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4. Postgraduate degree requirements

This chapter sets out requirements for both research and coursework postgraduate programs offered in the Faculty of Pharmacy. Following a brief description of the research degrees and notes on the presentation of theses, details of the requirements and units of study for the coursework programs are listed.

The information in this chapter is in summary form and is subordinate to the provisions of the relevant degree resolutions (see Chapter 5).

Another valuable resource for intending and current postgraduate students is the Postgraduate Research and Coursework Handbook published by the University of Sydney. See:
www.usyd.edu.au/handbooks/handbooks_admin/postgraduate.shtml

Also relevant is The Thesis Guide and the Survival Manual published by the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association.

Research degrees

Research degrees offered by the faculty are:

  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Master of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Course code: PB000

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree awarded for a thesis considered to be a substantially original contribution to the subject concerned. Some coursework may be required (mainly in the form of seminars) but in no case is it a major component. See Chapter 5 for the Resolutions of the Senate and Academic Board relating to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Applicants should normally hold a masters degree or a bachelor's degree with first class honours from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification from another university or institution.

The degree may be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. In the case of full-time candidates:

  • the minimum period of candidature can, with the permission of the faculty, be two years for candidates holding an MSc degree or equivalent, or three years in the case of candidates holding a bachelor's degree with first class or second class honours
  • the maximum period of candidature is normally four years.

Part-time candidature may be approved for applicants who can demonstrate that they are engaged in an occupation or other activity, which leaves them substantially free to pursue their candidature for the degree. For part-time candidates:

  • the minimum period of candidature will normally be determined on the recommendation of the faculty but in any case will not be less than three years
  • the maximum period of candidature is normally eight years.
Doctor of Philosophy degree resolutions

See Chapter 5.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Course code: PC082

The degree is awarded on the successful examination of a thesis based on original research. The faculty offers a wide choice of research areas (see below). There is a coursework component to this degree, consisting of a Research Methods unit of study, but by no means is it a major component.

The minimum admission requirements are:

  • a bachelor's degree with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney in pharmacy or science (eg pharmacology, chemistry or biochemistry), or
  • a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or other approved institution without first or second class honours, after the applicant has passed a qualifying examination at a standard equivalent to the bachelor’s degree with first or second class honours.

The Faculty of Pharmacy may exempt an applicant from the qualifying examination if the applicant has obtained at least a credit in the highest course available in the subject or subjects relevant to the Master of Philosophy (Pharmacy).

The degree may be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. The minimum period of candidature will be one year with a maximum of two years for students enrolled on a full-time basis. For students enrolled on a part-time basis, the minimum period of candidature is two years, and four years maximum.

Master of Philosophy degree resolutions

See Chapter 5.

Research in the Faculty of Pharmacy

Research in Pharmacy covers a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical and clinical sciences, including:

  • the design, synthesis, testing and mechanism of action of drugs
  • studies on advanced drug delivery
  • investigation of the fate of drugs in humans including pharmacogenomics and other aspects of drug disposition, and
  • research on the clinical and sociological aspects of pharmacy and health services research.

Within the pharmacy profession, the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney is established as a leader in research and innovation. We are experiencing a sustained period of significant growth as we continue to attract outstanding researchers to the faculty through the provision of facilities that promote world class research.

Research income has increased from approximately $0.5M in 1999 to over $3.4M in 2007. Research in the faculty is supported through nationally competitive grant funding from professional bodies, such as the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Research Council, Ramaciotti Foundation and Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation, among others.

Research projects are also conducted as collaborative ventures and contracts with the pharmaceutical industry or with State or Commonwealth Departments of Health.

The research activities at the Faculty of Pharmacy can be divided into three broad streams incorporating our research strengths. These are:

  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Pharmacy Practice
Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Drug Discovery – Research in Drug Discovery focuses on the conceptualization, design and testing of drugs (including drug quality). Utilising molecular modelling and computational chemistry, the structural group has been active in its work aimed at targets for inflammation and schizophrenia, allowing it to develop compounds with promising therapeutic profiles.

The neuroscience team is involved in the design and synthesis of analogues of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.

GABA receptors are key targets for drugs which have important therapeutic actions including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and memory-related deficits implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

Biological Mechanisms of Drug Action – Research on biological mechanisms of drug actions explores how and why drugs work and the identification of potential future drug targets.

Our current research programs in this area include investigation of novel therapeutic targets for future pharmacological intervention in inflammatory diseases such as asthma and cancer, and structure-activity studies of receptors implicated in neurological conditions using mutagenesis methods to help us identify key amino acid residues that are important in the binding and function of receptors in neuroscience.

Herbal Medicines – The Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre was founded in 1997, the first of its kind in Australia, which was established within the pharmaceutical chemistry program. The centre focuses on scholarship and research into the quality, safety and efficacy of herbal and complementary medicines and their interactions with conventional drugs.

Linkages and cooperation between the pharmaceutical, herbal and complementary medicine industries and user groups are actively promoted. The use of plants and other naturally occurring materials as sources of safe and effective therapeutic agents is a major objective of research carried out in the Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre.

Pharmaceutics

Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development – The Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group has interests in how human gene variation influences drug action and safety. The principal focus is on human drug metabolising enzymes (cytochromes P450 in particular) and transporters that determine the concentrations of drugs in tissues and their durations of action.

Projects cover clinical aspects of human drug safety in addition to laboratory-based projects of human gene regulation in cells. At present, the emphasis is on anti-cancer agents and on atypical antipsychotic drugs.

