Pharmacy Course Descriptions
The following list of professional course descriptions was last updated on March 26th, 2010.
First Year | Second Year | Third Year | Fourth Year | Professional Electives
First Professional Year
Fall Semester
PHAR 3117 Top 200 Drugs I (1)
A basic overview of the top 200 medications for first year Pharmacy students. Important topics such as brand name, generic name, important dosage forms and strengths, clinical pearls and advice for the patient will be covered. An overview of medical terminology will also be covered.
PHAR 3122 Pharmacy Calculations (2)
This class is an introduction to prescription terminology, systems of measurement and pharmacy calculations. Students will apply appropriate mathematical concepts found within the practice of pharmacy, including prescription compounding and patient specific determinations. Emphasis will be placed on improving and applying problem-solving skills for the needs of an individual patient within the practice of pharmacy.
PHAR 3135 Health Care Delivery (3)
This introductory course provides the PharmD student with an overview of the financing, organization and regulation of health care. We begin by covering core concepts of health economics (including the demand and supply of medical care, insurance, and health professionals). Transitioning from a discussion of underinsurance and the uninsured, we begin the topic of public health in pharmacy, including disaster preparedness. Finally, we introduce the concept of “professionalism” followed by an introduction to the scope of pharmacy practice in specific settings ranging from local hospitals and chain pharmacies.
PHAR 3142 Principles of Pharmaceutical Science (4)
This course is intended to provide a foundation of the principles that are fundamental to the study of the pharmaceutical sciences. This basic knowledge will allow the student to integrate physical, chemical and biological concepts into various practice functions.
PHAR 3144 Systems Pharmacology I (4)
This course examines those topics that provide the foundation for the rational use of pharmacotherapeutic agents. Pharmacology and its two primary sub-disciplines, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, are examined extensively. Molecular disease etiologies, pharmacogenomics, and the rational basis of various pharmacotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic strategies are discussed. A primary focus of this and all courses in this sequence is integration of concepts.
PHAR 3148 Biosystems I (4)
This course examines the hierarchical organization of the human body and how these hierarchical levels interact. Molecular, cellular, and systems anatomy and physiology are the primary themes but a strong emphasis is placed on integration of physical, chemical, and biological concepts.
Spring Semester
PHAR 3217 Top 200 Drugs II (1)
A basic overview of the top 200 most frequently prescribed medications for first year Pharmacy students. Important topics such as classification, brand name, generic name, important dosage forms and strengths, clinical pearls and advice for the patient will be covered. An overview of medical terminology will also be covered on a self paced learning system.
PHAR 3218 Introduction to Diversity (1)
The goal of this course is to increase students’ knowledge and broaden their perception of diverse populations. Differences in race, sexual orientation, culture, religion, and physical ability will be discussed. The course will focus on how diversity influences patients’ perceptions of the healthcare system and how healthcare providers can better serve these diverse populations The class will include guest lecturers, films, group discussion, and reflective writing assignments.
PHAR 3226 State Pharmacy Law (2)
This course examines the role of New York State government in the regulation of pharmacists, pharmacy practice, and drug products. Students learn about both the structure and the substance of pharmacy practice environment. Students will obtain a working knowledge of the New York pharmacy practice law, the NYS Controlled Substances Act, the regulations associated with these, pharmacy “malpractice” law, the common law, and other law relevant to practice. These tools are necessary to be able to practice effectively and efficiently. In addition students will be challenged to think critically about American-style regulatory process and its effects on patients, practice and society.
PHAR 3227 Drug Information (2)
This course will provide a detailed review of the process of providing drug information using the systematic approach of retrieval and dissemination. Students will learn the intended applications of a wide variety of reference materials and gain insight into the appropriate use of such materials in clinical practice. Students will gain experience in utilizing commercial online references and indexing services such as Medline. Students will be given assignments that will provide hands-on experience in locating drug information and preparing written and verbal responses. Students will also learn how to identify valid and credible sources of drug information.
PHAR 3240 Biosystems II (4)
This course examines the critical stages of human ontogenesis and the role that ontogenesis plays in defining the structural and functional features of the adult organism. Two of the most important consequences of ontogenesis: the heterogeneity of cell types and the host defense system are discussed extensively within the context of their natural environments.
