Course Descriptions
PHRM 301 Personal and Professional Development I - 0.5 hour
This course is designed to prepare pharmacy students for success in their first professional year of coursework and beyond. During this course, students will receive important information about curriculum, school policies, and IPPE rotations. Students will also participate in a variety of sessions that facilitate professional growth and encourage communication between students in the P1 class and between students of different years. A variety of team-building activities will encourage creative problem-solving and promote leadership skills. Orientation will culminate in the White Coat Ceremony on the North Manchester campus. This course will be graded in a pass/no pass manner.
PHRM 310 Biomedical Sciences I - 5 hours
The Biomedical Sciences sequence will cover various scientific disciplines with particular emphasis on their relationships to biochemistry, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutic intervention. In this course, essential topics in biochemistry, molecular biology, and medical microbiology will be discussed.
PHRM 311 Biomedical Sciences II - 5 hours
This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and immunology. Pathophysiology will discuss clinically relevant concepts based on the principles of physiology, biochemistry and microbiology. Principles of immunology will focus on immunity and body’s self-defense mechanisms during host-microbe, host-immune factor and immune-microbe interactions. This module will advance the knowledge and understanding gained in Biomedical Sciences I, and a solid background in these areas, when integrated with clinical sciences, will provide basis for therapeutics in practice sciences.
PHRM 314 Pharmaceutics I - 3 hours
This introductory pharmaceutics course will build a solid foundation in understanding how a drug product is formulated and delivered. This sequence is designed to teach physical pharmacy and principles associated in preparation of various dosage forms. The principles involved specifically in liquid dosage forms design, preparation, and their evaluation will be discussed. Students will learn characteristics of different dosage forms and excipients required for their preparation. Students will be familiarized with biopharmaceutical considerations linked to compounding various pharmaceutical preparations. Incompatibilities, relevant physical and chemical principles involving solubility and pH effects will also be taught.
PHRM 315 Pharmaceutics II - 3 hours
Pharmaceutics II is intended to build knowledge on the pharmaceutical principles essential for the successful formulation, design, compounding and evaluation of dosage forms and drug delivery systems. This course will cover solution dosage forms (oral, nasal, ophthalmic, topical), parenteral delivery systems, solid dosage forms (capsules, tablets, and oral controlled-release products), dosage forms applied to skin, and radiopharmaceuticals. An introduction to biotechnology preparations will also be provided. The student will gain background knowledge and skills necessary to apply biopharmaceutical principles to the selection and evaluation of drug products for use in patients. Emphasis will be placed on the various formulation and physiologic factors that affect drug response and absorption.
PHRM 316 Pharmaceutical Calculations I - 1 hour
Performing pharmaceutical calculations is an important component in providing patient care in every pharmacy practice environment. This is an introductory course with emphasis on pharmaceutical prescriptions, the basic techniques in calculating, weighing and measuring the ingredients involved in the formulation of various dosage forms. In addition, it provides knowledge on different methods of measurement and weighting, Latin terms, reducing and enlarging formulas, ratios and proportions, various expressions of concentration, calculations involving solid dosage forms and patient specific dosage calculations. Emphasis will be placed on the skills involved in interpreting prescription and medication orders, and also identifying prescription errors and omissions.
PHRM 317 Pharmaceutical Calculations II - 1 hour
Performing pharmaceutical calculations is a critical element in providing patient care in pharmacy practice setting. The development of calculation skills in students plays a very significant role in building a competent pharmacist. This course explores the various methods used to perform pharmaceutical calculations essential for the typical dosage forms. Students will comprehend required pharmaceutical calculations for the sterile pharmaceutical liquids, semi-solid dosage forms, buffer capacity, calculation’s involving special populations, intravenous flow rates, dilution factors, biologics and radiopharmaceuticals. Emphasis will also be placed on the skills involved in prescription errors and omissions.
PHRM 320 Introduction to Pharmacy I - 4 hours
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacy profession, examining various aspects of the past, present, and future of pharmacy practice to provide students a global view of the pharmacy profession. The role of the pharmacist will be further defined through a variety of topics, including basic principles of pharmacy practice, professionalism, cultural competency, patient-centered care and education, pharmacy law, ethics, advocacy, and interprofessional issues. Students will have the opportunity to practice skills in these areas during Pharmacy Practice Lab I (PHRM 330).