Advanced Drug Delivery – The Advanced Drug Delivery Group is focussed on understanding physical properties of materials used in pharmaceutical sciences and relating those to in-vitro and subsequent in-vivo performance. More specifically, the group's main focus is in respiratory drug delivery science.

In addition to the basic aerosol characterisation techniques, the group utilises a series of advanced techniques to allow direct insight into how surface morphology and chemistry influence in-vitro performance parameters in respiratory physical science.

Pharmacy Practice

Health Services Research – A particular strength of the Pharmacy Practice group is health services research focusing on the role of pharmacy in the health care setting. Implementing change to pharmacy practice in recent decades has required a solid base of research and evidence to support the clinical and economic value of extended roles for pharmacists.

Active research projects in this group include: airway smooth muscle and mast cells in asthma, private hospital pharmacy services and QUM indicators, exploring ethnic and cultural differences in behaviours and attitudes toward medicine-taking, customer perceptions and clinical assessment of home medicines reviews, continuity of care and home medicine reviews, optimising business viability in Australian community pharmacies by integrating cognitive pharmacy services, hospital pharmacy workforce and industrial relations, investigating the valproate-clozapine interacting in people with schizophrenia, extemporaneous compounding in community pharmacy, measuring perceived service quality in the public healthcare system, chronic disease and health economics, health services and policy, the impact of model of service delivery variables on the self management and metabolic control of children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, development and evaluation of a prescribing decision support tool for anticoagulation in the prevention of atrial fibrillation, psychotropic drug use in nursing homes, optimal dosing in children with malignant disease, ethnic differences in drug response, provision of mental health services in community pharmacy, asthma devices and self-management, development and provision of CMI, patient perceptions and their satisfaction with pharmacy services, medication counselling practice in community pharmacy, drug access, policy and clinical trials in paediatrics, sociocognitive examination of service quality and satisfaction within professional health services and measuring pharmacist inter-professional communication.

Quality Use of Medicines – Assuring medication safety and the Quality Use of Medicines in the community and institutional setting is also the key focus of research activity. Examples of research in the institutional setting include drug use reviews, clinical therapeutic drug monitoring, the role of drug committees and the impact of clinical services in the hospital setting.

In the community setting, research focuses on the impact of Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) and HMR on medicines use and health outcomes. Medicines information is another focus of research activity with investigations into consumer needs, preferences, experiences and impacts on medicine taking behaviour.

Understanding the causes and consequences of age-related changes in response to medicines is a major focus in the research area of Pharmacy Aged Care within the Pharmacy Practice discipline. This involves investigations into the use of medicines in older people, clinical pharmacology studies to characterise changes in drug disposition and how these translate into practice.

Asthma – Cellular research in asthma is centred on examining the roles, mechanisms and interactions of inflammatory mediators, mast and smooth muscle cells in the pathophysiology of asthma. This may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets to improve prevention and management of the condition.

Pharmacy Management - In an increasingly competitive environment, skills such as marketing, human resources, leadership, retail management and strategic management are vital for the ongoing success of pharmacy. The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney is the first school in Australia, and one of only a few in the world, to address this need through the development of a research program.

Research projects have commenced concerning strategic barriers to entry, human resource management in community pharmacy, home medicines reviews, the success factors affecting the introduction of automated dispensing systems into community pharmacy and perceived services quality.

The current focus is on integrating the business and professional aspects of practice by optimising business viability. Organisational frameworks, such as organisational flexibility are being used to examine and support the practical implementation of professional services in community pharmacies.

Presentation of theses

The following information is presented for the guidance of candidates. It should be regarded as a summary only. Candidates should also consult the Postgraduate Research and Coursework Handbook 2007/08 for the most current and detailed advice. See:
www.usyd.edu.au/handbooks/handbooks_admin/postgraduate.shtml

Formal requirements for Doctor of Philosophy
  • Four copies of the candidate’s thesis should be submitted for examination for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. These may be bound in either a temporary or a permanent form.
  • Theses submitted in temporary binding should be strong enough to withstand ordinary handling and postage.
  • The degree shall not be awarded until the candidate has submitted a permanently bound copy of the thesis (containing any corrections or amendments that may be required), printed on acid-free or permanent paper.
  • The thesis shall be accompanied by a certificate from the supervisor stating whether in the supervisor’s opinion the form of presentation of the thesis is satisfactory.
  • Thesis in permanent form shall normally be on International Standard A4 size paper sewn and bound in boards covered with book cloth or buckram or other binding fabric.
  • The title of the thesis, the candidate’s initials and surname, the title of the degree, the year of submission and the name of the University of Sydney should appear in lettering on the front cover or on the title page. The lettering on the spine, reading from top to bottom, should conform as far as possible to the above except that the name of the University of Sydney may be omitted and the thesis title abbreviated.
  • Supporting material should be bound in the back of the thesis as an appendix or in a separate sheet of covers.
Formal requirements for Master of Philosophy
  • Similar formal requirements to those above exist for the presentation of masters theses.
  • Three copies must be submitted.

Coursework degrees

Requirements for the following coursework degrees offered by the Faculty, and their associated units of study, are listed in this chapter in the following order:

  • Master of Pharmacy
  • Master of Herbal Medicines
  • Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines
  • Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines
Results

For all coursework programs, the following mark ranges apply:

Grades

 HD

 High Distinction

 85–100

 D

 Distinction

 75–84

 CR

 Credit

 65–74

 P

 Pass

 50–64

 R

 Satisfied requirements

 

 F

 Fail

 Below 50

 AF

 Absent Fail

 
Coursework degree resolutions

See Chapter 5.

Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

Course code: PC034

This postgraduate coursework program in pharmacy is a graduate entry level or professional masters degree offered to applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree. With a strong practical focus, the course is designed to provide an alternative mode of entry into the pharmacy profession.