PHAR 3242 Pharmaceutics (4)
This course is an introduction to the commonly used pharmaceutical dosage forms, such as oral solids, sterile products, and semi-solids. The students will study the design, composition and proper use of these dosage forms. They will also learn how the dosage forms are manufactured as commercial products for the mass market or compounded extemporaneously for individual patients. Basic concepts in drug delivery will be discussed in relation to the dosage forms. An emphasis will be placed on how to select the optimal dosage form for the drug molecule and disease condition based on the pharmaceutical principles. A broad overview of the drug development and approval process in industry is also provided.
PHAR 3244 Systems Pharmacology II (4)
This course examines those topics that provide the foundation for the rational use of pharmacotherapeutic agents in treating disorders of the nervous system. The relevant anatomy and physiology of the nervous system are discussed in detail, as are the molecular disease etiologies of the disorders. The properties and actions of the pharmacological agents used in the treatment of each disorder and the molecular, cellular, and systems effects of these agents are discussed. A primary focus of this and all courses in this sequence is integration of concepts.
Second Professional Year
Fall Semester
PHAR 4112 Applied Pharmaceutics I (1)
This course is a continuation in the Pharmaceutics sequence focusing on problem based learning in a laboratory setting. This laboratory will provide students with an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in Pharmaceutics lectures to practical situations. The student will also develop the skills needed for the preparation and dispensing of pharmaceutical solution, emulsion, suspension, semi-solid and solid dosage forms with emphasis on the selection of excipients for extemporaneous compounding. Prescription reading, pharmacy calculations and an opportunity for patient counseling in the use of the compounded product will also be implemented.
PHAR 4117 Therapeutics Case Studies I (1)
This course introduces students to problem-based learning. Students will be given patient case scenarios and will work as a team to go through a series of hypotheses regarding the scenario. The team will collect additional information from available sources (e.g. patient, literature), assess the overall situation and develop a pharmaceutical care plan as a final outcome. Each semester a number of case scenarios will be provided to allow students to develop strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills in simulated settings, that will carry over to real life settings in the experiential part of the program and in the future as a professional pharmacist.
PHAR 4135 Communications & Counseling Skills (3)
This course examines the principles of effective communication with a particular focus on health-related interactions. Students learn techniques and strategies that can be used by pharmacists to enhance communication with patients, physicians, nurses, and coworkers. Emphasis is placed on skills that will enable students to develop and maintain constructive interpersonal relationships in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. Coursework consists mostly of didactic lecture/discussion, with some role-play presentations by students.
PHAR 4139 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience I (3)
This course will provide the student with actual experience in a working community pharmacy for a minimum of eight hours per week for 15 weeks. The students will learn and practice the basics of dispensing medications, counseling patients, and the basics of operating a pharmacy in a safe and legal fashion. In addition there will be didactic class work to allow for reflection, student discussion and critical thinking. The discussions will review student activities that occurred on rotation.
PHAR 4144 Systems Pharmacology III (4)
This course examines those topics that provide the foundation for the rational use of pharmacotherapeutic agents in treating disorders of the cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary systems. The relevant anatomy and physiology of these systems are discussed in detail, as are the molecular disease etiologies of the disorders. The properties and actions of the pharmacological agents used in the treatment of each disorder and the molecular, cellular, and systems effects of these agents are discussed. A primary focus of this and all courses in this sequence is integration of concepts.
PHAR 4147 Pathophysiology & Therapeutics I (4)
The course presents the prevalence, presentation, diagnosis, natural course and therapeutic options for treating major disease states. A significant amount of time will be spent learning the process of choosing the optimal therapeutic regimen based on individual patient characteristics and demonstrated benefits and risks of drug therapy. Monitoring the effectiveness of the selected therapy and identifying and solving drug related problems will also be emphasized. Included in this course are general principals of clinical pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse reactions and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests.
Spring Semester
PHAR 4212 Applied Pharmaceutics II (1)
This course is a continuation in the Pharmaceutics sequence focusing on problem based learning in a laboratory setting. This laboratory will provide students with an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in Pharmaceutics lectures to practical situations. The student will also develop the skills needed for the preparation and dispensing of pharmaceutical dosage forms, including compounded sterile preparations. Prescription reading, pharmacy calculations and an opportunity for patient counseling in the use of the compounded product will also be implemented.
