UWA Handbook 2027

Unit Overview

Description

In this unit, scientific, clinical, and professional content is presented longitudinally, integrating key themes in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice, and research. Students explore foundational concepts in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmaceutics, with learning reinforced through laboratories, tutorials and applied workshops that connect theory to real-world practice.

Case-based, simulated and team-based learning introduces clinically relevant scenarios early in the program, supporting the development of communication skills, patient interviewing, counselling techniques, and problem-solving within a pharmacists' patient care process framework.

The unit places a strong emphasis on professional identity, ethical practice, and medicines safety through focused content on pharmacy regulations, legislation, and healthcare systems. Students are introduced to digital health, documentation, and evidence-based decision making, alongside foundational research skills including critical appraisal and the use of medicines information. Broader themes such as health literacy, First Nations perspectives, rural health, sustainability, and determinants of health are embedded throughout. Through integrated learning activities and skills-based assessments, students develop the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours essential for progression through the pharmacy program and future practice.

Credit

24 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Non-standard teaching period	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate developing autonomy, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and fitness to practise in structured, introductory simulated pharmacy learning environments; (2) identify and explain key legal and ethical principles relevant to pharmacy practice and apply structured critical thinking frameworks to defined scenarios; (3) describe foundational pharmaceutical science principles relevant to the safe and quality use of medicines; (4) apply foundational principles of medicine preparation and supply, including introductory extemporaneous skills, in accordance with professional and legislative standards in simulated settings; (5) use up to date drug information to support clinical reasoning in simple simulated scenarios; (6) demonstrate developing communication skills for inclusive, culturally safe, and person centred care in simulated learning activities using traditional formats; and (7) recall foundational knowledge of medicines, including indications, mechanisms of action, dosing principles, safety considerations, and common adverse effects.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assessments; (2) practical assessments; and (3) professional behaviour. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the written assessments, practical assessments, and professional behaviour components.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Natalia Popowicz

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

51500 Doctor of Pharmacy

Contact hours

Approximately 24 hours per week, delivered through a combination of lectures and hands on learning activities. This includes approximately 10-14 hours of lectures and 10-14 hours of workshops, tutorials, team-based learning, clinical skills labs and pharmaceutics labs.