The course has been designed to satisfy the academic requirements for registration with the Pharmacy Board of New South Wales.

Admission requirements

Successful applicants must meet each of the following admission requirements:

  • a prior bachelor's degree
  • satisfactory score in the GAMSAT for local applicants or MCAT for international applicants
  • a minimum GPA as determined by the faculty
  • meeting a minimum of five out of the seven prerequisite units of study – human biology, chemistry, calculus, statistics, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology
  • a satisfactory score for the Pharmacy Case Study Scenario.
Summary of requirements

The degree of Master of Pharmacy is a full-time two year course, including clinical placements undertaken during the summer and winter inter-semester periods. Progression towards the degree is by the accumulation of credit points. The requirements for the degree are set out in the Senate Resolutions (see Chapter 5) which should be read by all intending candidates.

To satisfy the requirement for the degree candidates must gain a minimum of 96 credit points by completing the units of study prescribed for the degree. Table 2 outlines the units of study which comprise the program of study for the Master of Pharmacy.

Registration requirements for pharmacists

A student who intends to qualify to be registered as a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act 1964 is first required to qualify for the degree of Master of Pharmacy. In addition he or she is required to serve not less than 2000 hours as an assistant to a registered pharmacist in a pharmacy within the Commonwealth of Australia. This period must be served following the successful completion of the degree.

Further details concerning the requirements for registration can be obtained from the Pharmacy Board of New South Wales:

3rd Floor, 28 Foveaux Street
Surry Hills
NSW 2010 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9281 7736
Fax: +61 2 9281 2924

Postal address:
Locked Bag 2
Haymarket
NSW 1240 Australia

Master of Pharmacy degree resolutions

See Chapter 5.

Postgraduate coursework programs in Herbal Medicines

Master of Herbal Medicines

(MHerbMed) – Course code PC032

Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines

(GradDipHerbMed) – Course code PF002

Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines

(GradCertHerbMed) – Course code PG000

Objectives

The Master of Herbal Medicines, Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines, and Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines are designed to provide health care professionals and science graduates with an advanced education encompassing scientific and pharmaceutical aspects of herbal medicines, and their clinical applications. Candidates will at the same time acquire systematic knowledge of traditional medicine.

The programs are suitable for postgraduate studies by pharmacists, practitioners and dispensers of complementary medicine and Chinese medicine, medical practitioners, science graduates and professionals who would like to specialise in herbal medicines manufacturing, government regulation and research.

Program outcomes

Graduates with a pharmacy or medical background will gain appropriate knowledge and skills to enable them to provide information and in-depth advice on herbal products in their practice.

Graduates with a traditional Chinese medicine or medical acupuncture background will extend their scientific and pharmaceutical knowledge underpinning the clinical application of Chinese herbal medicines, attain knowledge on the interaction between Western and Chinese medicine, and extend skills necessary to prescribe or dispense scheduled herbs safely in the regulatory context.

Graduates from other scientific disciplines will gain and/or expand their knowledge and further develop skills necessary for work in manufacturing, teaching and the research areas of herbal medicines.

Admission requirements

The basic entry requirement is a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, medicine, nursing, Chinese medicine, complementary medicine, science, veterinary science, agriculture or other appropriate disciplines from an approved university. Under special circumstances other applicants with demonstrable relevant occupational experience and holding relevant diplomas may, on successfully meeting such requirements, be eligible for admission subject to approval by the Dean. The faculty’s usual English language admission requirements also apply.

Program requirements

The Herbal Medicines programs are available for both part-time and full-time study. However, international students are only permitted to enrol full-time.

The course consists of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practical, excursions, and assignment projects. There are approximately eight hours (two/three evenings) of lectures/tutorials per week during semester for part-time study and approximately 16 hours (five evenings) of lectures/tutorials per week during semester for full-time study.

Extra hours are required to attend excursions, carry out literature searches, complete assignments and undertake other self-directed study. Honours students should be prepared to conduct their research at the university during the daytime in addition to attending classes in the evening.

The candidates are required to complete 48 credit points to qualify for the masters pass degree, with an additional 12 credit points for the honours dissertation; 36 credit points to qualify for the graduate diploma; 24 credit points to qualify for the graduate certificate.

For part-time study, the Master of Herbal Medicines is to be taken over two to four years. The Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines is to be taken over one and a half to three years. The Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines is to be taken over one to two years.

For full-time study, the Master of Herbal Medicines is to be taken over one to two years; the honours component for the Master of Herbal Medicines adds an extra semester to the initial masters program; the Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines is to be taken over one to one and a half years; the Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines is to be taken over half a year to one year.

Summary of requirements for full-time study

Program

Credit points required

Minimum time for completion

Maximum time for completion

Master of Herbal Medicines

  48

1 year

2 years
Master of Herbal Medicines (honours level)*   60 1.5 years 2.5 years

Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines

  36

1 year

1.5 years

Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines

  24

0.5 year

1 year
Summary of requirements for part-time study

Program

Credit points required

Minimum time for completion

Maximum time for completion

Master of Herbal Medicines

  48

2 years

4 years
Master of Herbal Medicines (honours level)*   60 2.5 years 4 years

Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines

  36

1.5 years

3 years

Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines

  24

1 year

2 years

* A dissertation is required for the Master of Herbal Medicine at honours level.

Flexibility between courses

This is a fully embedded program. The graduate certificate and graduate diploma are linked to the masters degree. Candidates enrolled in the masters degree or graduate diploma may choose to terminate their enrolment earlier to qualify for the graduate diploma or graduate certificate. Candidates are eligible to apply to transfer their enrolment from graduate certificate to graduate diploma, or from graduate diploma to masters. Local candidates are eligible to apply for conversion between part-time and full-time study.

