bachelor of pharmacy

facUlTy of pharmacy

“Pharmacy is a degree that gives you many career options. It is challenging and interesting. It is exhilarating to be able to positively influence a person’s health and wellbeing.”

rayan nahasBachelor of Pharmacy

conTenTs

02 Dean’s Welcome

03 pharmacy aT syDney03 your future

04 bachelor of pharmacy04 honours04 course outline05 current Student and Graduate Profiles

06 applying for pharmacy06 entry requirements07 explore your entry options08 Placements

our mission is to make a pivotal contribution to the health and well-being of all australians by:

– Implementing an integrated market-led and market-differentiated approach to pharmacy education and practice.

– conducting high quality, cross-disciplinary research in our areas of research strength which are aligned to national health priorities.

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The faculty of Pharmacy is recognised as one of the leading centres for pharmacy education in australia and enjoys an outstanding national and international reputation for research and innovation.

as a student in the faculty you will be taught by, and interact with, world-renowned academics who, as well as being known as leaders in their field, are highly regarded for their friendly approachable manner.

our students and staff continually strive for excellence in their learning, teaching and research and the faculty actively promotes opportunities to allow you to add new skills and experiences to your personal achievements. our innovative teaching style, clinical and experiential placements will provide you with a well rounded professionally relevant pharmacy degree, putting you in high demand with employers.

research at the faculty covers pharmaceutical and clinical sciences ranging from the design, synthesis, testing and mechanism of the action of drugs, studies on advanced drug delivery and the fate of drugs in humans, to clinical and sociological aspects of pharmacy and health services research.

Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare system and have the capacity to directly affect the lives and lifestyles of the people with whom they interact. Whether you decide to register as a pharmacist and work in community or hospital pharmacy, enter the pharmaceutical industry, work for government agencies or contribute to research and academia you will have the ability and expertise to help improve the well-being of the nation.

I hope that you find your experience with us an enriching one that is intellectually, socially and culturally rewarding and would encourage you to embrace the opportunities provided by the faculty and University to the full.

professor iqbal ramzan Dean, faculty of pharmacy

Dean’s Welcome

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our world-renowned academics are pursuing projects in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, healthy ageing, mental health and respiratory disease.

you can work alongside them and gain your own research experience through the advanced study options on offer.

The practical experience you will get in a variety of clinical settings, including industry, rural and overseas opportunities, will help you put your knowledge into action and develop important interpersonal skills. you’ll work with your fellow students to understand how best to treat patients, drawing on the latest knowledge and making the most of our experiential and clinical placement program.

yoUr fUTUre

Pharmacists are trusted and valued members of the community.

The majority of pharmacists work as community pharmacists supplying and distributing medicinal products, giving information, advice and counselling to the community. Their role is continuously evolving and pharmacists are now involved in reviewing medication and advising medical practitioners about optimal drug therapy.

Pharmacists also play a leading role in other sectors. hospital pharmacists work in multi-disciplinary teams with medical staff and allied health professionals to provide optimal patient care.

They distribute and review medications, educate patients and health professionals to achieve quality use of medicines, and perform clinical and applied research, including clinical drug trials.

Pharmacy graduates are highly sought after by the pharmaceutical industry in

product development, manufacturing, medical, sales and marketing roles. our undergraduate degree provides experience and skills in research, allowing graduates to seek full time research work or to pursue a research-based higher degree.

Pharmacists are also employed by various government agencies, both federal and state, generally in positions concerned with the control, manufacture, supply and distribution of medicines.

becoming a registered pharmacistTo register with the Pharmacy Board of australia, graduates of the Bachelor of Pharmacy must complete 1824 hours of supervised practical training after graduation. In addition to this training, you must complete an Intern Training Program during the pre-registration period, and a registration exam with the Pharmacy Board of australia. more information is available on the Pharmacy Board website: www.pharmacyboard.gov.au

Sarah McLain, recent graduate of the Bachelor of Pharmacy and Intern Training Program

pharmacy aT syDney

for more information on the bachelor of pharmacy visit: sydney.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-pharmacy

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The Bachelor of Pharmacy requires four years of full time study. There are two semesters and one entry period per year. major topics studied include chemical, physical, pharmaceutical and pharmacological properties of medicines and the application of these in the practice of pharmacy.

The first year is a foundation year in which you study biology and chemistry, and are introduced to pharmacy through foundation and social pharmacy studies.

The remaining three years are devoted to higher levels of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences together with specialised clinical pharmacy studies. Practical experience in a variety of clinical settings including hospital and community pharmacy is emphasised, particularly in the third and fourth years.

honoUrs

The Bachelor of Pharmacy may be awarded in two grades – pass and honours.