PHRM 321 Pharmacy in the Healthcare System - 3 hours
This course will continue the comprehensive overview of the pharmacy profession, with a focus on pharmacy and the health care delivery system. An overview of the U.S. health care system will be provided, as well as discussions regarding the current and future role of pharmacy practice within this area. Topics will include but not be limited to patient-centered care, practice management, patient safety issues, and advocacy. Students will also continue to learn basic properties of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications as well as medical terminology. Students will have the opportunity to practice skills an concepts learned in this course during several sessions of Pharmacy Practice Lab II.
PHRM 322 Drug Information - 2 hours
Drug Information is designed to provide students with a foundation for an evidence-based approach to pharmacy practice in all settings. Students will gain familiarity with the types of drug literature and their uses, regulations of drug development and promotion, and a variety of drug information specialty practices. Students will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking and commitment to lifelong learning. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify and use appropriate drug information resources to systematically respond to basic requests for drug information from patients and healthcare professionals.
PHRM 323 Communications in Pharmacy Practice - 2 hours
Communications in Pharmacy Practice is designed to provide students with the fundamental skills needed to effectively communicate with healthcare professionals and patients. Students will engage in a variety of activities simulating professional practice scenarios. Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in verbal, non-verbal, and written communication, as well as to continually self-assess these skills. Students will also be expected to work collaboratively in teams. Skills learned during this course will be reinforced and applied throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.
PHRM 324 Nonprescription Therapeutics - 2 hours
The focus of this course is the pharmacotherapeutic use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including dietary supplements. The course will introduce the student to issues surrounding the self-care decision making process. Special emphasis will be placed on how pharmacists may assist patients in safely and effectively self-treating common medical problems and to recognize when self-care is inappropriate. Home diagnostic tests, glucometers, and smoking cessation counseling/products are also discussed. PHRM 324 will be paralleled by activities in PHRM 331 and PHRM 370 in which students gain interviewing and problem-solving skills as they apply concepts learned in Nonprescription Therapeutics classes.
PHRM 330 Pharmacy Practice Lab I - 1 hour
Pharmacy Practice Lab I is the first in a series of courses designed to provide students with practical experience to apply skills learned in didactic course work. Students will engage in a variety of activities simulating professional practice scenarios. Lab will focus on applications of pharmaceutical care principles, pharmaceutical knowledge, and professional techniques to solve medication-related issues. In addition, communication skills will be practiced through patient counseling exercises, presentations, group assignments, and written assignments. It is expected that students will actively engage in lab sessions through various activities and simulations. Students will also be expected to work collaboratively in teams.
PHRM 331 Pharmacy Practice Lab II - 1 hour
Pharmacy Practice Lab II is a combination of two skills: pharmacy practice and pharmaceutics. This is the second in a series of courses designed to provide students with practical experience to apply skills learned in didactic coursework. Students will engage in a variety of activities simulating professional practice scenarios. Lab will focus on pharmaceutical care principles, pharmaceutical knowledge, and professional techniques to solve medication related issues. In the pharmaceutics portion, students will extemporaneously compound medications including both sterile and non-sterile products. Communication and teamwork skills will be practiced through patient counseling exercises and interprofessional group work. Students will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking and commitment to lifelong learning.
PHRM 370 IPPE I Community - 3 hours
This introductory community pharmacy practice experience (IPPE1) course will help you develop basic knowledge, professional identity and self-confidence in the area of community pharmacy. Under the supervision and guidance of pharmacy professionals, you will gain familiarity with all aspects of pharmacy practice in various community settings. You are expected to build on knowledge and skills gained during your first professional year of college, achieving standard competencies for the practice of pharmacy in the community setting.
PHRM 381 Kidney Camp - 2 hours
The kidney camp elective is a required course for students who are selected from an application process to attend kidney camp. The didactic portion of this elective is preparation for kidney camp and will cover basic kidney physiology, pediatric kidney disease, peritoneal and hemodialysis, transplant, and medications used in these conditions. The course will also cover what to expect at kidney camp and simulate experiences for medication check-in, reconciliation and dealing with camper problems. Team-building exercises and assignments will be part of this course to enhance the dynamic among the participants at camp. The course will culminate with attending a six-day camp experience at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, Indiana at the end of May/early June.