Course structure

The Master of Herbal Medicines program has four core units of study and seven electives, with the core units of study offered Monday to Thursday, and the elective units of study offered Monday to Friday. Full-time candidates are required to attend classes potentially for five days (evenings) per week, depending on electives chosen, but with a minimum of four days (evenings) per week. The table below shows the graduate programs in herbal medicines, including the suggested units of study for those candidates wishing to specialise in different fields: clinical, industry and dispensary fields. Flexibility is allowed for electives and students also have the option of choosing one unit of study from other disciplines within the university, or from another university, subject to approval by the course coordinator.

To be eligible to apply for the dissertation required for the Master of Herbal Medicines at honours level, students need an average weighted mark of at least 65 in 24 credit points of core unit coursework in Semester 1. A weighted average mark of 70 must be maintained in Semester 2. Approved students are then required to undertake a small supervised research project in herbal medicines and complete a formal dissertation component. The offer of a dissertation is subject to availability of staff and laboratory space.

Program

Credit points required

Minimum time for completion

Maximum time for completion

Master of Herbal Medicines

  48

1 year

2 years
Master of Herbal Medicines (honours level)*   60 1.5 years 2.5 years

Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines

  36

1 year

1.5 years

Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines

  24

0.5 year

1 year

At least 50 per cent of total credit points earned should be from core units. Flexibility is allowed for electives, however there are recommended electives for each stream. An elective unit of study may not be offered if a certain enrolment number is not reached.

Credit

Prior to admission to candidature, a candidate who has completed relevant graduate coursework in the University of Sydney or another recognised university may be eligible for credit of up to one third of the overall degree towards the requirements for the Master of Herbal Medicines, the Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicines, or the Graduate Certificate in Herbal Medicines degrees respectively. The graduate study completed (within the previous five years) must be considered by the faculty to be equivalent to programs prescribed for the degree.

Herbal Medicines degree resolutions

See Chapter 5.

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Units of study: tables

Table 2: Master of Pharmacy degree

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Year 1
PCOL5001
Current Topics in Pharmacology 		6      Semester 1
PHAR5513
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1A 		6      Semester 1
PHAR5515
Pharmaceutical Science 		6      Semester 1
PHAR5516
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1B 		6    C PHAR5513 and PHAR5515
Semester 2
PHAR5517
Pharmaceutics 1B 		6    C PHAR5515
Semester 2
PHAR5518
Pharmacy Practice A 		6      Semester 2
PHAR5505
Clinical Residency 1 		12    C PHAR5518
S2 Late Int

Year 2
PHAR5507
Dispensing Practice 		6    P PHAR5517
Semester 1
PHAR5508
Pharmacy Practice B 		6    P PHAR5505 and PHAR5518
Semester 1
PHAR5514
Pharmaceutics 2A 		6      Semester 1
PHAR5506
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2B 		6    P PHAR5513, PHAR5516
Semester 2
PHAR5509
Integrated Pharmaceutics 		6    P PHAR5517
C PHAR5514
Semester 2
PHAR5510
Pharmacy Practice C 		6    C PHAR5508
Semester 2
PHAR5512
Clinical Residency 2 		12    C PHAR5508 and PHAR5510
S2 Late Int

Table 3: Postgraduate coursework programs in Herbal Medicine

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session
HERB5550
Integrative Herbal Therapeutics 		6      Semester 1
HERB5551
Botany and Herbal Chemistry 		6      Semester 1
HERB5552
Herbal Pharmacology 		6      Semester 1
HERB5553
Herbal Regulation and Dispensing 		6      Semester 1
HERB5554
Chinese Medicine and Materia Medica 		6      Semester 1
HERB5555
Herbal Pharmaceutics and Analysis 		6      Semester 2
HERB5556
Herbal Toxicology 		6      Semester 2
HERB5557
Pharmacognosy 		6      Semester 2
HERB5558
Clinical Studies and Monographs 		6      Semester 2
HERB5559
Chinese Herbal Formulas and Processing 		6      Semester 2
* For Master of Herbal Medicines (honours level)
HERB5560
Dissertation 		12   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment

 Semester 1
Semester 1a
Semester 1b
Semester 2
Semester 2a
Semester 2b

Units of study: listings

HERB5550 Integrative Herbal Therapeutics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 11 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 2 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
This unit of study is designed for the healthcare practitioners who would like to extend their understanding in clinical applications of traditional herbal medicines. 'Integration' is the essence of this unit of study, linking and combining the knowledge and practice of Western and traditional medicine in the treatment of common diseases. The unit covers some common chronic diseases, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, asthma, rheumatism, prostate hypertrophy, menopausal syndrome, depression etc. The disease states based on the symptomology of Western medicines are extended towards the syndrome and holistic model of traditional medicines (Chinese, Western and Ayurvedic).
Textbooks
Quick Access, Professional Guide to Conditions, Herbs & Supplements, Integrative Medicine Communications. 2000
HERB5551 Botany and Herbal Chemistry

