FARB3110 Social Pharmacy, Technology, Epidemiology, and Statistics Course description

This course covers the role of pharmaceuticals in the prevention and treatment of illness from an individual and societal perspective. Emphasis is placed on subjects in the field of social pharmacy and medicine epidemiology. Statistical concepts, epidemiology and critical assessment of articles are also covered in the course, as well as digital competence with insights into e-health, welfare technology, and digital security.

The student must have passed all the courses from the first year of study and may lack a maximum of one passed course from the second year.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• is familiar with the routines and procedures for medication reviews and discussions
• can explain key concepts in the field of epidemiological methodology
• can explain ethical dilemmas relevant to epidemiological research
• can explain key statistical concepts in medical statistics
• is familiar with clinical testing of pharmaceuticals and the pertaining collection of and requirements relating to documentation
• is familiar with the concept of health competence and how variations in health competence influence different patients’ and user groups’ coping with disease, mastery and self-care
• is familiar with the import, economics and pricing of pharmaceuticals
• is familiar with the research processes involved in pre-clinical and clinical studies, the requirements for approval of pharmaceuticals and plant-based products and how pharmaceuticals are marketed

Skills

The student

• can apply epidemiological concepts
• can apply digital tools in statistical calculations and graphical presentations of prescription statistics and other figures that concern the use of pharmaceuticals
• can use evidence-based subject matter and innovation in project work, communicate this and contribute to professional discussions
• can assist in the development and use of appropriate technology at both individual and system levels

General competence

The student

• shows an understanding of drug related problems from an individual and social perspective
• can reflect on the quality and validity of documentation from clinical trials
• can contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship as approaches to healthcare
• has digital competence with insights into e-health, welfare technology, and digital security
• can critically reflect on their own use of AI-based tools when working with academic and professional issues, and assess the opportunities and limitations this entails for learning and academic development

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

The work and teaching methods comprise lectures, group work, project work, seminars, practical student exercises, digital teaching and work on assignments.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Minimum attendance of 80% in compulsory scheduled and supervised group work
• Digital storytelling in groups
• Project assignment in groups with a pitch on innovation and entrepreneurship
• Project assignment in groups on e-health, welfare technology, and digital security, up to 3000 words. The assignment must be submitted and presented at a seminar.

Individual multiple choice exam under supervision, 4 hours.

Alphanumeric/financial calculator with cleared memory. A digital calculator is available to the student during the exam.

Grade scale A-F

This course provides an introduction to professional practice in the field of pharmacy, and places pharmacy in the context of professional healthcare. The course includes fundamental knowledge about health professions, health management, pharmaceuticals’ place in society and topics that form common reference points for practice of the different professions, such as laws and guidelines, critical ethical reflection skills, communication and interaction. The pharmacist’s professional practice will be elucidated with examples related to ethics, the duty of confidentiality and consent. Additionally, students learn about the rationale for evidence-based practice (EBP), with a focus on critical thinking and shared decision-making.

The course comprises a four-month placement in a pharmacy. The work and teaching methods also comprise lectures and seminars where students work on assignments. Digital learning resources will be made available for the students in advance.

Discussion between the programme lecturers, practical training supervisors and students is facilitated via digital tools. Students will be closely followed up by a supervisor at the pharmacy and have regular supervisory sessions. During the practical training period, students work individually on written assignments related to the practical training.