The award of honours recognises superior performance in all units of study throughout the degree and involves participation in research units of study in the final year, including completion of a research project.

enrolment in honours is by invitation, based on performance in previous years. honours is offered in the disciplines of pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacy practice and pharmacology.

Students considering a postgraduate research degree are advised to complete an honours degree.

full program descriptionfor a full program description including majors, honours and individual units of study visit: sydney.edu.au/handbooks/pharmacy/

bachelor of pharmacy

coUrse oUTline

year 1

semesTer 1 semesTer 2

human Biology

chemistry a (Pharmacy)

foundations of Pharmacy

Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences

chemistry B (Pharmacy)

molecular Biology and Genetics (Intro)

Social Pharmacy

Physical Pharmaceutics and formulation a

year 2

semesTer 1 semesTer 2

Drug Discovery and Design a

microbiology and Infection

Therapeutic Principles

Physiology for Pharmacy

Pharmacology for Pharmacy

Drug Discovery and Design B

Pharmacy Practice

Physical Pharmaceutics and formulation B

year 3

semesTer 1 semesTer 2

cardiovascular and renal

respiratory

endocrine, Diabetes and reproductive

Gastrointestinal

mental health

Neurology

musculoskeletal, Dermatological & Senses

oncology and Immunology

year 4

semesTer 1 semesTer 2

Pharmacotherapeutics

Integrated Dispensing Practice

Novel Therapeutics

Pharmacy management I

Professional Practice

clinical Placement

Pharmacy Services and Public health

Develop insights into how drugs are developed and how medications affect the human body; and qualify with the ability to gain entry to a profession that focuses on improving people’s quality of life.

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cUrrenT sTUDenT profile

melissa barakat bachelor of pharmacy University of sydney entry scholarship winner

“I chose pharmacy because I want to equip myself with the knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful contribution to the australian healthcare system. The course combines my interest in chemistry and mathematics with my passion to address social and health-related challenges.

my scholarship motivates me to achieve my personal best, work hard and persevere through the challenges that University offers.

I see myself working as a community pharmacist so I can practically apply the knowledge and skills learnt from my degree on a daily basis to help a range of patients.”

graDUaTe profile

genevieve Daly (bpharm 1987, mha 2005). oncology pharmacist at the centre for children’s cancer and blood Disorders, sydney children’s hospital.

Genevieve’s work as a senior pharmacist involves clinical expertise and leadership in the provision of oncology pharmacy services.

“This is a busy and challenging role. a great deal of cancer treatment involves the use of chemotherapy and many supportive treatments of cancer patients also involve the use of medications. I oversee a team of pharmacists and technicians for the coordination and supply of chemotherapy for all patients treated within the unit,” said Genevieve.

her work also includes medication chart review, counselling, discharge planning and providing education and drug information to junior medical and nursing staff, patients and parents. Genevieve also oversees a pharmacy-based research program focused on drug clinical trials, medication safety projects, pharmacokinetic studies and quality use of medicine reviews.

“my Bachelor of Pharmacy degree provided me with the solid foundations to practise as a hospital pharmacist. The structure of the curriculum enhanced my pharmacological knowledge and provided a valuable podium for ongoing enquiry and research. The skills and experience I gained through my undergraduate education helped prepare me for my future career endeavours as an oncology specialist pharmacist.”

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applying for pharmacy

Recent graduates from the Bachelor of Pharmacy

entry to the Bachelor of Pharmacy is competitive. There is some assumed knowledge but no prerequisite subjects are required for the study of pharmacy. commonwealth Supported Place (cSP) applications for the Bachelor of Pharmacy must be lodged through Uac. International students not applying through Uac must apply through the International office at the University of Sydney.

enTry reQUiremenTsaTaryou must have a NSW hSc aTar score or equivalent, or a tertiary studies record. The aTar required for entry to the Bachelor of Pharmacy varies from year to year. Please consult our website for a guide to recent aTar scores.

applicants who have a record of one or more years of full time tertiary study will have their entrance score calculated on high school and tertiary performance. applicants with a tertiary record are expected to demonstrate superior performance in at least one year of full time tertiary study. recent experience suggests the standard required for entry is likely to be a distinction average.

Previous credits obtained during tertiary study will be considered and assessed on a case-by-case basis at the time of enrolment.

No applications for credit will be considered prior to enrolment.

assumed knowledgeThere are no prerequisites for study in the Bachelor of Pharmacy. however, a good hSc performance in chemistry and mathematics is considered sound preparation. Biology or physics are also recommended. If you have not taken these subjects at hSc level, bridging courses are available at the University.