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 12 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 4 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
Medicinal botany is the study of the structure, morphology and taxonomy of medicinal plants. The objectives of the subject are to classify and identify medicinal plants, to ensure the safety and quality of herbal medicines by eliminating the confusion of herbal species, and to develop new resources of medicinal plants. Herbal chemistry comprises the study of extraction and separation, chemical properties, structure determination and biosynthesis pathways of chemical components in herbal medicines. The objective is to use both modern science and technology and traditional theory to study the relationship between chemical components and properties of herbal medicines.
Textbooks
Raven PH, Evert RF, Eichhorn SE. Biology of Plants. W.H. Freeman-Worth Publishers, 1999
HERB5552 Herbal Pharmacology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 12 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 3 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
Herbal pharmacology is the study of the function and mechanism of action of herbal medicines with modern scientific methods. The objectives are: to understand pharmacological principles of herbal medicines which will help health-care practitioners to understand the prescribing of herbal medicines effectively; to understand the underlying nature of traditional medical theory; to provide data on pharmacodynamics and toxicology for new herbal products development. This subject will emphasise the pharmacological study of traditional herbal medicines. The pharmacology of each class of drugs is discussed in relation to traditional theories and classification of herbs.
Textbooks
Rang HP, Dale MM, Ritter JM. Pharmacology (4th Ed). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1999
HERB5553 Herbal Regulation and Dispensing

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 9 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 2 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
This unit of study covers the government legislation concerning products and practice of complementary medicines. This unit will help industry professionals to understand TGA Legislation to ensure that medicinal preparations are of acceptable quality, safety and efficacy, and for health-care practitioners to dispense herbal medicines safely. Topics in this unit of study will include: The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration; accreditation of complementary medicine practitioners; Registration and Listing of traditional or complementary medicines; GMP of herbal manufacturing; dispensing and quality management of herbal medicines, and quality use of medicines.
Textbooks
Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Herbal Medicines, World Health Organisation, 1998
HERB5554 Chinese Medicine and Materia Medica

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 13 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 3 wks Assessment: Examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%). Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
Basic Chinese medicine includes basic theory and its application in the four diagnosis methods, pattern differentiation methods, treatment principles and methods. The unit of study provides systematic knowledge on Chinese medicine and lays a solid foundation for further study on the materia medica and formulary of Chinese medicine. This unit will study the basic theory of Chinese materia medica and the origin, collection, property, function, and clinical application of Chinese herbs in Chinese medicine context. It bridges Chinese medicine theory, formulas and clinical practice. It also provides a foundation for modern herbal monographs.
Textbooks
Maciocia G.The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone.1989
HERB5555 Herbal Pharmaceutics and Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 11 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 5 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
Pharmaceutical technology of herbal medicines includes the study of formulation theory and manufacturing techniques, quality control and application of herbal products using methods of modern science and technology, combined with traditional medicine theory. The primary objective of pharmaceutical technology of herbal medicines is to formulate herbal medicines into dosage forms, and meet the requirements of quality, efficacy, safety and stability. Analysis of herbal medicines is the study of methods of chemical analysis, qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical components, chemical analysis of formulations. The objectives of this course are to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of the analytical methodology used in identifying and quantifying the main chemical components of herbal medicines, as well as contaminants and impurities, and to become familiar with the concepts of method validation and stability-indicating analysis as applied to herbal substances.
Textbooks
List PH, Schmidt PC. Phytopharmaceutical Technology. Boca Raton: CRC Press Inc, 1989
HERB5556 Herbal Toxicology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 7 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 4 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
Herbal toxicology deals with the theory and application of toxicology and safety aspects related to the herbal medicine industry and practice. Topics in this unit of study will include: mechanisms of toxicity, toxicological testing, toxicity of plants, adverse reactions, report mechanism for adverse reactions, contraindications and interactions with pharmaceutical drugs, scheduling of pharmaceutical and herbal medicines, list of toxic herbs.
Textbooks
Klaasen CD, Amdur MO & Doull J (eds).Casarett & Doull (eds). Toxicology: the Basic Science Of Poisons, (6th edn), McGraw-Hill. 2001
HERB5557 Pharmacognosy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 9 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 3 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
Pharmacognosy is the study of natural substances, principally plants, used in medicine. The current subject, pharmacognosy-identification of herbs focuses on the study of herbal identification and quality and development of new herbal resources. It utilizes experience of traditional medicine and theory and methods of modern sciences such as botany, zoology, and chemistry. It studies the origin, characteristics, microscopic characters, chemical components, physical and chemical properties of herbal medicines to ensure the quality of herbal materials and develop new resources.
Textbooks
Evans WC, Saunders WB. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (14th Ed). London: 1996
HERB5558 Clinical Studies and Monographs

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs/wk for 11 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 4 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
This unit has two modules with Module 1 covering the evaluation of clinical studies which refers to the amount of scientific and clinical literature on herbal medicines which is rapidly expanding. This subject will cover the quantitative aspects of study design, the extent and type of use of herbal medicines in world communities, evaluation of methodology of clinical trials, recent developments in clinical trials of herbal medicines in Australia and overseas and literature search training. Module 2 covers herbal monographs which is the information and application of common herbs and herbal preparations available in Australia. Topics will cover botanic description, traditional usage, chemical composition, pharmacology, therapeutic application, toxicity, clinical trial data, TGA regulatory status, and products in the market.
Textbooks
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans, National Health and Medical Research Council, 1999
HERB5559 Chinese Herbal Formulas and Processing

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures 3 hrs/wk for 11 wks, practicals, tutorials, 3 hrs/wk for 3 wks Assessment: examinations (50%), assignments (25%), practical work (25%) Associated degrees: PG Coursework Exchange, Grad Dip H M, M Pharm (Clin), M Herb Med, Grad Cert H M.
A formula of Chinese medicine is a preparation of a number of herbs for clinical use according to certain guidelines, on the basis of pattern differentiation and treatment methods. Formulary of Chinese medicine is based on the study of theory and application of formulae of Chinese medicine. Processing of Chinese medicine is a subject dealing with the theory, history and techniques of processing of Chinese materia medica, and the quality standard of processed herbs and the principles of processing. The objective of processing of Chinese herbal medicines is to maintain the quality of processed herbs, and ensure the safety and clinical efficacy of herbal medicines.
Textbooks
Barolet R & Bensky D. Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulae and Strategies. Eastland Press 1990
HERB5560 Dissertation