PHAR 4217 Therapeutics Case Studies II (1)
This course utilizes various instructional techniques such as problem- and case-based learning to evaluate a patient case and develop a pharmaceutical care plan. Each team will collect additional information from available sources (e.g. patient, literature, etc.) and then assess and develop a pharmaceutical care plan or answer specific questions related to the case as a final outcome. Each semester a number of case scenarios will be provided to allow students to develop strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills in simulated settings that will carry over to real-life settings in the experiential portion of the curriculum and in the future as a professional pharmacist.
PHAR 4236 Population Based Health Care (3)
Pharmacoeconomics, quality improvement and pharmacoepidemiology are core components of this course. Students will learn to distinguish between various pharmacoeconomic methods and their application and interpretation in pharmacy practice. Epidemiological methods for studying drug use and adverse events will be introduced. Finally, we will study the rationale, methods and applications of quality improvement in pharmacy practice.
PHAR 4238 Self Care & Natural Products (3)
This course is designed to focus on the therapeutic aspects of self-care (i.e. using over-the-counter and natural remedy products). The course is designed to strengthen student skills in the art of patient interviewing and appropriate triage of ailments. The course will center on the pharmacist’s role in making professional decisions concerning these medications and in providing advice to patients in selecting drugs for self-medication.
PHAR 4244 Systems Pharmacology IV (4)
This course examines those topics that provide the foundation for the rational use of pharmacotherapeutic agents in treating endocrine disorders, pain and inflammation, disorders of the pulmonary, gastrointestinal system, and the special senses. The relevant anatomy and physiology of these systems are discussed in detail, as are the molecular disease etiologies of the disorders. The properties and actions of the pharmacological agents used in the treatment of each disorder and the molecular, cellular, and systems effects of these agents are discussed. A primary focus of this and all courses in this sequence is integration of concepts.
PHAR 4247 Pathophysiology & Therapeutics II (4)
The course presents the prevalence, presentation, diagnosis, natural course and therapeutic options for treating major disease states. A significant amount of time will be spent learning the process of choosing the optimal therapeutic regimen based on individual patient characteristics and demonstrated benefits and risks of drug therapy. Monitoring the effectiveness of the selected therapy and identifying and solving drug related problems will also be emphasized. Included in this course are general principals of clinical pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse reactions and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests.
Summer Session
PHAR 4339 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience II (3)
The students will work full time in an inpatient pharmacy environment for three weeks. The students will learn and practice the basics of preparing and dispensing medication orders in a safe and legal fashion.
Third Professional Year
Fall Semester
PHAR 5117 Therapeutics Case Studies III (1)
Students will be given patient scenarios and will work as a team to go through a series of hypotheses regarding the scenario. The team will collect additional information from available sources (e.g. patient, literature), assess the overall situation and develop a pharmaceutical care plan as a final outcome. Each semester a number of scenarios will be developed to allow students to develop strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills in simulated settings, that will then carry over to real life settings in the experiential part of the program and in the future as a professional pharmacist.
PHAR 5119 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience III (1)
This course will provide the student with working experience in a long term care facility with a focus on patient interviews and completing assignments that introduce the student to the provision of pharmaceutical services (F425) in a long term care facility as described in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Manual System. Students will be introduced to role of the pharmacist as it relates to providing medication regimen review (F428) to identify unnecessary drugs and manage medications (F329) as part of a health care team. Students will use SOAP notes to document information collected during the weekly patient interviews and medication regimen review. In addition to on site experience there will be a didactic class that meets weekly to help the student develop the skills necessary to complete on site tasks and reinforce what is being learned on site through the use of student presentations, reflection, student discussion and critical thinking.
PHAR 5125 Ethics in Pharmacy Practice (2)
This course is designed to provide the students with knowledge of the present ethical issues in patient care related to the managed health care, the private sector and public health systems. Focus will be on learning to facilitate the multidisciplinary health care teams in the diverse patient settings to assure optimal treatment interventions. The course sensitizes the students to a variety of ethical issues present in pharmacy practice and in the healthcare systems. Students will learn to recognize ethical dilemmas and work to resolve problems using basic ethical principles.
