UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Kingston, Rhode Island

FACULTY SENATE

March 7, 2000

Faculty Senate Curricular Affairs Committee

Three Hundred and Eighty-Third Report

Professional Tracks for the Pharm.D. Degree

 

The Three Hundred and Sixtieth Report of the Curricular Affairs Committee, Proposal to Establish the 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Program as the Sole Professional Degree Offered by the College of Pharmacy, was approved by the Faculty Senate in the spring 1998. The proposal included the requirement that students elect professional coursework in an area or "track" based on student interest. The first of these tracks, the Community Practice Track, was brought forward earlier this year in the Three Hundred and Seventy-Ninth Report of the Curricular Affairs Committee.

At its meeting of February 22, 2000, the Curricular Affairs Committee considered a proposal from the College of Pharmacy for seven additional tracks for the Pharm.D degree. The Curricular Affairs Committee has the responsibility for the approval of courses and requirements for the Pharm.D. Both the Curricular Affairs Committee and the Graduate Council must approve those courses that may be taken for graduate credit.

The Curricular Affairs Committee recommends that the Faculty Senate approve the following seven new tracks for the Pharm.D, along with the courses and curricular changes that accompany the tracks.

A. ADD: The following new courses:

1. *BMS 520 Biomedical Sciences Journal Club (II, 2) Critical reviews of current research reports in the field of biomedical sciences. The students will be evaluated on the basis of their effectiveness in organization, interpretation, and oral presentation, according to criteria already established in the department. (Lec. 3) Pre: good standing in the basic research track of the Pharm. D. program. Rodgers and Chichester

2. PHC 305 Introduction to Information Technology in Pharmacy (II, 3) Introduction to and use of drug information data bases in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences (Lec. 3) Staff

3. PHP 430 Advanced Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Pharmacotherapy (II, 3) Advanced topics in infectious diseases and pulmonary pharmacotherapy through literature review, data interpretation, and case scenarios. Content will be delivered through the perspective of clinical pharmacists. (Lec. 3) Pre: 413. Rana and Galetko

4. *PHP 460 Palliative Care (II, 3) Principles of palliative care including control of pain and other symptoms, and psychological, social, and spiritual issues. (Lec.3) Pre: 4th or 5th year standing in Pharm.D. program or permission of instructor. Pawasauskas, Glen, Soja

5. PHP 520 Advanced Gastrointestinal and Endocrine (I, 3) Provides students with an expanded knowledge base in the area of GI and Endocrine pharmacotherapy, emphasizing active learning, literature evaluation, data interpretation. (Lec. 3) Pre: 5th year standing in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program; enrollment in the Pharmacotherapy Track, or permission of instructor. Luisi

6. PHP 560 Advanced Cardiovascular and Renal Pharmacotherapy (II, 3) Advanced assessment and pharmacotherapeutic management of patients with cardiovascular and renal disease through the application of evidence-based medicine and critical evaluation of literature. (Lec. 3) Pre: 5th year standing in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program; enrollment in the Pharmacotherapy Track, or permission of instructor. McKindley, Barbour

*Requires approval by the Graduate Council for graduate credit. Not for graduate credit at this time.

B. CHANGE: Description for PHC 594 and type of course to open-ended:

PHC 594 Experiential Tracking Practicum (I and II, 7) Students will select one area to provide hands-on experience in acquiring, interpreting, and applying, information to a specific practice field. This will be accomplished by collaborative work with a sponsor (Practicum) Pre: sixth year standing. Staff

Students should select one related topic area that will complete their tracking requirements.

PHC 594A Community Practice Practicum

PHC 594B Pharmacotherapy Practicum

PHC 594C Hospital Drug Information Practicum

PHC 594D Community Practice Drug Information Practicum

PHC 594E Clinical Data Base Development Practicum

PHC 594F Drug Development and Regulation Practicum

PHC 594G Cosmetics and Personal Care Practicum

PHC 594H Biomedical Science Research Practicum

PHC 594I Formulation Research Practicum

PHC 594J Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacoepidemiology Practicum

C. ADD: The following seven new professional tracks for the Pharm. D.

Students now have an opportunity to focus their training on a particular area of professional practice. Twelve credits of coursework and a focused tracking rotation will allow students to complete this requirement. Listed below are the proposed tracking options, including a description, required core courses, possible electives and the required rotation.