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr George Li Session: Semester 1,Semester 1a,Semester 1b,Semester 2,Semester 2a,Semester 2b Classes: Weekly meetings with coordinator and supervisor. Students are required to spend approx 24 hrs/wk on their project for one semester on a part-time basis Assessment: Research and dissertation of up to 20,000 words, or as a manuscript (approx. 3500 words). The manuscript should match the style and content of a nominated journal. The dissertation or manuscript should be bound and will be sent to two examiners. Associated degrees: M Herb Med (Hons).
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
To be eligible to apply for the Dissertation students need an average weighted mark of at least 65 in 24 credit points of core unit coursework in Semester 1. A weighted average mark of at least 70 must be maintained in Semester 2. Approved students are then required to undertake a small supervised research project in herbal medicines and complete a formal Dissertation component. The offer of Dissertation is subject to availability of staff and laboratory space. Students enrolled in the Master of Herbal Medicines (Honours) will undertake a research project over half (full-time) to one semester (part-time students).This research project will involve a literature review, the development of a research proposal and protocol, obtaining ethics approval, and collection of data, and then preparation of a minor treatise under the supervision of a faculty staff member. Supervision will normally involve a 1hr/week meeting with the student's supervisor. Facilities and equipment appropriate to the research will be arranged within the faculty as needed. Students will be required to write a major treatise up to 20,000 words documenting an original research endeavour in the area of herbal medicines. Students will be expected to attend the Postgraduate Research Symposium and to present their research proposal and their ongoing work to peer review.
PCOL5001 Current Topics in Pharmacology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Slade Matthews Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hrs of lectures and 3hrs laboratory classes/workshops per week Assessment: final examination (50%), mid-semester examination (25%) in-semester assessments (25%) Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit aims to develop students' understanding of the therapeutic applications of drugs based on their underlying pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, concentrating on the pharmacology of agents most widely used in Australia and exploring issues related to the use and safety of these agents.
PHAR5505 Clinical Residency 1

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr B Bajorek Session: S2 Late Int Classes: 5 x lectures, 30hrs of tutorials/workshops and 40hrs of on-line workshops Corequisites: PHAR5518 Assessment: Continuous assessment via clinical portfolios, including skill-based competencies (30%); tutorial/workshop participation, including pre-work (30%); oral presentation (20%); reflection (10%); and preceptor evaluation (10%) Practical field work: 168hrs of off-campus experiential placements over 6 wks Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study integrates the information and skills developed in Pharmacy Practice A and Current Topics in Pharmacology within an experiential setting, providing students with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skill base. Students will undertake their learning within both the community and hospital setting, where they will: observe the role of the pharmacist, and their relationship to other health care professionals, within the health care team; utilise their communication skills to educate and deliver drug information to pharmacy clients (patients, pharmacists, health professionals, peers); and develop their clinical knowledge by observing, monitoring, and researching the application of pharmacotherapy to patient care, focusing on the core therapeutic areas (as covered in coursework). Additionally, students will participate in campus-based (face-to-face and/or on-line) tutorial and/or workshop sessions, as well as on-line activities and self-directed learning modules, that will enable them to demonstrate, in a group setting, clinical knowledge and skill development, as well as provide a forum to discuss various practice issues, as experienced during clinical placement.
PHAR5506 Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr R Roubin Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 x 1hr lectures/wk and 7 x 3hr workshops as well as self-directed learning Prerequisites: PHAR5513, PHAR5516 Assessment: Exam (50%), drug action workshop I (15%), drug action workshop II (15%), drug action workshop III (20%) Associated degrees: M Pharm.
The aim of this unit of study is to explore recent advances in drug technology and to illustrate how basic research underpins clinical practice and pharmaceutical care. Students will be exposed to the newly developed and "up-and-coming" biotechnologies such as gene therapy, immunotherapies and prodrugs in the context of neurological disorders, inflammatory diseases, cancer and AIDS. Students will also obtain molecular insights into the actions of natural products. On successful completion of this unit of study, students will: be aware of the latest advances in drug technology; understand how basic research underpins clinical practice and pharmaceutical care; have developed advanced literature searching skills and be able to comprehend the work in original research articles and extract the relevant information from those articles; have improved their writing and oral communication skills; and comprehend the role chemistry plays in determining the molecular basis of drug action. This unit of study will hone the student's critical thinking, literature searching and scientific presentation skills - thus equipping the students with the essential skills for life-long learning.
Textbooks
TL Lemke & DA Williams. Foye's Principles of Medicinal Chemistry (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 6th Ed, 2008)
PHAR5507 Dispensing Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: E Sainsbury Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture/wk, 7 x 1hr tutorials and 6 x 2hr tutorials Prerequisites: PHAR5517 Assessment: Practical exams (30%), written exam (30%), continuous practical assessment (30%), dispensing portfolio (10%). Satisfactory performance in all areas of this unit of study is required. Practical field work: 7 x 3hr practicals and 6 x 2hr practicals Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study gives an introduction to dispensing practice, accuracy in dispensing, legal aspects of dispensing prescriptions, procedures for dispensing prescriptions, documentation of dispensing procedures, containers and labelling of dispensed medicines, dispensing of particular formulations, effect of changing formulation variables on the physical properties and efficacy of pharmaceutical products, dispensing and therapeutics, dosage, pricing of prescriptions. A series of workshops and practical classes complements the lectures, allowing students to dispense and critically assess a variety of pharmaceutical products and a range of proprietary items, as well as facilitating the development of error-detection skills. During the second half of the semester, the process of dispensing is extended to include therapeutic aspects and recommendations.
Textbooks
Australian Medicines Handbook 2009 or 2010 Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (latest version)
PHAR5508 Pharmacy Practice B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr S Megalli Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x lectures/wk and 2 x 2hr tutorials/wk Prerequisites: PHAR5505 and PHAR5518 Assessment: Tutorial participation and contribution (30%), final written exam (50%), MCQ exam (20%). Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study is a continuation of Pharmacy Practice A. A number of therapeutics topics will be covered in a problem-based learning format. Practice-based tutorials will be supplemented with relevant therapeutics lectures and other learning resources. Students will explore the role of the pharmacist in advising on primary and self care, performing clinical interventions, conducting medication reviews, monitoring therapeutic outcomes and participating in therapeutic decision making within these therapeutic areas. This unit of study will facilitate students to gain in-depth knowledge about the pharmacotherapy of disease states through self-directed learning. Themes such as evidence based practice, pharmacoepidemiology, drug information, medication safety, ethics and communication skills will be incorporated throughout the unit of study.
Textbooks
Therapeutic Guidelines, Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd, North Melbourne, Vic. (latest editions) Australian Medicines Handbook, Rossi S (ed), 2008 Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (4th edn), Walker R, Whittlesea C (eds), 2007
PHAR5509 Integrated Pharmaceutics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: R Salama Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x 1hr lectures/wk and 1 x 3hr workshop/wk Prerequisites: PHAR5517 Corequisites: PHAR5514 Assessment: Exam (40%) and workshop presentations (60%) Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study aims to expose the students to six themes associated with new drug development. As an integrated pharmaceutics course, this unit covers the topics of preclinical screening, ADME and animal testing, pre-formulation, formulation, clinical trials and finally product marketing and post marketing responsibilities. Themes will be introduced in the form of lectures given by the faculty as well as presented by invited scientific professionals.
PHAR5510 Pharmacy Practice C