PHRM 401 Personal and Professional Development II - 0.5 hour
This course is designed to prepare pharmacy students for success in their second professional year of coursework and beyond. During this course, students will receive important information about IPT coursework, school policies, and IPPE rotations. Students will also participate in a variety of sessions that facilitate professional growth and encourage communication between students of different years. A variety of team-building activities will encourage creative problem-solving and promote leadership skills. At the end of the week, student teams will present proposals for health fair booths that will be incorporated into a service event later in the year. This course will be graded in a pass/no pass manner.
PHRM 420 Drug Literature Evaluation - 2 hours
Drug Literature Evaluation builds on the foundational evidence-based medicine practice skills developed in Drug Information. Students will gain familiarity with medication use management strategies, multiple types of pharmacy-related study design, and the process of evaluating the clinical usefulness of a medication. Students will be expected to demonstrate superior critical thinking; synthesize information from multiple resources; and, write clearly, concisely, and professionally. By the end of the course, students should be able to comprehend, assess, and evaluate relevant primary literature and determine its potential impact on clinical practice.
PHRM 430 Pharmacy Practice Lab III - 1 hour
Pharmacy Practice Lab III is a longitudinal integration of material from both past courses and concurrent fall classes designed to prepare the student for management of patient care in a clinical setting. A study of the practical applications of pharmacy is presented with an emphasis on the use of patient charts, assessments, diagnostics, critique of pharmacotherapy and patient education. Additional emphasis is placed on literature evaluation and the practice of evidence-based medicine.
PHRM 431 Pharmacy Practice Lab IV - 1 hour
Pharmacy Practice Lab IV is a longitudinal integration of material from both past courses and concurrent spring classes and will provide students with the opportunity to practice a variety of pharmacy practice skill sets. Students will engage in activities simulating professional practice scenarios through the use of peer-teaching, faculty-student interactions and demonstration, student interactions with standardized patients, and a variety of activities focusing on pharmacy-specific and inter-professional frameworks. Students will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking and lifelong learning techniques through a variety of activities that correspond to didactic lessons in Integrated Pharmacotherapy (IPT) courses (Nervous System II, Cardiovascular II, Infectious Diseases I), Drug Literature Evaluation, and elements of IPPE II (institutional practice). Skills learned during this course will be reinforced and applied during the IPPE experience as well as throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.
PHRM 440 Patient Safety and Informatics - 2 hours
Healthcare Safety and Informatics is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect the safety of patients and other individuals encountering the healthcare system. Students will gain familiarity with the tools, with special emphasis on informatics and technology, needed to improve the safety in a variety of healthcare settings. Students will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking and develop the attitudes needed to advocate for safe practices. By the end of the course, students should be able to effectively minimize, identify, report, and evaluate medication errors and adverse drug events.
PHRM 441 Public Health and Pharmacy - 2 hours
Pharmacists are an integral part of the health care system. Their central role in the health of the population demands of pharmacists an awareness of public health issues and their root causes; the ability to identify how the profession can contribute to public health; the knowledge of where to find information about a variety of public health issues; and the ability to serve in proactive leadership roles. This course is an organized introduction to the vast field of public health and aims to spark students’ imagination on meaningful ways of contributing to the health of the population through the art and science of the profession of pharmacy.
PHRM 450 IPT – Introduction - 4 hours
This course examines the basic principles and concepts underlying the science of pharmacology and its two principle sub-disciplines, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. These concepts establish much of the basis for the rational use of pharmacotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic agents. The influence of pharmacogenomic factors on pharmacological effects and the possibility of individualization of drug dosing based on pharmacogenetics is also discussed. The course emphasizes integration of concepts and application to both basic and clinical sciences.
PHRM 451 IPT – Nervous System I - 4 hours
This course provides an integrated study of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to the neurologic disorders.
PHRM 452 IPT – Cardiovascular I - 4 hours
This course provides an integrated study of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to major cardiovascular diseases, including: hypertension, dyslipidemia/atherosclerosis, heart failure, ischemic heart disease and angina.
PHRM 453 IPT – Cardiovascular II - 3 hours
This course provides a continued integration of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to major cardiovascular diseases. PHRM 453 will be associated with activities in PHRM 451 in which students will use problem-solving skills to apply concepts learned in this course.
PHRM 454 IPT – Nervous System II - 3 hours
This course provides an integrated study of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to psychiatric disorders.
