Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 190

HEALTH

Cycle 2 links together studies in anatomy, physiology
and biochemistry covering concepts such as
molecular properties and drug design and a focus on
the gastro-intestinal tract, the cardiovascular system,
the urinary tract and the reproductive system.
Simultaneously, practical dispensing classes will
broaden the coverage of pharmacy practice topics.
The content of Cycle 3 will introduce pharmacology
and begin to expand upon the variety of healthcare
issues which affect various patient groups including
reference to cerebral and neurological disorders,
infection and immunity and chemotherapy.
Throughout, the relevance of each group of teaching
sessions to the healthcare of patients will be
highlighted. From the outset, you will be interacting
with patients and developing your consulting skills.
Stage 2
Stage 2 continues to provide a fully integrated and
contextualised course of study comprising periods
of learning, assessment, feedback and reflection.
Stage 2 consists of two cycles throughout which run
the linked themes of pharmaceutical science and
formulation, pharmacology and drug action, and
law ethics and pharmacy practice. This allows the
practice of pharmacy to be linked explicitly to the
science rich aspects of the programme.
Specific topics will include the relationship
between absorption, distribution and elimination
of drugs and their physico-chemical properties
and formulation, analytical techniques, the
manufacture and use of sterile pharmaceuticals,
the action of drugs on molecular targets, cells
and physiological systems, therapeutic and
adverse effects of drugs, the potential role of
pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics in
personalised medicine, extemporaneous preparation
of medicines, drug interactions, drug resistance and
the consequences for patient care and the lawful
supply of medicinal products.
The theme of the gastro-intestinal system will be
used to allow you to develop the links between
these subdisciplines throughout the year.
Stage 3
The structure of Stage 3 builds upon the material
taught in Stage 1 and 2. You will explore clinical
therapeutics in the following areas: infections,
respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, the
central nervous system and the endocrine system.
Underpinning these areas is the theory and practice
of evidence based medicine along with the clinical
skills needed to treat patients who may require
dosage adjustments due to their age (paediatrics
and the elderly) or clinical status (renal disease,
liver disease, pregnancy and breastfeeding).

190

You will also explore the theory and practice of
public health and health promotion. You will develop
skills in patient care, diagnosis and prescribing,
the monitoring of disease and appropriate drug
interventions. This will encompass relevant aspects
of clinical practice, systems pharmacology and
therapeutics, advanced drug delivery systems and
clinical governance. The law ethics and practice
strand running throughout Stage 3 will include
pharmacy’s impact on the environment, ethics and
confidentiality, regulation of healthcare professionals
and veterinary pharmacy.
Stage 4
The final year is consistent with all previous stages in
structure with the emphasis on contextualisation and
integration. Clinical therapeutics in Stage 4 revisits
the therapeutic areas covered in Stage 3, introducing
more complex medical conditions and patient cases.
The course continues to develop the science
and practice of pharmacy weaving together
the pharmacology of drugs and treatment or
management of specific conditions. In addition to
the therapeutic areas covered, there are a number
of additional topics providing currency to the
programme and preparing you for employment,
including the theory and some of the practical skills
required to become an independent non-medical
prescriber. Stage 4 also offers you the opportunity
to undertake elective studies in a number of more
specialist disciplines, including research projects
or clinical VF