FARMA3100 Social Pharmacy and Epidemiology Course description

The 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. The course focuses on users of pharmaceuticals in different phases of life and with different illnesses, particularly on individually adapted follow-up and information on correct use of pharmaceuticals. The general subject matter is examined in a societal perspective in relation to medication and medicalisation of different life situations and groups of illnesses.

Listed below are the subjects covered by the course, with credits specified:

• Social pharmacy, 4 credits
• Epidemiology, 3 credits
• Statistics, 3 credits

Passed the second year of the programme.

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

Knowledge

The student

• has broad knowledge of the role of pharmaceuticals in the prevention and treatment of illness from an individual and societal perspective
• has broad knowledge of pharmaceutical services
• is familiar with the routines and procedures for medication reviews and discussions
• is familiar with the pharmaceuticals users' need of information in different life situations and with different illnesses 
• is capable of explaining key concepts in the field of epidemiological methodology
• is capable of explaining ethical dilemmas relevant to epidemiological research
• is familiar with key statistical concepts used in medical statistics

Skills

The student is capable of

• carrying out source searches and providing information to pharmaceuticals users in different life situations and with different illnesses, and with varying information needs
• applying epidemiological concepts
• applying digital tools in statistical calculations and graphical presentations of prescription statistics and other figures that concern the use of pharmaceuticals
• using evidence-based subject matter and innovation in project work, communicating this and contributing to discussions in the field

General competence

The student

• has insight into pharmaceutical issues in society
• is capable of reflecting on the correct use of pharmaceuticals in special groups of patients
• is capable of reflecting on the quality and validity of information provided by different sources
• is capable of contributing to making innovation and entrepreneurship a way of thinking in healthcare

Work and teaching methods include lectures, group work, seminars, practical student exercises, digital teaching and portfolio assignments. The course is organised in such a way that it alternates between theoretical lectures and practical student exercises in compliance (different pharmaceutical formulations) so that the student can learn more about the challenges of pharmaceuticals use in different life situations and for different illnesses. The students will learn statistical concepts and epidemiology through the computer lab exercises and critical assessment of articles. Canvas and Open EdX are the digital tool used in the course.

In connection with the course, the students will also take part in the Innovation Camp, which is held for third-year students on several of the faculty's bachelor's degree programmes. The course focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship as ways of thinking in healthcare.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• a minimum attendance requirement of 80% at scheduled and supervised group work, and at seminars with oral presentations
• digital storytelling about the student's own challenges relating to medication adherence
• participation at Innovation Camp

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Combined exam

1) Individual oral exam, up to 20 minutes

2) Individual portfolio exam, consisting of two assignments, up to 2,000 words for each assignment 

One grade is awarded based on the following weighting of the parts of the exam: Oral exam 60 %, portfolio exam 40 %. Students must be awarded a pass grade A-E for both parts of the exam in order to pass the course. When awarding a grade for the portfolio, each assignment counts equally, but the overall grade will be an F if an F is awarded for one of the assigments.

Students can appeal the grade awarded for the written part (portfolio) of the exam.

Resit exam: If the student is awarded an F in one part of the exam, this part of the exam must be retaken. If the portfolio exam is awarded an F, the student must rework the assignment(s) for which an F was awarded.

Oral exam: None

Portfolio exam: All

Grade scale A-F

Oral exam: One external and one internal examiner will assess all the candidates.

Portfolio exam: One external and one internal examiner will assess at least 30 % of the assigments. Two internal examiners will assess the remaining assignments. The external examiner¿s assessment shall benefit all the students.