PHRM 455 IPT – Infectious Disease I - 4 hours
This course provides an integrated study of epidemiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, physical assessment, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, chemotherapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to infectious diseases. PHRM 454 will be associated with activities in PHRM 431 in which students will use problem-solving skills to apply concepts learned in this course.
PHRM 461 Integrative Medicine - 2 hours
This course will give an overview of many complementary and integrative, including herbal, therapies currently available. Students will be given the opportunity to participate as a healthcare provider counseling a patient making a lifestyle change and as the patient attempting to make a lifestyle change and also to experience some of the techniques and activities associated with other complementary and integrative medicine.
PHRM 462 Research and Innovative Practice Seminar - 1 hour
Current topics, innovative practice, and current research in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and related scientific disciplines will be presented. Invited speakers from within and outside the Manchester community will provide a formal seminar, exposing students to research methodologies, potential student research projects, and networking opportunities.
PHRM 463 Research Techniques in Pharmaceutical Sciences - 1 hour
This course will provide an introduction to the laboratory techniques used in contemporary pharmaceutical sciences research. Students will learn the theory behind the most common laboratory experiments, including mammalian tissue culture, Western blotting, isolation and purification of nucleic acids, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and others. These techniques will then be applied in the laboratory setting.
PHRM 470 IPPE II Institutional - 3 hours
This introductory institutional pharmacy practice experience (IPPE II) course will develop students’ basic knowledge, professional identity and self-confidence in the area of institutional pharmacy. Under the supervision and guidance of pharmacy professionals, students will gain familiarity with all aspects of pharmacy practice in selected institutional settings. Students will be expected to build on knowledge and skills gained during their first professional year of school, achieving standard competencies for the practice of pharmacy in the institutional setting bearing in mind that competence at a mastery level in all areas is not to be expected at this stage of the student’s education.
PHRM 482 Independent Research - 1-3 hours
This elective course is designed to allow students to pursue research interests and become familiar with techniques used in research of discovery, integration, application, and/or scholarship of teaching and learning. In collaboration with a faculty research mentor, each student will select an appropriate research problem and work towards its solution. This course may be repeated for credit.
PHRM 483 Introduction to Leadership - 1.5 hours
This elective course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to build on the core curriculum in areas related to leadership. Theories and practices pertaining to leadership are reviewed and expanded upon using a variety of readings, case studies for application, and projects. Students will develop greater self-knowledge, learn ways to work with others, and apply leadership principles to current pharmacy and healthcare situations.
PHRM 486 Principles of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology - 2 hours
This elective course (part didactic and part laboratory) will discuss principles of organ toxicology, clinical toxicology, toxicity testing, and measurement of quantitative/qualitative end-points of toxicity. The lecture portion will involve discussion on mechanisms of drug or chemical-induced organ injury, various molecular mechanisms of cell injury and cell death, and toxicogenomics. The laboratory portion will cover serum chemistry analysis, histopathology and some biochemical assays. Knowledge gained in this course will significantly enhance understandings of toxic effects of a variety of drugs and toxicity assessment strategies that can be used during pharmacy practice.
PHRM 501 Personal and Professional Development III - 0.5 hour
This course is designed to prepare pharmacy students for success in their third professional year of coursework and beyond. During this course, students will receive important information about school policies and APPE rotations. Students will also participate in a variety of sessions that facilitate professional growth and encourage communication between students of different years. A variety of team-building activities will encourage creative problem-solving and promote leadership skills. At the end of the week, student teams will present proposals for health fair booths that will be incorporated into a service event later in the year. This class will be graded in a pass/no pass manner.
PHRM 521 Capstone Course – 5 hours
The focus of this course is to reinforce and apply knowledge and skills obtained throughout the curriculum to facilitate the transition to become APPE-ready and subsequently practice-ready. Students will be able to successfully identify and resolve medication-related problems and develop comprehensive patient-centered plans to optimize drug therapy in order to achieve positive outcomes utilizing the JCPP Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process. This course provides the opportunity to complete two nationally recognized track programs through APhA: 1. Delivery Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Services 2. The Pharmacist and Patient-Centered Diabetes Care.
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to become APPE-ready and subsequently practice-ready by synthesizing knowledge, enhancing critical thinking skills, and finding and utilizing literature to create evidence-based recommendations. Within this course, students will develop proficiency in projects that are required for APPE rotations, such as patient care activities requiring self-directed integration and application of knowledge previously gained in the curriculum. Students will cultivate the skills of applying feedback to improve performance, self-directed learning, and applying updated guidelines and late-breaking drug information. Active participation throughout the course will accomplish course goals.
