COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Pharmacy is structured around six integrated themes that progressively build the scientific knowledge, professional skills and practical experience required for modern pharmacy practice. The first three themes focus on establishing foundational understanding in structure and function of the body, drug structure, disposition and action, and professional practice, while the final three themes bring these foundations together through comprehensive care, inquiry and innovation, and professional experience. Studies in structure and function of the body provide a detailed grounding in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, enabling students to understand how cells, molecules and organs interact to maintain health and to predict the consequences of dysfunction. The theme of drug structure, disposition and action explores how molecules become medicines, examining medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to equip students with the knowledge necessary to understand drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and clinical effects, as well as principles of formulation and manufacturing. Professional practice introduces the social, cultural, ethical and legal contexts in which pharmacists work and develops communication and practical skills essential for contributing to the quality use of medicines and promoting community health. Building on these foundations, comprehensive care addresses the management of diseases and disorders, linking pathophysiology to the rational design and clinical use of medications, and developing critical thinking skills to optimise pharmacotherapy in practice. Inquiry and innovation fosters problem solving and creative thinking by engaging students in planning and conducting projects within laboratory, clinical, social or business settings. Professional experience provides embedded placements across diverse clinical environments, enabling students to develop the competencies required for preregistration training. The course requires the completion of 192 credit points of core studies, and the progression map offers structured guidance on unit selection for each semester.