University of the Western Cape

Bachelor of Pharmacy

Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services

Purpose and Rationale

Objective: Pharmacy Education and Training in South Africa

The primary objective of pharmacy education and training in South Africa is to educate and train pharmacists relevant to the healthcare system in the country. The goal is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively provide pharmaceutical care to the people of South Africa.

Competencies:

Upon completion of the training program, learners will demonstrate the following competencies:

  1. Knowledge: Students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, therapeutics, and pharmaceutical care principles, relevant to the South African healthcare system.

  2. Skills: Learners will develop the necessary technical skills to effectively dispense medication, provide patient counseling, and manage pharmaceutical logistics.

  3. Critical Thinking: Students will be able to critically analyze and evaluate pharmaceutical information, make sound decisions, and solve problems effectively in various pharmacy practice settings.

  4. Professional Conduct: Learners will uphold professional ethics, practice with integrity, and respect the rights and dignity of patients while adhering to relevant laws and regulations.

  5. Attitude: The training program will instill in learners a positive attitude towards continuous learning, professional growth, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic patient care.

Overall Competency:

By the end of the training program, students will be competent in providing pharmaceutical care that integrates knowledge, skills, critical thinking, professional conduct, and positive attitudes essential for effective practice as pharmacists, managers, and decision-makers in the South African healthcare system. They will be adept at managing scarce resources efficiently and delivering high-quality pharmaceutical care in all aspects of pharmacy practice.

In conclusion, pharmacy education and training in South Africa aim to produce competent pharmacists who can meet the healthcare needs of the population by providing quality pharmaceutical care and managing resources effectively.

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

Academic Subjects and Laboratory Skills:

  • Demonstrate understanding of basic principles in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology through laboratory work.
  • Utilize laboratory equipment effectively to conduct experiments and analyze results.

Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry of the Human Body:

  • Describe in detail the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the human body systems.
  • Explain the interconnectedness of these systems and their functions in maintaining homeostasis.

Pharmaceutical Sciences:

  • Understand the principles of compounding and dosage form formulation.
  • Identify the origin of drugs and different classes of natural drugs.
  • Recognize the role of pharmacists in healthcare, patient management, and primary health care.

Drug Design and Pharmacology:

  • Explain the structure-activity relationships among various drug classes.
  • Apply quality assurance procedures in drug synthesis and dosage form analysis.
  • Understand drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
  • Describe the principles of drug action, drug toxicity, adverse drug events, and novel dosage forms.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Utilize informal and formal methods for evaluation such as tutorials, assignments, written tests, and oral examinations.
  • Incorporate assessment techniques like theory and practical examinations, presentations, and portfolios.
  • Ensure assessment aligns with the purpose of the qualification and focuses on problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous learning.
  • Integrate theory and practice in assessments to evaluate knowledge, skills, and abilities effectively.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of the Western Cape
Description
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a public university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1959, it is one of the leading universities in the country and is known for its commitment to social justice and transformation. UWC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, law, and health sciences. The university is recognized for its research excellence and community engagement, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. UWC is also known for its diverse student body and inclusive campus environment.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.