PHAR 5127 Literature Evaluation (2)
This course introduces students to problem-based learning. Students will be given patient case scenarios and will work as a team to go through a series of hypotheses regarding the scenario. The team will collect additional information from available sources (e.g. patient, literature), assess the overall situation, and develop a pharmaceutical care plan as a final outcome. Each semester a number of case scenarios will be provided to allow students to develop strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills in simulated settings, that will carry over to real life settings in the experiential part of the program and in the future as a professional pharmacist.
PHAR 5137 Concepts in Pharmacy Practice I (3)
This course guides students to apply the therapeutic knowledge and pharmaceutical care skills that they have developed in previous courses in four different domains; practice simulation, health assessment, controversial topics, and disease management certification. As the final pharmaceutical care course before students begin their advanced practice experience rotations in a real patient care setting, it is designed to integrate all aspects of pharmaceutical care in a simulated practice environment in a systems based approach. The course consists of didactic, discussion, and simulated patient care activities that are closely monitored and evaluated by faculty. Students will gain practical experience in prescription assessment, patient profile review, clinical problem-solving, patient counseling and education, communicating with health care professionals, and documenting clinical interventions. They will also learn how to do basic patient screenings such as taking blood pressures, drawing blood for diabetes screening and glucose monitoring, and how to interpret basic laboratory tests, etc. Experienced based activities will occur in the Pharmacy Practice laboratory’s patient assessment room and will be a major part of this course which will include videotaping for feedback and professional growth.
PHAR 5144 Systems Pharmacology V (4)
This course examines those topics that provide the foundation for the rational use of pharmacotherapeutic agents to treat infectious diseases and neoplasms. Relevant aspects of the physiology of microbial, viral and mycotic pathogenic organisms will be discussed. The molecular etiology of cancer and the various stages of tumor development will also be introduced. Those chemotherapeutic agents used for the purpose of eradicating the invading populations will be presented with an emphasis on their chemical characteristics and their mechanistic and systemic actions. A primary focus of this and all courses in this sequence is integration of concepts.
PHAR 5147 Pathophysiology & Therapeutics III (4)
The course presents the prevalence, presentation, diagnosis, natural course and therapeutic options for treating major disease states. A significant amount of time will be spent learning the process of choosing the optimal therapeutic regimen based on individual patient characteristics and demonstrated benefits and risks of drug therapy. Monitoring the effectiveness of the selected therapy and identifying and solving drug related problems will also be emphasized. Included in this course are general principals of clinical pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse reactions and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests.
Spring Semester
PHAR 5217 Therapeutics Case Studies IV (1)
This course utilizes various instructional techniques such as problem- and case-based learning to evaluate a patient case and develop a pharmaceutical care plan. Each team will collect additional information from available sources (e.g. patient, literature, etc.) and then assess and develop a pharmaceutical care plan or answer specific questions related to the case as a final outcome. Each semester a number of case scenarios will be provided to allow students to develop strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills in simulated settings that will carry over to real-life settings in the experiential portion of the curriculum and in the future as a professional pharmacist.
PHAR 5219 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience IV (1)
The student will be assigned to a St. John Fisher Faculty member and will participate in some of the activities at the clinical site. The student will be exposed to the requirements of the advanced rotations in order to better prepare for the students final year of training.
PHAR 5225 Federal Pharmacy Law (2)
This course examines the role of the federal government in the regulation of pharmacy practice and the interplay with New York State pharmacy law. Students will learn about both the structure and the substance of pharmacy practice environment. Students will obtain a working knowledge the federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, the federal Controlled Substances Acts, the regulations associated with these, the common law, and other federal law relevant to practice. These tools are necessary to be able to practice effectively and efficiently. In addition students will be challenged to think critically about American-style regulatory process and its effects on patients, practice and society.
PHAR 5236 Managing Practice & Personnel (3)
This course covers basic management principles involved in pharmacy practices from manufacturing to the consumer. Management theories, marketing strategies, regulatory issues, contracts, accounting concepts, and pharmacy security are some of the issues covered throughout the course. Drug evaluation, processing, drug acquisition, inventory and storage will also be discussed. In addition, human resource management, including selection performance appraisal and diversity issues, will be covered.
