of research in scientific fields through a research project. Typically, the independent study experience can be tailored to meet the requirements of the student and the opportunities presented by a supervisor. If research is chosen, it will typically include the review of pertinent scientific literature and generation of new information. Depending upon the study or project and the supervisor, the research may be conducted in the School of Pharmacy, in a hospital, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical company, etc. A suitable research report must be filed with the Associate Director (or delegate).

The clinical rotations in this final experiential module will emphasize problem-solving in the everyday milieu of patient care within a setting of integrated inter-disciplinary patient care. The expectation is that the student will be implementing, testing and refining personal clinical skills. [Offered: S]

This is the seventh of nine sequential courses. Topics discussed through patient scenarios and assignments will focus on two to three body systems. [Offered: W]

This is the eighth of nine sequential courses. Several special topics will be covered including pediatrics and geriatrics. [Offered: W]

This is the ninth of nine sequential courses. Complex integrated cases will be covered, along with special topics. [Offered: S]

This is a continuation course in Pharmacy Practice. It requires students to demonstrate a consolidation of knowledge from previous courses, and to draw upon and complement material from the Pharmacy Practice, Pharmaceutical Care, and Social/Administrative Pharmacy courses and apply them to discussion of issues related to the psychology of patient care and pharmacy practice. Students will continue to utilize and develop strategic thinking and critical appraisal skills. [Offered: S]

This course examines the many issues surrounding the health of aboriginal people living in Canada as an example of a culture with a holistic perception of health as a state of balance of body, mind, spirit and emotions which, like many indigenous societies, has been subjected to foreign domination. During the 12 weeks of class, students will come to understand the present-day health issues of aboriginal peoples from the perspective of their historical and political context, the effects of health-care policy, and their own spirituality and wisdom. The many highly qualified speakers from the Aboriginal community, its focus on health and the healing process and its experiential format make this course unique in the university. Optional field trips such as the "medicine walk" on the Six Nations reserve and a purification (sweat) lodge ceremony are included to give students first-hand experience and insight into Aboriginal orientations to health and healing.

This course describes diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals in the study of pathological conditions and the detection of disease. The focus of the lessons will be on the disease and pathology followed by the physiologic or pathologic changes that may be measured using nuclear medicine techniques. Wherever applicable, the discussion will illustrate how a knowledge of the use of this group of drugs may be incorporated into a pharmaceutical care plan for the patient. Cases will be presented and discussed throughout the course.

The specialty of nuclear pharmacy is presented by discussing a series of problems that explain the design, production, analysis and the clinical use of radiopharmaceuticals. The class will discuss the solution of each problem and using group discussions and laboratory exercises (if appropriate) will accomplish this task.

This course introduces students to drug development from the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry. It is intended to broaden the students' understanding of: (i) key stages in the drug development process; (ii) current issues facing this process, and (iii) potential role of the pharmacist within the drug development process. Some of the lectures will be given by specialists employed in the pharmaceutical industry and concepts covered in the lectures will be applied to in-class case studies.

This course covers many aspects of paediatric pharmacy practice such as paediatric drug administration, therapeutic drug monitoring, and adverse drug reactions. Medication teaching for parents and children will be discussed taking into consideration a child's understanding of illness and medications. Normal development and physiology of the infant, child and adolescent relevant to drug disposition and efficacy will also be addressed. As well, aspects of the management of various childhood conditions such as diarrhea & dehydration, poisoning, infectious diseases, cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse will be discussed.

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to discuss natural health products with patients and other members of the health-care team. The regulation of natural health products in Canada and their use within traditional systems of medicine such as traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine and homeopathy will be discussed to help students understand patients' use of these products. Students will learn to critically assess evidence of the safety and efficacy of common natural health products. A special emphasis of the course will be drug interactions with natural health products.

This course applies management principles to managing and owning a pharmacy practice in the community. By means of lectures, case studies and assigned readings, students will explore a range of topics and issues relevant to managing a pharmacy practice as a business.

This course applies management principles to managing a pharmacy practice in an institutional setting. Students will explore the pharmacist's patient-care role with many guest lecturers who have developed innovative practices within the hospital in response to health system changes including program management and the re-engineering of pharmacy practice. Topics discussed will include patient oriented program development such as seamless care/home care initiatives and the pharmacist's impact on optimal drug therapy processes and outcomes.

This course introduces the basic principles of marketing and demonstrates their application to both pharmaceutical products and services in either a not-for-profit or profit-oriented environment. Lectures will include examples of strategies currently in use. Students will be encouraged to engage in active learning through in-class discussions and case studies.

This course examines alcohol and other psychoactive substance-use disorders, including prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse and dependence. Students will be exposed to the identification, prevention, and treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) of alcohol and substance use disorders with an emphasis on the role of the pharmacist. Students will become familiar with alcohol and substance use disorders, comorbidity, detoxification procedures, information and treatment resources, medical and social problems associated with substance abuse, and will be exposed to real and/or simulated patients. A problem-based learning approach will be used.

Medications used in the care of Canadian women are amongst the most often prescribed pharmaceuticals. This course allows students to understand fundamental pharmacotherapeutic knowledge of medications used from menarche to menopause. This course will encourage students to develop a practice that provides quality care to women.

This course entails a weekly seminar on topics in Pharmacy. The range of materials to be presented include current issues, special topics demonstrating new trends in patient care and treatment, competing perspectives in the pharmaceutical arena, and scopes of Pharmacy practice. [Offered: F]

This course entails a weekly seminar on topics in Pharmacy. The range of materials to be presented include current issues, special topics demonstrating new trends in patient care and treatment, competing perspectives in the pharmaceutical arena, and scopes of Pharmacy practice. [Offered: S]