PM3PY3-Clinical Therapeutics 4

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term 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 PM3PY2 Clinical Therapeutics 3
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Angela Bithell
Email: a.bithell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module brings into context material taught in Part 1 and Part 2 modules involving anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, formulation science and therapeutics and integrates the science into clinical practice. It introduces students to the therapeutic themes of endocrine disorders, reproductive health, conditions affecting the skin and immune disorders, including advanced content on vaccination. Each topic includes aspects of anatomy, physiology, pathology, disease management and prevention, medicine design and patient management. 

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the immune system, endocrine system, skin, reproductive health, 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. Discuss the anatomy, physiology, aetiology, diagnosis and therapeutics of the immune system, endocrine system, skin, and the reproductive system.


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


3. Explain the chemistry and formulation and advanced drug delivery aspects related to the therapeutic management of these conditions.


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


5. 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:

• Discuss 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.


• 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 immune disorders, endocrine disorders, conditions affecting the skin and reproductive health. An appropriate range of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, group working and guided individual study will be used to achieve the learning outcomes and to integrate with those of previous modules, helping to contextualise relevance to the practice of pharmacy. The students will also undertake interprofessional education with other health professional students.

Content that will be covered includes: an introduction to the endocrine system, thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, steroid hormones, diabetes and its management, drug delivery to the skin, tissue engineering, development of the reproductive system, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding, women and men’s health, sexual and genitourinary health including sexually transmitted infections, immune system disorders including hypersensitivity and autoimmunity, and vaccinations.

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		44
Seminars		4
Tutorials		9	3
Practicals classes and workshops		14
Supervised time in studio/workshop		18
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		121
Wider reading (directed)		40
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for tutorials		10
Preparation for presentations		10
Preparation for seminars		10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		5
Revision and preparation		58	4
Group study tasks		20
Essay preparation		15
Reflection		5
Total hours by term	0	393	7
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Oral assessment and presentation	20
Set exercise	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. Oral Presentation (20% of module)


2. Case-based coursework (set exercise) (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: 21 September 2023