PHAR 5237 Concepts in Pharmacy Practice II (3)
This course is the second of a two course sequence. It applies the same concepts in the Concepts in Pharmacy Practice I course to a new set of patient or pharmaceutical care scenarios. The same four domains; practice simulation, health assessment, seminar and disease management certification will be included in this course. As the final pharmaceutical care course before students begin their advanced practice experience rotations in a real patient care setting, it is designed to integrate all aspects of pharmaceutical care in a simulated practice environment in a systems based approach. The course consists of didactic, discussion, and simulated patient care activities that are closely monitored and evaluated by faculty. Students will gain practical experience in prescription assessment, patient profile review, clinical problem-solving and patient counseling and education.
PHAR 5257 Pathophysiology & Therapeutics IV (5)
The course presents the prevalence, presentation, diagnosis, natural course and therapeutic options for treating major disease states. A significant amount of time will be spent learning the process of choosing the optimal therapeutic regimen based on individual patient characteristics and demonstrated benefits and risks of drug therapy. Monitoring the effectiveness of the selected therapy and identifying and solving drug related problems will also be emphasized. Included in this course are general principals of clinical pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse reactions and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests.
Fourth Professional Year
PHAR 6401 Advanced Rotation Elective I (6)
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is the capstone experience for students in their final (P4) year of school at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy. This Elective rotation is the first of three that allows the student to explore a specific area of interest that may or may not be a traditional career path in pharmacy and for which the preceptor may or may not be a pharmacist. Students may repeat one core rotation as an elective as long as the learning activities expand on those of the core elective and the syllabus is approved by the Office of Experiential education. Elective rotations are a 40 hour per week for 6 weeks on site commitment in a number of possible settings including ambulatory care, institutional care, academia, or industry.
PHAR 6402 Advanced Rotation Elective II (6)
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is the capstone experience for students in their final (P4) year of school at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy. This Elective rotation is the first of three that allows the student to explore a specific area of interest that may or may not be a traditional career path in pharmacy and for which the preceptor may or may not be a pharmacist. Students may repeat one core rotation as an elective as long as the learning activities expand on those of the core elective and the syllabus is approved by the Office of Experiential education. Elective rotations are a 40 hour per week for 6 weeks on site commitment in a number of possible settings including ambulatory care, institutional care, academia, or industry.
PHAR 6403 Advanced Rotation Elective III (6)
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is the capstone experience for students in their final (P4) year of school at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy. This Elective rotation is the first of three that allows the student to explore a specific area of interest that may or may not be a traditional career path in pharmacy and for which the preceptor may or may not be a pharmacist. Students may repeat one core rotation as an elective as long as the learning activities expand on those of the core elective and the syllabus is approved by the Office of Experiential education. Elective rotations are a 40 hour per week for 6 weeks on site commitment in a number of possible settings including ambulatory care, institutional care, academia, or industry.
PHAR 6701 Community Pharmacy Rotation (6)
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is the capstone experience for students in their final (P4) year of school at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy. The Community Pharmacy rotation is a 40 hour per week for 6 weeks on site commitment in which students will perform numerous learning activities including interviewing patients, dispensing, monitoring, and counseling patients receiving pharmacy services in the community setting.
PHAR 6702 Hospital Pharmacy Rotation (6)
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is the capstone experience for students in their final (P4) year of school at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy. The Hospital Pharmacy rotation is a full time (40 hrs per week for 6 weeks) on site commitment in which the student learning activities include order entry, preparation of sterile products, error and adverse drug reaction reporting, and gathering and evaluating patient and drug-related information to identify drug therapy problems in the institutional pharmacy setting.
PHAR 6703 Internal Medicine Rotation (6)
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is the capstone experience for students in their final (P4) year of school at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy. The Internal Medicine rotation is a 40 hour per week for 6 weeks on site commitment in which students will perform numerous learning activities including monitoring patients (rounding) with the health care team, presentations, participating in journal clubs, providing drug information, and providing patient centered pharmacy care in the institutional setting.
PHAR 6704 Ambulatory Care Rotation (6)
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is the capstone experience for students in their final (P4) year of school at the Wegmans School of Pharmacy. The Ambulatory Care rotation is a 40 hour per week for 6 weeks on site commitment in which students will perform numerous learning activities including monitoring, interviewing and counseling patients, providing drug information, identifying drug related problems, and making interventions to improve patient care in the ambulatory setting.
