This module addresses a number of core principles and concepts within the MPharm programme. It serves to develop knowledge of the immune system in health and disease including the use of vaccines. Infective agents and the science and practice of their control are investigated as well as cancer as a disease. The mechanisms of action and practical applications of chemotherapy are described together with novel drug targeting and palliative care. The delivery is via lectures supported by workshops integrating the different subject areas in case studies.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The majority of the material will be introduced by lectures which will be supported by directed reading from both textbook sources and journal articles. Workshops will be provided to allow students to explore specific examples from the lecture programme. These will be provided with "science into practice" case studies to illustrate how background sciences inform clinical practice. Science and practice laboratory practicals and simulations will be used to develop practical skills and competences as well as complement and consolidate lectures, workshops and directed reading. Online resources that include videos and podcasts will be uploaded onto the educational platform to supplement basic knowledge of immunology.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures Workshops Practical classes | 45 25 40 |
| Guided independent study | 190 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
There is no end of module exam in this module
Summative assessment:
An in module assessment, comprising of an in class test, will be used to help students identify how they are progressing and act as an opportunity to give the students feedback. This assessment will also encourage student engagement with the module. The Assessment will consist of an MCQ/SBA section to test breadth of knowledge and application with a long (essay) answer section to test knowledge and critical appraisal in depth of a specific syllabus areas. The style of the assessment will also feed forward to the synoptic assessment that is a feature of this Level.
A short (2 page) literature review to write a short essay on a given topic linking current developments in science and clinical practice, integrating all 4 disciplines of Physiology/Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacy and Chemistry will be set to promote a deeper understanding of a drug's actions, the conditions it treats and the symptoms it relieves and unwanted effects it may elicit. Topics will be supplied by the module team and students will be expected to locate suitable peer reviewed articles. This experience of constructing a strong argument feeds forward to the literature review and project proposal for final year project, in addition to preparing the students for the synoptic assessment at the end of the year. As part of this assignment key milestone tasks being completed will contribute to the overall mark. These include completing an essay draft and submitting for formative review and feedback by peers as well as contributing to the peer review process. (see below).
Formative assessment:
Workshop exercises will be self and peer marked to give students a view of their progress and food for reflection. These feed forward to the in module assessment as well as the synoptic assessment and synoptic OSCE.
Some workshops will have MCQ based mini-quizzes to support formative learning and encourage engagement with the module.
The literature review assignment will have two phases. The first is the preparation of a 'mock' literature review essay, in preparation for the summative essay will be completed and submitted before the Christmas break. Feedback will be given on the essay plan and the nature of the content in workshops, during which student can address any issues. Peer feedback will also highlight strengths and weaknesses in written communication of complex ideas by promoting reflection of another students work.
Both the formative and summative essays act to prepare the students for this end of year assessment. By integrating all 4 disciplines, the essays allow the perspective of the student to widen so that any one aspect of a disease or a drug can be thoroughly examined, promoting critical appraisal and rationalising drug prescription.
Feedback from practical and simulation results and data handling will be used to provide students with an ongoing assessment of their progress as well as the development of their skills and competence.
Level 6 MPharm students are required to pass a synoptic OSCE style assessment and a synoptic calculations test before they can progress to Level 7. These are to assure that even at this Level the student is demonstrating the appropriate skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes to become a future pharmacist.
In addition there is a synoptic exam covering the material in all four Level 6 modules, underpinned by learning from Levels 4 and 5. At level 6 the clinically themed modules have considerable cross module application and resonance to reflect the integrated nature of the course. To promote deeper learning, application and judgement as well as discourage silo learning a synoptic approach is more appropriate to assess the potential abilities of a future pharmacist. In addition it should facilitate in students the ability to ability to focus on a patient as a whole considering not only the prime condition but also co-morbidities.
Learning throughout this integrated module feeds forward into all three of these synoptic assessments, in particular using a variety of workshops and formative practical assessments that focus on calculations and every day prescription problem solving. In addition the summative assessment modes as described within the in-module assessment, will prepare the students for the synoptic assessments.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Discuss and critically evaluate the working of the immune system in health and disease | Formative in workshops and mini-quiz MCQs Summative: In class test |
| 2) Discuss and critically evaluate the action of drugs, vaccines and other entities which modulate the immune system | Formative in workshops Summative: In class test Literature review |
| 3) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between the mechanisms of action and modes of delivery of anti-infective agents and their use in practice | Formative in workshops and practicals Summative: In class test Literature review |
| 4) Describe and discuss cancer as a class of diseases and explore in detail mechanisms of action of chemotherapies, their benefits and problems, application in practice and novel targeting technologies | Formative: workshop, practicals Summative: In class test Literature review |
| 5) Produce a short literature critical review combining scientific and clinical themes | Formative in workshops Formative ‘mock' literature review Formative Peer review Summative: Literature review |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Literature review | 50% |
| Written exam | In class test (In module assessment) | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.