Bachelor of Pharmacy

The primary objective is to educate and train pharmacists of relevance to health care in South Africa.

Overall competency

The learner will be capable of rendering a service that integrates the knowledge, skill, critical thinking, professional conduct and attitude which are essential to be effective as pharmacists, managers and decision makers in the provision of pharmaceutical care to the people of South Africa.

The major objective of pharmacy education and training is to equip learners with the required knowledge, skills and attitudes to be effective as pharmaceutical care providers and managers of scarce resources in all avenues of pharmacy practice.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Learners with prior health/nursing experience and qualifications may also apply for admission.

Entry Requirements

• Senior Certificate, Level 4 with matriculation exemption with a pass of at least 40% in the Higher Grade or 50% in the Standard Grade examination of Mathematics as well as either Biology or Physical Science.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies with a pass of 50% in Mathematics as well as in either Biology or Physical Science.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies with a pass of 50%in Mathematics as well as in either Biology or Physical Science.

The learner will be capable of

• Manufacturing, compounding and packaging of pharmaceutical products.
• Procuring, storing and distribution of pharmaceutical products.
• Dispensing and ensuring the optimal use of prescribed medicines.
• Providing pharmacist-initiated therapy and ensure proper use of medicine.
• Promoting community health and providing related information and advice.
• Providing education and information on health care and medicine.
• Participating in research to ensure the optimal use of medicine.

Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completion of the undergraduate programme the learner will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

• The application of science and technology in the formulation, manufacture, distribution and usage of drugs.
• The identification of self-limiting diseases and the solutions, including drugs, which have been developed for their treatment and management.
• Environmental and social determinants of disease and the variation of illness behaviour amongst social and cultural groups.
• The principles of disease prevention and health promotion with an emphasis on primary health care.
• The principles of pharmacotherapy, the appropriateness of different drug delivery systems and the ability to assess the effects of drugs on the body.
• The identification of drug-induced illnesses and measures to prevent and treat such conditions.
• Organisational and managerial aspects of the provision of pharmaceutical care at national, community and individual practice level.
• The promotion and delivery of cost-effective health care.
• Ethical and legal issues relevant to the practice of pharmacy.

Skills

On completion of the programme, the learner will demonstrate proficiency in the essential skills required for pharmacy practice, including the following:

• Laboratory skills.
• Basic clinical skills such as history taking, assessment of patient details, formulating a treatment and follow-up plan.
• Diagnostic testing skills.
• Basic management and computer skills.
• Communication skills and language proficiency.
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Referral skills.

Attitudinal and behavioural outcomes

On completion of the programme, the learner should demonstrate attitudes and behaviour essential to the practice of pharmacy, such as:

• Respect for clients, patients and colleagues, without prejudice with regard to background, race, culture, gender, etc.
• Respect for client confidentiality.
• Recognition of human and patients' rights.
• A positive approach to self-directed lifelong learning.
• A positive approach to primary health care.
• An awareness of moral and ethical responsibilities.
• A desire to ensure patient care of the highest possible standard.
• A willingness to recognise personal limitations and to seek assistance when necessary.
• A positive attitude towards change and new challenges within the environment in which the profession is practised.
• A positive attitude towards continuing professional development.
• A positive attitude towards the advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles in chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology; use laboratory equipment.
2. Describe the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the human body.
3. Explain and/or apply the principles of compounding, technology of dosage form formulation, origin of drugs and different classes of natural drugs, the role of pharmacists in health care, principles of patient management and primary health care.
4. Explain and/or apply structure-activity relationships amongst various drug classes, quality assurance procedures in drug synthesis and dosage form analysis, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs, principles of drug action, social and behavioural aspects of pharmaceutical care, family planning and contraception and resource management in pharmacy practice.
5. Explain and/or apply drug design and methods for determining drug structures, biotechnology; stability and synthesis of antibiotics, pharmacokinetics of drugs, bio-pharmaceutics, pathogenesis, symptomology and treatment of a range of diseases, drug toxicity and adverse drug events, novel dosage forms, patient counselling, practice of profession in compliance with appropriate legislation and research methodology.

Integrated Assessment

Evidence will be given by means of

• Informal continuing evaluation, e.g. tutorials, assignments, etc.
• Formal continuing evaluation, e.g. written tests, skills and oral examinations.
• Formal end evaluation, e.g. theory and practical examinations at the end of each phase/module; oral examinations; presentations and portfolios.

Integrated Assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Assessment in the programme is based on an integrated and continuing evaluation approach, with due consideration of the following principles:

• Problem-based evaluation, i.e. the acquiring of knowledge, skills and abilities, rather than the memorisation of information-knowledge, problem solving skills and decision-making abilities cannot be developed if the concomitant problem-focused activities are not practised.
• Evaluation based on learning contexts that offer opportunities for team work and individual learning.
• Formulate evaluation-the processes, developmental nature and outcome are regarded as important.
• Theory and practice are integrated.

Evaluation entrails three elements

• Formal end of course assessment (Summative).
• Continuing formal assessment (Formative and Summative).
• Continuing informal assessment (Formative).