PHRM 530 Pharmacy Practice Lab V - 1 hour
Pharmacy Practice Lab V is a longitudinal integration of materials from both past courses and concurrent fall classes, and will provide students with the opportunity to practice a variety of pharmacy practice skill sets. Students will engage in activities simulating professional practice scenarios through the use of peer-teaching, faculty-student interactions and demonstration, student interactions with standardized patients, and a variety of activities focusing on pharmacy-specific and inter-professional frameworks.
Consistent with our ability-based outcomes, ACPE Appendix D pre-ACPE core domains, and ACPE Appendix B knowledge standards, students will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking and commitment to lifelong learning through a variety of activities that correspond to didactic lessons in Integrated Pharmacotherapy (IPT) courses (PHRM 550, PHRM 551, PHRM 552, PHRM 552, PHRM 553) and PHRM 540. Skills learned during this course will be reinforced and applied throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.
PHRM 531 Pharmacy Practice Lab VI - 1 hour
Pharmacy Practice Lab VI will provide students with the opportunity to practice a variety of pharmacy practice skill sets. Students will engage in activities simulating professional practice scenarios through the use of peer-teaching, faculty-student interactions and demonstration, student interactions with standardized patients, and a variety of activities focusing on pharmacy-specific and inter-professional frameworks.
PHRM 533 APPE Preparation – 3 hours
This course is designed to provide students additional preparation prior to beginning APPE rotations. Students enrolled in the course will practice basic APPE skills and competencies, such as journal clubs, care plans, patient presentations, and calculations practice to ensure the student is APPE ready. Some students may be required to take this course as part of a progression requirement or class remediation plan. Other students may elect to take this course.
This course will take place during June of the summer semester in place of regularly scheduled APPE block 2. Students electing or being required to take this course must still complete 10 required APPE experiences.
PHRM 540 Practice and Personnel Management - 3 hours
This course will provide a focused examination of the role of the pharmacist as a leader and manager in various practice settings. Management principles and topics will include leadership, planning and organization, personnel issues, practice strategies, business models, marketing, financial analysis, and advocacy.
PHRM 541 Pharmacy Law - 2 hours
This course focuses on the interpretation and application of laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of pharmacy. Also, the course focuses on ethical issues surrounding pharmacy practice and how those issues intersect with applicable laws and regulations.
PHRM 550 IPT – Infectious Disease II - 2.5 hours
This course provides an integrated study of epidemiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, physical assessment, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, chemotherapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to infectious diseases. The emphasis of this course will be infectious diseases that are caused by fungi and viruses.
PHRM 551 IPT – Endocrine & Reproductive - 3.5 hours
This course provides an integrated study of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to the endocrine and reproductive systems.
PHRM 552 IPT – Renal & Urologic - 3.5 hours
This course provides a continued integration of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to major renal and urologic disorders.
PHRM 553 IPT – Pulmonary & Critical Care - 2.5 hours
This course provides an integrated study of epidemiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, physical assessment, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, chemotherapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to pulmonary and critical care medicine.
PHRM 554 IPT – Gastrointestinal - 3 hours
This course provides an integrated study of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to the digestive system and nutrition therapy.
PHRM 555 IPT – Immune, Musculoskeletal, Integumentary - 3 hours
This course provides an integrated study of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to the immune and integumentary systems.
PHRM 556 IPT – Hematology/Oncology - 3 hours
This course provides an integrated study of epidemiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology & pharmacogenomics, therapeutics, clinical pharmacokinetics, patient care, alternative/complementary therapies, pharmacoeconomics, medication use in special populations, and review of pertinent drug literature as they relate to the hematological system and neoplastic growths.
PHRM 570 Advanced Cardiovascular Topics - 2 hours
Advanced Topics in Cardiovascular Medicine allows depth and breadth beyond what is possible in IPT of topics such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation and dyslipidemia. Students choose and present topics, write questions and get experience evaluating others substantively. Prerequisite: successful completion of PHRM 452 and 453.