1. Pharmacotherapy Practice Track

Description

The Pharmacotherapy Practice track will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver pharmaceutical care in both inpatient and ambulatory practice sites. This track is designed to expand students' clinical knowledge base and application of pharmacotherapy to diverse patient populations. Elective coursework will include advanced topics in cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, infectious diseases, internal medicine, oncology, pain, pulmonary, and renal pharmacotherapy. In addition, therapeutic issues related to special populations of pediatrics and geriatrics will be discussed. The courses emphasize active learning, primary literature evaluation, data interpretation, case discussion and focused experiential learning. Completion of this track will allow students to pursue advanced post-graduate clinical and research training in a variety of clinical areas. Furthermore, it will allow students to pursue possible careers as clinical practitioners providing general or focused care in acute care and primary care sites, managed care organizations, academia, industry and government.

Required courses

Students must select two courses (six credits) from the following list:

PHP 430 Advanced Infectious Disease and Pulmonary Pharmacotherapy

PHP 460 Palliative Care

PHP 520 Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Diseases

PHP 560 Cardiovascular-Renal Enhancement

Electives

Students must select two courses (six credits) from the following list:

PHP 430 Advanced ID and Pulmonary Pharmacotherapy

PHP 440 Pharmaceutical Care of Special Populations

PHP 498-499 Special problems

PHP 519 Self-Care II

PHP 520 Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Diseases

PHP 542 Controversies in Drug Literature Evaluation

PHP 560 Cardiovascular-Renal Enhancement

Other courses with approval of track advisor.

Experiential Rotation

PHC 594 In the 6th year, students in this track must enroll in Pharmacotherapy Track Practicum in an area that reflects the Pharmacotherapy content studied.

2. Basic Research Track

Description

The basic research track in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in designed to provide specialized education and training to selected Pharm.D. students, with the following general focus areas:

Specialized training in theory and practice of laboratory research techniques and in the evaluation and quantification of research results;

Understanding and critical interpretation of the scientific literature;

Oral and written communication of research hypotheses, methods, and interpretation;

Personal experience in carrying out basic scientific research, and;

Awareness of career options for which basic scientific research is an important component.

The basic research track will be open to all Pharm.D. students in good standing. It is expected that this track will accommodate up to six students per year, with some flexibility depending on student interest and available resources. If enrollment exceeds the resources available, then a competitive admissions policy will be implemented

Required courses

BMS 525 Experimental Techniques in Biomedical Sciences

BMS 520 Biomedical Sciences Journal Club

BMS 535 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Electives

Students must select 4 credits from the following list:

BMS 519 Self-Care II

BMS 530 Drug Metabolism

BMS 533 Medicinal Plants

BMS 544 Forensic Toxicology

BMS 546 Advanced Toxicology

BMS 550 Chemistry of Natural Products

BMS 572 Neural Basis of Drug Action

BMS 633 Biosynthesis

BMS 635 Pharmacognosy techniques

BMS 636 Pharmacognosy techniques

BMS 641 Biochemical Pharmacology

BMS 642 Biochemical Toxicology

BMS 644 Cardiovascular Pharmacology

BMS 691 Selected topics in Medicinal Science

Experiential Rotation

PHC 594 will be a research project to be carried out either on-site, under direction of one of the BMS faculty, or off-site at a private industrial or biotechnology firm. The project will be completed either in the summer or in the fall between the fifth and sixth years (eight weeks off-site), or in the fall of the sixth year (14 weeks on-site). Regardless of when the project is carried out, the student will register for the course in the fall of the sixth year. The

BMS department is in the process of obtaining commitments for guaranteed industry-supported fellowships, required for the off-site experiences. It is intended that the research experience will be an application of principles and techniques obtained in the other courses of the tracking program. Therefore, parts of the curriculum will be designed considering input from industry representatives. Student performance will be assessed on the basis of an evaluation provided by his or her supervisor, along with a written and possible an oral report provided by the student. The report will be due early (off-site) or at the end (on-site) of the fall semester of the sixth year.

