PM3PY2-Clinical Therapeutics 3

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites: PM2A2 Therapeutics and medicines optimisation A2: Molecules and Medicines and PM2B Therapeutics and Medicines Optimisation B: A Journey Through the GI Tract and PM2C2 Therapeutics and medicines optimisation C2: Therapeutics and Patient care and PM2D Delivering Pharmacy Services
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PM3PY1 Professional Practice 3 and PM3PY3 Clinical Therapeutics 4
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Maria Maiaru
Email: m.maiaru@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module brings into context materials taught in Part 1 and Part 2 modules involving anatomy, immunology, pharmacology, formulation science and therapeutics. It introduces students to the therapeutic themes of nervous system, mental health and musculoskeletal disorders as well as advanced pharmacokinetics and cancer,and integrates the science into clinical practice. Each topic includes aspects of anatomy, physiology, pathology, disease management and prevention, medicine design and statistics, and patient management. 

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the human central nervous and musculoskeletal disorders and cancer and related therapeutics. To achieve this, the core science concepts detailed in the summary above will be taught using an appropriate range of teaching activities to allow integration of the disciplines that link to the therapeutic topics of the module.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be expected to:

1. Describe the anatomy, physiology, immunology, aetiology, diagnosis and therapeutics of the peripheral and central nervous system, the musculoskeletal system and cancer.


2. Discuss the pharmaceutical management of the conditions incorporating all relevant aspects of teaching including pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.


3. Explain the social and behavioural aspects of dealing with drug misuse and addiction.


4. Discuss how pharmacists work with other healthcare professionals to achieve effective patient care.


5. Outline the role of advanced drug delivery and therapeutics in the treatment of these conditions.


6. Undertake data analysis of pharmaceutical and/or clinical data.


7. Undertake a case-based assignment whilst considering the psychological, physiological, and physical impact of prescribing decisions on patients.

Additional outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Explain the role of person-centred care and medicines optimisation: tailoring treatment to the individual, personalised medicine, effect of disease on the patient, health beliefs & behaviours, promoting adherence and self-care, providing medicines-related information with a knowledge of health policies.


• Interpret and use clinical guidance and recognise and use reliable sources for information retrieval.


• Build on their research skills by more detailed exploration of databases for literature searching and techniques for building a comprehensive search.


• Consider sustainability in their medicine and device choices whilst recognising that medicines optimisation is also an important sustainability tool that complements patient care.

Outline content:

This module introduces the therapeutics of central and peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal disorders and cancer. An appropriate range of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, group working and guided individual study will be used to achieve the learning outcomes and also integrate with those of previous modules, helping to contextualise relevance to the practice of pharmacy. The students will also undertake interprofessional education with other healthcare professional students.

Content that will be covered includes: an introduction to musculoskeletal systems, fractures and sports injuries, metabolic bone disorders, inflammatory joint disorders, related immunological responses, use of biologics and their formulation and quality assurance. Similarly, anatomy and physiology of the peripheral and central nervous system, pain management, mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, drug of addiction and misuseincluding management of these along with pharmaceutical care, including safety, efficacy, biopharmaceutics, statistics, drug delivery, and prescribing will be covered. In addition, the pathology of cancer and different modes of treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy will be covered in this module. 

Global context:

This module will develop core knowledge and show how this knowledge is relevant to the role of a pharmacist. The student will need to develop independent learning skills within this module to progress into Part 4 but should then be suitably equipped to tackle the rigour of an MPharm degree. The topics covered here will link into all modules of Parts 2, 3 and 4.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, group work, directed private study, and self-directed learning. Some of the lectures or tutorials will utilise a case-based learning-like approach: activities will adopt characteristics of workshops where students will engage in formative activities e.g., group work, in-class discussion. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided and facilities for computer-aided literature searching for additional relevant materials will enable students to improve their own learning skills. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	64
Seminars	36
Tutorials	7
Supervised time in studio/workshop	16
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	129
Wider reading (directed)	20
Advance preparation for classes	15
Preparation for tutorials	15
Preparation for seminars	15
Completion of formative assessment tasks	5
Revision and preparation	52	4	2
Essay preparation	15
Reflection	5
Total hours by term	394	4	2
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Report	20
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

In the summer exam period:

1. Written examination (70% of module) - 2 hrs

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Data analysis report (20% of module)


2. Case-based coursework (10% of module)

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment is largely based on coursework and self-directed assessment and will reinforce each of the learning outcomes of the module. These will be staff, peer, or self- assessed and will include written and online assignments. These assessments will provide students with feedback on their achievement of the learning outcomes and prepare them for the summative assessments.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

All summative assessments must be passed at 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination (written paper) in August.  Failed coursework assessment may be reassessed by an alternative piece of work, before or during the August examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 4 September 2023