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Goals:

To provide comprehensive training in both the theoretical and practical areas of Pharmacy so that graduates will have the knowledge that is expected of them for good pharmaceutical practice in an all changing, dynamic context; keeping in mind, a patient-centred approach.

To train healthcare professionals that will play an integral, clinical role in the healthcare team, providing pharmaceutical knowledge that would aid in the collaborative management of patients.

To successfully complete training that will be sufficient to pursue the necessary period of internship and application for licensure with the Pharmacy Council of Guyana. 

Description:

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy is a four-year professional programme. Training consists of foundation core courses in the first year of the programme followed by three years of core health sciences, professional and pharmacy practice courses.

The core/professional courses are included in the second and third years of the programme which mainly focuses on foundation Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistries, whereas, the final year of the programme focuses on the clinically oriented courses, namely, Clinical Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Pharmacotherapeutics; and administrative components like Pharmacy Management. Students must complete a final year Research Project.

Students also have three Pharmacy Practice courses at the end of their second, third and fourth years (during the June – August break) that exposes them to professional practice in the areas of manufacturing, distribution (public and private sectors), regulatory, community and hospital (both dispensing and clinical clerkship) settings. This gives them an opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practice throughout the delivery of the programme.

Student Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy Degree, students should be able to:

  1. Interpret prescriptions as it relates to the type of drug, drug name, strength, dose and duration of therapy. Students must be able to counsel about specific side effects, adverse effects and drug interactions.
  2. Compound and package medicines in appropriate dosage forms and be able to dispense medicines.
  3. Ensure appropriate storage, compounding and dispensing along with supervision of personnel responsible for same. 
  4. Collaborate with other health care professional as it relates to individualized patient care and health promotion. Should show good communication and professional skills. 
  5. Implement the Pharmaceutical Care process in collaboration with other health care professionals, where patients can experience a better quality of life.
  6. Resolve pharmacy and drug related problems; provide rationale for therapeutic choices and clinical judgements as it relates to individualized therapy.
  7. Review therapeutic plan that it fits protocols and treatment guidelines.
  8. Counsel patients regarding their pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, for instance, lifestyle modifications.
  9. Monitor and provide follow-up for patients in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
  10. Recommend and counsel patients regarding over-the-counter medicines, within the purview of the law.
  11. Be knowledgeable, and apply basic pharmacokinetics especially in the hospital setting in order to calculate individualized dosing. 
  12. Incorporate computer and technological skills in daily practice.
  13. Comply with the Code of Ethics of Pharmacy.
  14. Practice within the confines of the laws of pharmacy.

 

Entry Requirements: 

  1. A Bachelor of Science (BSc.) Degree in Life Science from the University of Guyana or any other approved institution of higher learning.
  2. A Diploma or Associate Degree in Pharmacy from the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Guyana or any other approved institution of higher learning. (These applicants will be admitted into year III or year IV of the programme respectively).
  3. A minimum of two subjects at GCE ‘A’ level Grades A, B or C or CAPE (Units I and II) Grades I, II or III which must include Chemistry and Biology. (Or equivalent).
  4. A minimum of (5) five subjects at one sitting at the GCE ‘O’ level, with grades A, B, or C or CSEC (General proficiency), grades I, II, or III   which must include Chemistry, Biology (or Human and Social Biology), Mathematics and English. Integrated Science (Double or Single award) may replace Chemistry or Biology.
  5. A minimum of (6) six subjects at two sittings at the GCE ‘O’ level, with grades A, B, or C or CSEC (General proficiency), grades I, II, or III    which must include Chemistry, Biology (or Human and Social Biology), Mathematics and English. Integrated Science (Double or Single award) may replace Chemistry or Biology.
  6. The Ordinary Diploma in Science (ODS) from the Government Technical Institute (Pass with Credit ) in addition to a minimum of four subjects at the CSEC (General Proficiency), Grades I, II, and III or GCE ‘O’ level Grades A, B, or C which must include English, Mathematics, Biology (or Human and Social Biology) and Chemistry. Integrated Science may replace Chemistry or Biology.
  7. Persons who have successfully completed the Pharmacy Assistant Training Programme offered by the Ministry of Health  and possess a minimum pass grade of Grade C at GCE ‘O Level or CSCE (General Proficiency) Grade  III  in  English, Mathematics and a Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Integrated Science-Double or single award ) in addition to two (2) years continuous relevant work experience after qualification, and are successful at the University of Guyana Entrance Examination (UGEE).
  8. Mature applicants (26 years and over), provided they have had a minimum of five (5) years continuous relevant work experience in a professional field: e.g. Pharmacy or Nursing and are successful at the University of Guyana Entrance Examination (UGEE). They must also have a minimum pass of Grade C in GCE/O level or CSEC (General Proficiency) Grade III in English Language and Mathematics
  9. Any other qualification considered relevant by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

 

Graduation Requirements:

The BSc. Degree in Pharmacy will be awarded to candidates who have satisfied the relevant General University and Faculty regulations applicable, who have completed successfully the requisite courses in accordance with the Departmental prescription for the BSc. In Pharmacy. 

The student must attain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to be eligible for graduation.

Course Structure: 

  • Foundation  Courses (University-wide)

Foundation Courses are mainly in the first year of the programme: English, Chemistry, Mathematics, Homeostasis and Communication Skills. Total programme credits for foundation courses (level 1) equal forty (40) credits.

  • Core Courses

There is one introductory core course in the first year and the remainder comes in the second, third and fourth years. These courses are given by the ‘PHM’ abbreviation seen on the Programme Profile.

 

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