PHRM 571 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy – 2 hours
This course is an introduction to ambulatory care pharmacy practice with a focus on various practice models, developing ambulatory care services, common disease states that pharmacists manage in primary care, and a holistic approach to managing patients. Throughout the course, students will be expected to participate in active learning coursework to further develop communication skills, problem solving, and team collaboration. The general format of the class will be open forum discussion with an emphasis on student participation. The class will consist of both lecture and case-based studies.
PHRM 580 Principles of Pharmacogenomics and Personal Medicine - 2 hours
This course is designed to introduce the basic principles of pharmacogenomics with respect to personalized medicine. Overall goal is to understand human genomics/genetics in relation to drug therapy and how to apply those principles during drug therapy optimization and personalized patient care. Course content will also include in-depth discussion on the genetic basis of variability in drug metabolism, drug response and how it can impact drug efficacy and toxicity including adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions. In-class discussions will focus on genomic-basis of effective pharmaceutical care and genetic-basis of patient variability. Prerequisites: PHRM 310, PHRM 311. A passing grade in IPTs – CNS1-1, CNS-2, CV-1 is required. Strongly recommended for 2nd semester P2 and P3 students.
PHRM 582 Medical Management of Vulnerable and Underserved Patients - 2 hours
This course will help you develop basic knowledge and self-confidence in the area of underserved patient populations. The course will build on knowledge and skills gained throughout the required curriculum. Under the supervision and guidance of faculty and healthcare professionals, you will gain familiarity with many aspects of delivering healthcare to a segment of the underserved population. You will learn about specific vulnerable populations including, but not limited to, patients who are homeless, patients with limited English skills, patients with psychiatric disorders and patients from cultural backgrounds different than your own. You will discuss a variety of related issues and gain insight into the importance of behavior change, challenges related to medical adherence, financial barriers, patient advocacy and outcome improvement.
PHRM 583 Leadership Journey I - 1.5 hours
This course is the second in a three-course series which will provide students the opportunity to acquire and develop their leadership skills. In this course, students will focus on personal discovery and knowing oneself, and how this awareness helps leaders work with others to achieve extraordinary things.
PHRM 585 Palliative Care - 2 hours
Pharmacotherapy is a key component of palliative care and pharmacists trained in this specialty also play critical roles in communicating with patients and their families, ensuring comfort, and providing education and emotional support. This course will focus on exploring the many responsibilities of a palliative care pharmacist, including assessing and recommending medications for symptom control and educating patients and families about their medications.
PHRM 586 ID Critical Care Elective Joint – 2 hours
This course is designed to introduce students to selected disease states encountered in the intensive care unit setting as well as the prudent and judicious use of antimicrobial therapy in acute care patients. The course will examine current controversies regarding the clinical management of these patients and methodologies to improve the overall pharmacotherapy. The management of these patients will be discussed using case study, application of medical literature, student-led presentations, and open discussion.
PHRM 589 Applications of Drug Literature - 1 hour
PHRM 589 builds on the evidence-based practice skills developed in Drug Information and Drug Literature Evaluation and combines it with the therapeutic decision-making skills nurtured by the IPT courses. Students will be expected to demonstrate superior critical thinking, professional writing, and professional presentation skills. By actively participating in literature evaluation and applying their drug literature assessment skills to clinical scenarios and key decision points encountered in ambulatory settings, students can expect to master the translation of drug information skills to individualistic optimization of complex patient therapies related to neuropsychiatric care. Prerequisite: PHRM 420 & PHRM 454.
PHRM 590 Geriatric Pharmacotherapy - 2 hours
This course is an introduction to the principles regarding population-specific alterations in pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, mental status, disease state presentations, and pharmacotherapy in the elderly. Social and psychological issues in the elderly will also be addressed.
PHRM 592 Pharmacogenomics Lab - 1 hour
Many pharmacists are introducing their patients to Pharmacogenomics but greatly misunderstand how the results are acquired. Understanding these basic techniques will allow the students and future pharmacist to be more equipped to handle pharmacogenomic patient problems. This laboratory course introduces modern analytical techniques commonly used for DNA, RNA, and protein collection, isolation, preparation, and analysis. Students will have the opportunity to actively engage in laboratory processes associated with pharmacogenomics.