Approved Professional Electives
PHAR 5501 Introduction to Medical Missions (2)
This elective course discusses the philosophy of missions, our responsibility as healthcare professionals to the underserved and how we as medically trained professionals can use our training to further mission work and serve others. The course will be based on a Christian faith foundation and will contain a service component requirement, with opportunities to participate in a short-term medical mission trip.
PHAR 5502 Introduction to Research (2)
This course will introduce the students to research opportunities in pharmaceutical, clinical and administrative sciences. Students will interact with individual faculty members to explore their research interests. Students will perform literature searches on current research topics and develop original research projects involving one or more disciplines. This course will also familiarize the students with communication and dissemination of scientific information in written and verbal formats, such as writing papers and review articles, poster and podium presentations, and seminars.
PHAR 5503 Substances of Abuse (2)
This course is designed to provide a foundation for the understanding of the biological and psychosocial aspects of substance abuse and chemical dependency. Students will be given an overview of the various substances of abuse that alter mood, level of perception, or brain functioning. The course will also describe procedures for the identification, referral, and treatment of addictions, and support mechanisms for individuals recovering from addictions.
PHAR 5504 Topics in Pharmacy Law (2)
This course is designed to review the court made law pharmacy practice issues that are either not normally covered elsewhere in the curriculum and/or are currently evolving in the courts, legislatures, and regulatory agencies. This might include, but would not be limited to, topics such as purchasing, advertising, contraception, access to medication, right to refuse medication, criminal, civil rights, constitutional, property and more.
PHAR 5505 Community Pharmacy Management (2)
This course is a two credit hour course taught by community practitioners. The course will provide the student with the practical information and skills needed to practice in a community pharmacy setting. The content will focus on the gap between what is taught in pharmacy school and knowledge needed to practice community pharmacy in the 21st century. Practical issues such as customer service, performance evaluations, and job stress will be discussed. In addition unique pharmacy practice settings, such as compounding pharmacy services will be presented.
PHAR 5506 Physical Pharmacology (2)
This is a didactic course designed to explain physiological and pharmacological structures and processes in terms of fundamental physical and chemical principles. The course focuses on development and use of unified concepts and models that offer simple descriptions of complicated systems.
PHAR 5507 Toxins and Poisons: An Introduction to Forensic Toxicology (2)
A lecture and group discussion-based course designed to acquaint the student with the science of toxicology. The course will introduce basic toxicological principles and methods and will place special emphasis on the applied fields of toxicology, including forensic and environmental toxicology.
PHAR 5508 AIDS: Principles, Practices, and Politics (2)
An introduction and overview of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) for the Pharmacy student. This course combines HIV-related presentations and journal club presentations, along with a series of multidisciplinary presentations on the epidemiology, sociology and psychology of HIV/AIDS will provide topics including , will be discussed. Class will include guest lecturers, films, and group discussion. A service learning component consisting of at least 15 hours of community service will be required of all students.
PHAR 5509 Professional Issues Concerning Substance Abuse (2)
This course prepares students to recognize, detect, prevent, and manage the effects of substance abuse that affects practice from both internal and external sources. Topics include, but are not limited to, signs and symptoms of substance abuse, prevention of diversion of controlled substances, formal and informal substance abuse treatment programs, limitation of the license to practice, and other issues impacting professional practice.
PHAR 5510 Independent Research (1-3)
This elective course is designed to allow students to pursue research interests and become familiar with techniques used in basic or clinical research. In collaboration with a faculty advisor, each student will select an appropriate research problem and work toward its solution.
PHAR 5511 Perspectives on Public Health Practice and Leadership (3)
Leadership in population-based approaches to healthcare requires collaboration with a variety of community leaders and providers. A broad-based education in public health issues may provide students with insight into both the complexity and opportunity presented by public health issues in our community. This course is designed to give students a framework for understanding the role of pharmacy in public health, to expose them to healthcare leaders and decision makers across an array of disciplines in our community, and to provide examples of innovative public health programs.
PHAR 5512 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (2)
This course will introduce the students to unique aspects of complementary and alternative medical care which are widely used in the US. Students will learn to understand the influences of these alternative therapies on western medicine. This course will offer an understanding of the theories and practice of commonly used alternative medical therapies.