3. Drug Information and Technology Track

Description

The drug information and Technology Track will provide basic training for Pharm.D. students who are interested in developing their drug information and/or computer skills. It is aimed at students who would like to pursue a career in pharmaceutical related information services, and at students who want to enhance their computer knowledge. The Drug Information and Technology track will strengthen computer skills, expand their knowledge of computer and network systems and provide experience in the development and analysis of pharmaceutical related databases. It will give them practical experience in providing drug information to health professionals as well as the public.

The track will consist of courses given by the College of Pharmacy and Department of Management Science and Information (MSI). Students will take an introductory course given by this College, which will provide an overview of drug information services; the development of pharmaceutical related databases and basic computer networks located in the College. Students will also take a course in the MSI department, which will provide them with a solid basis in microcomputer software. The students will then select two courses from a series depending upon their individual interests. One of these courses is a special problems course given by a member in the information technology track that involves a computer-based project. This project could be based here at the College or at an external site such as CVS or a hospital-based drug information site. The information technology committee overseeing the track would approve all special projects. Students will present their projects in a seminar format.

Required courses

PHC 305 Introduction to Information Technology in Pharmacy

MSI 310 Application of Microcomputer Software in Business

Electives

Students must take two courses from the following list:

BAC 110 Business computer applications (or equivalent)

COM 320 Oral Communication for Business Professions

COM 337 Intercultural communication

MSI 410 Information technology in Business Organizations

MSI 420 Business applications programming

MSI 430 Management of systems an design

MSI 440 Management of data bases

APS/ BMS /PHP448 Special problems in information technology in pharmacy

BMS 535 Pharmaceutical biotechnology

BMS/ PHP 519 Self-Care II

PHP 501 Pharmaceutical care for special populations

PHP 542 Controversies in drug literature evaluation

LSC 504 Reference information services

LSC 549 Information storage retrieval

Experiential Rotation

The tracking clerkship will focus on the delivery of drug information and the use of current technology in many different settings, based on the student's interest. Currently under development are clerkships in the areas of hospital based drug information, community practice drug information, hospital/community practice clinical data base development, formulary and drug utilization management, as well as drug manufacturer based experiences.

One of the following rotations:

PHC 594 Hospital Drug Information Clerkship

PHC 594 Community Practice Drug Information Center Clerkship

PHC 594 Hospital/Community Practice Clinical Data Base Development

PHC 594 Formulary and Drug Utilization Management

4. Drug Development and Regulation Track

Description

The Regulatory Affairs track will allow students the opportunity to explore areas of interest in Pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics, and scientific aspects of the regulations affecting the design, production, evaluation and distribution of drug products. Students will have the opportunity to examine current literature. Problem solving skills will be nurtured.

Required course

APS 670 Methods in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

APS 621 Manufacturing Pharmacy I

Electives

Students must select three courses (8 credits) from the following list:

APS 621 Manufacturing pharmacy

APS 670 Methods in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

APS 540 Epidemiological Methods

APS 550 Pharmacoepidemiology

APS 497 or 498 Special Projects

CSC 201 Introduction to computer programming

IME 533 Advanced statistical methods for research and industry

400-level statistics course in clinical trials methods

Experiential Rotation

PHC 594 The research practicum will involve students carrying out a research project. The students will work in close collaboration with a faculty member as well as MS and Ph.D. graduate students.

5. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Technology Track

Description

This track is closely related to Community Practice. It will provide in-depth understanding of the cosmetics, self-care products and dermatologicals from conception, to marketing, to consumer use. Many self-care products in the market such as sunscreens, the majority of moisturizers, and products with "anti-aging" claim already have OTC status. Introduction of the cosmetic track is timely because with increasing utility of the "cosmeceuticals," the cosmetics industry is likely to be regulated within the next decade. Students who choose the cosmetic track will have an opportunity to study an array of courses that will provide an understanding of the utility and marketing of cosmetics, self-care products and dermatologicals.

Required courses

APS 498 Special Problems

APS 530 Fundamentals of Cosmetic Science

APS 532 Cosmetic Product Formulation

Electives

Students must select two courses (six credits) from the following list:

APG 405 Psychological Anthropology

APS 453 Drug Marketing Principles

APS 461 Health Related Systems

APS 498 Special Problems

APS 530 Fundamentals of Cosmetic Science

APS 531 Basic Research in Cosmetic Science

APS 621 Manufacturing Pharmacy I

APS 622 Manufacturing Pharmacy II

CSC 201 Introduction to Computer Programing

IME 533 Adv. Stat. Methods for Research and Industry

PSY 384 Cognitive Psychology

MGT 402 Leadership and Motivation

BMS 445 Natural Products Biotechnological Drug

BMS 533 Medicinal Plants

BSL 450 Consumer Law & Legislature

MKT 311 Consumer Behavior

MKT 331 Fundamentals of Advertising

Experiential Rotation

PHC 594 This track requires community Pharmacy Clerkship and/or research practice activities that are carried out in the hospital-based dermatology clinics/practice, OTC industry, government regulatory agencies, department of public health and advertising/marketing organizations.

6. Formulation Track

Description

The formulation track will allow students the opportunity to explore areas of interest in formulation, manufacture, compounding of various pharmaceutical products and the concepts of industrial pharmacy. It is intended to provide a basic understanding of the physicochemical concepts that are essential in understanding the processes of pharmaceutical technology.

Required courses

APS 622 Manufacturing Pharmacy II

APS 631 Advanced Physical Pharmacy

Electives

Students must pick two courses (six credits) from the following list:

APS 621 Manufacturing Pharmacy I

APS 660 Industrial Projects

BMS 525 Experimental Techniques in Biomedical Sciences

IME 533 Advanced Statistic or an Equivalent course

Experiential Rotation

PHC 594 Research Project to be taken in the student's sixth year. This research project will focus on the development, formulation, stability studies and manufacture of a drug product.

7. Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacoepidemiology Track

Description

The pharmacoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology track will allow students the opportunity to explore areas of interest in management, information systems, public health and economics. Of primary importance will be the development of skills necessary for medical decision-making, formulary evaluation, organizational management, public health practice and the efficient delivery of appropriate healthcare. The role of pharmaceuticals will be emphasized. Finally, it is anticipated that students will have the opportunity to examine current pharmacoeconomic and pharmacoepidemiologic literature.

Required course

APS 550 Pharmcoepidemiology or

APS 580 Pharmacoeconomics

Electives

Students must select three courses (nine credits) from the following list:

APS 406 Pharmacy Retailing

APS 440 Public Health of Infectious Disease

APS 453 Drug Marketing Principles

APS 540 Epidemiology

APS 570 Case Studies in Pharmacy Law

APS 565x Managed Care Pharmacy

APS 580 Pharmacoeconomics

APS 590x Quality Management

APS 640 Advanced Epidemiology

MSI 664 Heath Information Systems

MGT 303 Personnel Mgt.

MGT 402 Leadership and Motivation

MSI 310 Microcomputer Applications

MKT 301 Marketing Principles

MKT 331 Advertising

INS 433 Social Insurance

ECN 202 Macroeconomics

HSA 360 Health Services Administration

Experiential Rotation

PHC 594 Community Pharmacy Clerkship to be taken in the student's sixth year of the program. The clerkship in the pharmacoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology track will focus on the development of management and public health skills in community pharmacy, institutional healthcare, chain pharmacy, pharmacy benefit management, consultation and government agency environments.