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr K Williams Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x lectures/wk and 2 x 2hr tutorials/wk Corequisites: PHAR5508 Assessment: Tutorial contribution (30%) and exams (70%) Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study is a continuation of Pharmacy Practice A and B. A number of therapeutics topics will be covered in a problem-based learning format. Practice-based tutorials will be supplemented with relevant therapeutics lectures and other learning resources. Students will explore the role of the pharmacist in advising on primary and self care, performing clinical interventions, conducting medication reviews, monitoring therapeutic outcomes, participating in therapeutic decision making and involvement in health promotion and public health within these therapeutic areas. Themes such as evidence based practice, pharmacoepidemiology, drug information, medication safety, ethics and communication skills will be incorporated throughout the unit of study.
Textbooks
Therapeutic Guidelines. Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd, North Melbourne, Vic., latest edition Australian Medicines Handbook, Rossi S (ed), 2009
PHAR5512 Clinical Residency 2

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor A McLachlan Session: S2 Late Int Corequisites: PHAR5508 and PHAR5510 Assessment: Block 1: reflective diary (10%), portfolio of cases and activities (10%), preceptor evaluation (20%), case two (15%); Block 2: reflective diary (10%), preceptor evaluation (20%), case two or project report (15%). All assessment tasks must be completed. Satisfactory performance in all areas of this unit of study is required. Practical field work: 2 x 2wk experiential placements Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This is an experiential unit of study. Off-campus placements will provide students with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skill-base within clinical and professional settings. The sites may include primary and tertiary health care, general and specialist practice in rural and metropolitan areas, professional organisations and Quality Use of Medicines settings as well as the pharmaceutical industry. Two block placements are undertaken, 1 x 2 weeks in July (Block 1) and 1 x 2 weeks in November/December (Block 2). The July placement must be undertaken in a clinical setting, either community pharmacy or hospital.
PHAR5513 Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr J Hanrahan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x lectures/wk, 5 x 2hr tutorials, 4 x 4hr workshops and self-directed learning Assessment: Exam (60%), laboratories (25%), workshops (10%) and modelling (5%) Practical field work: 3 x 4hr labs Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit will explore the physicochemical properties of drugs and how this determines the interactions of small molecules (drugs) with biological macromolecules (enzymes and receptors). All stages in the process of drug design and development will be investigated, including computational drug design, structure activity studies, synthesis and activity assays. Students will also gain experience in a variety of experimental techniques related to drug design. In addition, students will develop skills including critical thinking, the use of information technology and report writing.
Textbooks
Patrick GL. An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (4th ed). Oxford University Press, 2009
PHAR5514 Pharmaceutics 2A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr M Bebawy Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3-5 x lectures/wk and 2hr workshops scheduled as required Assessment: Quizzes (summative and formative), workshops (formative), final examination (summative). All assessments are compulsory. Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study is intended to provide knowledge in a number of fundamental areas that guide and provide evidence to support the safe, effective and ethical use of medicines. These fundamental areas of knowledge start with an understanding of the relationship between drugs interacting with target sites in the body and the effect produced (i.e. pharmacodynamic principles) and understanding the physiological and physicochemical factors that govern the movement of drugs around the body and the time course of exposure of body tissues and blood to drugs (i.e. pharmacokinetics). These principles involve developing concepts and models to explain drug activity in patients and to guide appropriate drug dosage selection. To support this, relevant mathematical principles involving calculus are introduced during this unit of study.
This unit will also explore reasons behind variability in response to medicines among different individuals. The effects of disease, other drugs, demographics and the genetic basis for variable response will be introduced. Basic pharmacogenetic principles for explaining and predicting pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic variability in response will be explored.
Students are also exposed to the notion that medicines may produce adverse effects (as well as beneficial ones). The mechanisms underlying adverse reactions to drugs and how these are classified are explored as are the principles for detecting and avoiding these effects.
Ultimately, many options often exist to manage illness. While the fundamental principles described above assist in understanding how individual drugs should be used, they do not alone provide knowledge to select among alternative options. This unit will introduce students to methods that are used to provide evidence of efficacy and safety of different therapeutic options and to define the place in therapy of these options. To do this, the principles that underpin evidence based medicine (including the clinical trial and pharmacoepidemiology) and the notion of levels of evidence are introduced. Exposure to these principles is intended to develop in students a basic understanding of how to critically evaluate therapeutic options. The evaluation of therapeutic options requires an understanding of statistical methods, which are also introduced during this unit of study.