PHAR 5513 Conversational Spanish for Pharmacists (2)
This is a two hour per week elective course for students interested in refining their Spanish conversational skills in order to engage in more effective and immediate communication with their Spanish-speaking patients on a regular basis. Participants will be guided to produce immediate verbal responses to patient input which enhances listening and comprehension skills. Students who enroll are expected to have successfully completed at least two years of college level language instruction. Enrollment also requires permission from the instructor.
PHAR 5514 Current Topics in Drug Delivery (2)
Drug delivery systems can be intelligently designed to enhance new and existing drug therapies. This course builds upon the introductory Pharmaceutics course and covers current topics in drug delivery. Approximately 5 to 7 topics will be covered entirely through case studies. For each topic, the students will first review the advantages and limitations of existing drug delivery system. The students will then perform in-depth analysis on the new delivery system and/or the related manufacturing technologies. Through these case studies, the students will also be exposed to controversial topics on intellectual properties and regulatory strategies. The enrollment of this course is limited to 20 students.
PHAR 5515 Advanced Extemporaneous Compounding (1-2)
This elective course is designed to build upon the extemporaneous compounding skills learned during the Pharmaceutics sequence. The student will assist instructors in the Applied Pharmaceutics laboratory courses, including development, preparation and instruction of the compounding experiments. This course will also include a component involving interaction with compounding pharmacists in the community.
PHAR 5516 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (2)
Biopharmaceuticals comprised the fastest growing category of drugs in recent years. Present and future research efforts are highly concentrated on these compounds. This course will introduce students to various biotechnology derived drugs and drug products. Students will learn about physicochemical aspects of protein-like compounds and the production, processing, and characterization of these drugs. The unique challenges presented in delivery and pharmacokinetics as well as formulation development of these proteins will be discussed. Some commonly used biotech products will be reviewed. In the end, the issues related to the handling of biopharmaceuticals in the practice setting will be discussed.
PHAR 5517 Pain and Palliative Care (2)
Pain and palliative care are emerging areas of pharmacy practice. This course will provide students a detailed understanding of pain and symptom management treatments for patients with advanced illness. Students will also learn methods to communicate and provide pharmaceutical care to pain and palliative care patients, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members.
PHAR 5518 Topics in Medication Safety (2)
This course consists of lectures, in-class discussions and assignments (including field work) designed to introduce the student to issues surrounding medication errors, patient safety, and the design of error-free medication systems. The course goal is to give students an understanding of the principles of human and systems errors; the evolution of concern about medication errors, adverse drug events, medical error and patient safety; and the principles, techniques, and technology for reducing errors and their effect on patients.
PHAR 5519 Leadership in Pharmacy Practice (2)
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of leadership, with a focus on applying these concepts to personal development, professional relationships, and the pharmacy profession. Students will identify personal strengths and values, and engage in reflection and other activities on using their strengths to build their own leadership style. Students will learn principles of change management and apply these to specific issues in the profession. Students will also have the opportunity to interact and learn from local leaders in the profession of pharmacy.
PHAR 5520 Pharmacy Informatics (2)
This course discusses the role of information and technology (informatics) as they apply to pharmacy practice as well as other health care professions. The objective of the course is not to focus on specific hardware or software systems, but to provide the student with an appreciation for the utility and advancement of these systems, as well as their detractors, as an essential part of the clinical decision-making process. Topics to be covered will include, but not limited to: information management, technology models and infrastructure, automation in medication dispensing, telecommunications, point-of-care technologies and decision support, data storage and retrieval, e-commerce, electronic prescribing, privacy and security.
PHAR 5521 Geriatric Health Care (3)
With the expected rise in the geriatric population, there will be an increased need for health care professionals with training and expertise in geriatric therapeutics. This course is facilitated by an interdisciplinary faculty and focuses on health and quality of life issues of elders residing in both the community and in long-term care settings. Basic to advanced understanding of normal physiological, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, psychological and social changes that occur as a result of the aging process are reviewed. Concepts of function/dysfunction are addressed in the context of achieving and maintaining health and optimal functioning. Emphasis is placed on appropriate and inappropriate drug therapies, and on tailoring of existing standards and clinical practice guidelines to older adults with attention to intervention and management.