PHRM 593 Leadership Journey II - 1.5 hours
The focus of this third leadership course in the elective series will shift to leading teams, working constructively with others, and effecting change in the pharmacy profession. Theories and application of team work, transformational leadership, and change management will be presented. Students will work with leaders from different areas within the profession to identify and develop a change project related to the pharmacy profession. Prerequisite: PHRM 483
PHRM 595 Postgraduate Residency Training - 1 hour
The goal of this course is to prepare students to succeed in the PGY1 pharmacy residency recruitment process. Success not only includes obtaining a position through the residency match, but also understanding the responsibilities, expectations, benefits, and drawbacks of residency life, identifying characteristics of a strong residency candidate, determining whether a residency is the right choice for you, and finding a residency that will enable you to meet your personal goals. Students in this course will meet with residents, preceptors, and program directors, reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, prepare professional correspondence, participate in mock interviews, and make a plan for success in the residency recruitment process following the course.
PHRM 601 Personal and Professional Development IV - 0.5 hour
This course is designed to prepare pharmacy students for success after graduation. During this course each student will participate in board reviews. Students will also participate in a variety of sessions that facilitate professional growth and provide an opportunity for feedback about the program. This course culminates in the hooding ceremony. This class will be graded in a pass/no pass manner.
PHRM 610 APPE Advanced Community - 4 hours
The Advanced Community Rotation focuses on the day-to-day operations of a retail/community pharmacy such as counseling and monitoring ambulatory patients, communicating with various caregivers and healthcare providers along with medication procurement and dispensing. The overarching goal of this rotation is to prepare student pharmacist to think and act as a professional. Steps to achieving this goal include exploring as many experiences as possible, being confident in the performance of daily tasks, finding value and application in the rotation for your future career, and having a complete understanding of a community pharmacist’s role in the healthcare system.
PHRM 620 APPE Advanced Institutional - 4 hours
The Advanced Institutional/Hospital Rotation focuses on the day-to-day operations of an institutional/hospital environment, such as providing general care to patients and procurement and distribution of medications. The overarching goal of this rotation builds upon the knowledge and skills previously learned in order to fully participate in hospital pharmacy operations and services. Steps to achieving this goal include exploring as many experiences as possible, being confident in the performance of daily tasks, finding value and application in the rotation for your future career, and having a complete understanding of an institutional/hospital pharmacist’s role in the healthcare system.
PHRM 630 APPE Ambulatory Care - 4 hours
The Ambulatory Patient Care Rotation focuses on the ambulatory patient and their long-term medical needs and care. The overarching goal of this rotation is to provide pharmaceutical care in an ambulatory care setting. Steps to achieving this goal include exploring as many experiences as possible, being confident in the performance of daily tasks, finding value and application in the rotation for your future career, and having a complete understanding of an ambulatory care pharmacist’s role in the healthcare system. This course may be repeated for credit.
PHRM 640 APPE Acute Care - 4 hours
The Acute Care Rotation focuses on enhancing your ability to observe and provide comprehensive medication therapy management for acutely ill patients in an institutional setting. You will be able to identify and optimize pharmacotherapy in a hospitalized patient. The overarching goal of this rotation is to learn what pharmacists do in the institutional setting by gaining hands-on experience with contributing to patient care. You will master disease states and drug-related issues to the level of an entry-level pharmacist. This course may be repeated for credit.
PHRM 670 APEE Electives - 4 hours
Elective advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE) in other settings (such as research, management, drug information, academia, managed care, long-term care, hospice, and home health care) should complement the required experiences and provide adequate and innovative opportunities for students to mature professionally and in accordance with their individual interests. The overarching goal of the elective APPE is for students to broaden their practice experience in pharmacy and pharmacy-related settings while positively contributing to the activities at the site.
Service Learning
The Pharmacy Program's service program is intended to promote a service learning philosophy and assist students in engaging with our community. This program will be a non-credit-bearing progression requirement in the P1, P2, and P3 years of the Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum. All students must complete the required service learning activities in order to progress into the next professional year. Required activities will include service time in the community, reflections, presentations, and attendance at service learning events on campus. Each semester’s service activities will culminate in a Day of Service which will celebrate our students’ and faculty members’ service accomplishments.
Portfolio
The Pharmacy Program requires students to maintain a personal e-portfolio as a means to document their progression and achievement of desired competencies or outcomes. This approach allows students to reflect on their own professional development and experiences. By providing an opportunity for students to reflect on key issues throughout the curriculum, students are able to provide evidence of personal and professional growth based on these experiences. The portfolio is part of a student’s professional development since it is individualized to present evidence of progression and mastery of the curricular outcomes.