PHAR5515 Pharmaceutical Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr R Rohanizadeh Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x lec/wk, 2hrs self-directed learning/wk, 1 x 3hr workshop/wk Assessment: 2 x 1.5hr exams (70%), microbiology workshops (10%), drug molecular properties workshops (10%), metabolism assignments (10%). Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study will provide an introduction to the concepts required for the study of Pharmacy and integrate knowledge from the various sub-disciplines within the Pharmaceutical Sciences. Topics studied include physicochemical/molecular properties underlying drug action, toxicology, drug metabolism, bioactivation and inactivation, identification of drugs and their metabolites, micro-organisms in pharmacy, sterilisation techniques, disinfection and preservation of pharmaceutical products, and cleanroom technology. These concepts will be further explored in workshop formats.
Textbooks
Denyer SP, Hodges NA & Gorman SP. Hugo & Russell's Pharmaceutical Microbiology, 7th edition, Blackwell, 2004
PHAR5516 Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr L Munoz Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x lectures/tutorials per week, 10 hours of self-directed learning Corequisites: PHAR5513 and PHAR5515 Assessment: 2 x 1.5 hr exams (60%); laboratories & workshops (40%) Practical field work: 2 x 4hr laboratory practicals, 4 x 4hr computer-based practical workshops and 2 x 2hrs herbal workshops Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study utilises the knowledge gained in PHAR5513 Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1A to develop students' ability to apply basic scientific and medicinal chemistry concepts in the rationalization of observed biological activities for a series of drug molecules. The unit of study will be presented as a series of discrete topic areas based on therapeutic classes (hormonal, cardiovascular, herbal medicines, central nervous system, chemotherapy, antihistamines, photochemotherapy and sunscreens) and macromolecular targets (enzyme, G-protein coupled receptor, nuclear receptor). Lectures will be supported by self-directed learning and tutorials. Students will also undertake quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) computer-based workshops and herbal medicine practicals as well as prepare a herbal medicine assay and oral presentation. These learning activities will further develop students' skills in critical thinking, the use of information technology and report writing.
Textbooks
Foye's Principles of Medicinal Chemistry (6th edn), edited by TL Lemke&DA Williams, Williams & Wilkins, 2008
PHAR5517 Pharmaceutics 1B

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr D Traini Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lectures and oral presentation will be scheduled as required Corequisites: PHAR5515 Assessment: Final exam (60%), minor exam (10%), laboratory practicals (15%), scientific oral presentation (15%) Practical field work: 2 x lab/prac classes Associated degrees: M Pharm.
In this unit of study students learn to evaluate the physicochemical principles, design, formulation, and manufacture of pharmaceutical dose forms. The formulation of liquid dose forms including parenteral, nasal, ophthalmic and aural products is discussed. Related topics such as diffusion and dissolution of drugs, drug solubilisation, surface and interfacial tension, surface active materials, micelle formation, pharmaceutical complexes and drug-packaging interactions are covered. Other topics covered in this unit include solid dose forms and particle science, rheology, dispersion dose forms including suspensions, colloidal dispersions, and emulsions; topical dose forms and semisolids; inhalation pharmaceutical aerosols; protein and peptide drugs and formulations; rectal products; novel drug delivery technologies. Aspects pertaining to the stability of dose forms are also presented in this unit.
Textbooks
A.T. Florence & D Attwood. Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy 4th Edition
PHAR5518 Pharmacy Practice A

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr K Williams Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 x lectures/wk and 2 x 2hr tutorials/wk Assessment: Tutorial contribution (30%), exams (oral and written) (70%) Associated degrees: M Pharm.
This unit of study is the first of three integrated units (Pharmacy Practice A, Pharmacy Practice B and Pharmacy Practice C) that will be completed during the MPharm program. It will commence with an introduction to the profession of pharmacy, the Australian health care and drug distribution systems, and the National Medicines Policy, including the National Strategy for Quality Use of Medicines. Themes such as evidence based practice, pharmacoepidemiology, drug information, medication safety, ethics and communication skills will be introduced early in the unit of study and will then be revisited and reinforced in the remainder of Pharmacy Practice A, as well as throughout Pharmacy Practice B and C. During the second half of semester, a number of therapeutics topics will be covered in a problem-based learning format. Practice-based tutorials will be supplemented with relevant therapeutics lectures and other learning resources. Students will explore the role of the pharmacist in advising on primary and self care, performing clinical interventions, conducting medication reviews, monitoring therapeutic outcomes and participating in therapeutic decision making within these therapeutic areas.
Textbooks
Therapeutic Guidelines, Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd, North Melbourne, Vic. (latest editions)