PHAR 5522 Professional Projects in Pharmaceutical Sciences (1 - 3)
An elective course for students who wish to pursue professional projects in any discipline within the pharmaceutical sciences under the guidance of a faculty member. The types of professional projects include (but not limited to) tutoring services, community outreach programs, and technologies in education. This course is recommended to students who are interested in academic rotations during the fourth professional year.
PHAR 5523 Vaccinology 101: Design, Development, & Disease (2)
The goal of this elective course is to focus the student’s general understanding of the immune system towards the biological aspects of vaccination. This course combines didactic presentations and small-group formats to introduce students to the principles of rational vaccine design, development, and pharmaceutical intervention against disease. The focus of the course will emphasize the empirical basis of vaccine design and development, past and current vaccine applications, and developing future pharmaceutical vaccine prospects for medically-relevant pathogens for which there are no effective vaccines. Socioeconomic and ethical implications of vaccines, including the role of vaccination in public health and infectious disease prevention, vaccine economics, and vaccine safety profiles will also be discussed.
PHAR 5524 Application of Drug Interaction Information in Clinical Practice (2)
This is a two-hour elective course designed for Pharm.D. candidates in their 2nd or 3rd professional year. It introduces the tools required to interpret the drug interaction literature for use in clinical practice. Each lecture will stress the prominent drug interactions related to a particular class of drugs. The literature review and writing skills along with the drug interaction knowledge base acquired from this class will be useful in developing pharmaceutical care plans, answering drug information questions, and providing drug consults in both the PPEP program and as a practicing ambulatory care or inpatient pharmacist.
PHAR 5525 Basic Sign Language for Health Professionals (2)
Basic American Sign Language signs and linguistic features will be introduced in order to engage in survival-level conversations with deaf patients in various medical settings. Students will learn basic information related to the deaf culture and community.
PHAR 5526 Introduction to Cancer Biology and Treatment (2)
This course is designed to provide a foundation for the understanding of the biological and psychosocial aspects of cancer and its treatment. Students will be given an overview of cancer biology and the pharmacology of chemotherapeutic drugs and agents used to manage the side effects of those drugs. The focus of the course is on the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on individuals, families, and communities using a multidisciplinary approach. The course will include a service learning component where students will work with a community agency to complete a project.
PHAR 5999 Pharmacy Internship Elective (0)
This zero credit course was designed to give students who are non-US citizens with F1 Visa status an opportunity to work after they have completed their first year of pharmacy school. The students working hours while enrolled in this course will not count against their eligibility to work after graduation. The course will be offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The Wegmans School of Pharmacy deemed it was necessary to give these students an opportunity to gain valuable experience working in a pharmacy.
PHAR 55XX Veterinary Pharmacy (2)
Dr. Elaine Blythe, Pharm.D.
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/certificate/vettherapeutics
Upon completing this online-only course, students will have obtained knowledge and skills that can positively impact educational, veterinary and economic outcomes by applying their drug knowledge resources to veterinary situations. This course will provide valuable instruction on the uses and indications of human and veterinary labeled medications used in the treatment of diseases affecting animal patients. Common animal disease states affecting small animals, large animals and food animals will be presented and discussed. Legal and regulatory issues that affect the practice of veterinary pharmacy will be emphasized. Exploration and utilization of text and internet-based veterinary-specific resources will be highlighted. Additionally, current topics in veterinary medicine and veterinary pharmacy will be discussed. For more information on course objectives, dates, tuition, transfer of credits, or registration instructions visit http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/certificate/vettherapeutics.
PHAR 55XX Pharmaceutical Crimes Practice & Procedure (3)
Dr. David Brushwood, Ph.D.
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
The purpose of this online course is to provide an overview of American legal system, focusing primarily on the criminal case. We will consider the difference between actions by a health care provider that can be considered criminal (outside the practice of health care) and those that can be considered substandard practice (within the practice of health care). We will dig deeply into two notorious cases of alleged physician criminal conduct. We will describe how very safe and effective pharmaceutical products that save lives and relieve human suffering can be turned into deadly weapons by people who have access to them and know how to use them. We will review the process through which crimes are investigated to develop evidence that will support a prosecution or the defense of an alleged criminal. We will review the rights of the alleged criminal and the steps taken to assure that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We will describe the trial of a criminal suspect including a consideration of appropriate and inappropriate conduct by the prosecution and the defense as well as the role of the expert witness who presents either factual or opinion evidence in a criminal trial.