Domestic students and international students completing secondary studies in australia apply via Uac: www.uac.edu.au

International students apply via the International office: sydney.edu.au/future-students/international/undergraduate

for more information on english language requirements, recent aTar scores, fees and general course information visit: sydney.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-pharmacy

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eXplore yoUr enTry opTionsfleXible enTryThe faculty of Pharmacy offers flexible entry into the Bachelor of Pharmacy. It allows domestic school leavers to be considered for a place on the basis of their aTar in combination with other specified selection criteria. Students whose aTar is slightly below the aTar cut-off may still be offered a place based on excellent performance in relevant hSc subjects. The faculty will generally consider students who have an aTar up to 5 points below the published cut-off in that year.

for more information on flexible entry, visit: sydney.edu.au/flexibleentry

special enTry schemes

rural entry schemeUnder the rural entry Scheme, a limited number of places in the Bachelor of Pharmacy are available to applicants whose aTar is not more than five points below the Uac main round cut-off point. for admission under this scheme, eligible students must have completed an australian year 12 examination (hSc or equivalent) in the past two years, have not been enrolled in tertiary education before, and have completed at least the last four years of secondary education at a school in a rural area.

as well as submitting an application with Uac, applicants must complete an application form for the faculty of Pharmacy rural Students entry Scheme and return it to the administration office, faculty of Pharmacy (Bldg a15) at The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, by the closing date in January.

rural entry Scheme application forms are available on the faculty of Pharmacy website: sydney.edu.au/pharmacy

alternative schemesWe encourage you to consider all the options for entry to the University of Sydney, beyond your aTar. The University has a number of special entry schemes available to domestic students. for more information on special entry options, visit: sydney.edu.au/ug-special

scholarshipsThe University of Sydney offers a range of undergraduate scholarships. These are generally awarded based on a combination of school examination results, aTar, and other factors.

The University also offers scholarships to continuing undergraduate students based on merit. for further information about scholarships, please consult the University’s main scholarships website: sydney.edu.au/scholarships

rural pharmacy scholarship schemeThe rural Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme provides financial support to encourage students from rural communities to undertake studies in pharmacy at university. The scheme is an initiative of the rural Pharmacy Workforce Program (rPWP), established in recognition of the key role pharmacists play in maintaining the health of all australians, particularly in rural and remote areas. Up to 30 scholarships are offered annually, with a value of $10,000 per student per year. Scholarship recipients are encouraged to seek employment in rural and remote areas following graduation.

for more information on pharmacy specific scholarships including the rural Pharmacy Scholarship scheme, please visit: sydney.edu.au/pharmacy

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“I have undertaken clinical placements in both community pharmacies and in the pharmaceutical industry. having exposure to different clinical experiences relating to pharmacy was one of the most highly valued parts of my degree.

I enjoyed experiencing firsthand the work that pharmacists do in a real life setting. also, being able to apply the knowledge you have learnt at university in a practical setting was invaluable.

It was challenging to adapt from being a ‘student’ to being a ‘professional’ in a work environment. however it allowed me develop confidence in my knowledge and skills and take initiative with tasks I had been given.”

David Truong bachelor of pharmacy

placemenTsclinical placementsall students in the Bachelor of Pharmacy undertake clinical placements during their degree. clinical placements are important for students to put theory into practice in a community, hospital, rural or industrial setting.

Successful completion of this course is contingent on satisfactory performance in a number of clinical placements.

The New South Wales Department of health requires that all students obtain clearance in order to undertake clinical placements. This involves a National criminal record check. all students should complete a prohibited employment declaration as required by the NSW commission for children and young People. all students must have evidence of vaccinations and immunisation against certain infectious diseases prior to undertaking clinical placements.

rural placementsStudents are encouraged to do rural placements as part of their clinical training to give them valuable experience in different settings. The rural Pharmacy Student Placement allowance helps students to fund their travel and accommodation costs. This project is funded by the australian Government Department of health and ageing as part of the fifth community Pharmacy agreement.

inTern Training program

after graduating from the Bachelor of Pharmacy, you can complete your Intern Training Program with the faculty of Pharmacy.

for more information, visit: sydney.edu.au/pharmacy

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laboraTory Work is an imporTanT parT of The bachelor of pharmacy

crIcoS 00026aaBN 15 211 513 464

Produced by faculty of Pharmacy, the University of Sydney, may 2013. The University reserves the right to make alterations to any information contained within this publication without notice.

The cover is printed on Impress Satin cover by Spicers. Using Impress ensures that all virgin pulp is derived from well-managed forests and controlled sources. It is manufactured elemental chlorine free (ecf) by an ISo 14001 certified mill.

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faculty of pharmacysydney.edu.au/pharmacy

future students (Domestic): T 1300 362 006e future.students@sydney.edu.au

future students (international):T 1800 899 376 (within australia) + 61 2 8627 8387 (outside australia)sydney.edu.au/future-students

Universities admission centreT + 61 2 9752 0200www.uac.edu.au

facUlTy of pharmacy