Development of a new pharmaceutical analysis course

Abstract

A poster presentation regarding the development of a new pharmaceutical analysis course. Introduction: The knowledge of drug levels in biological fluids such as serum and urine can help optimise pharmacotherapy and provide the basis for studies on bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and genetics, organ function, the influences of co– medication and patient compliance. Students at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta follow a study unit entitled ‘Pharmaceutical Analysis.’ The study unit consists of 2 ECTS and is delivered via 14 hours of lectures. Aims: • To develop the study unit offered for third year pharmacy students on pharmaceutical analysis. • To focus unit on extraction and analysis of drugs from biological fluids. • To seek student feedback about the new course.

Introduction: The study unit offered for third year pharmacy students on pharmaceutical analysis was redesigned to focus on extraction and analysis of drugs from biological fluids. The study unit consists of two ECTS and is delivered via 14 hours of lectures. Method: The new study unit contains topics dealing with bulk separation techniques such as centrifugation and crystallisation and instrumental separation techniques namely chromatography. Special focus is given to sample preparation, extraction and analysis of drugs from biological fluids and matrices. Students following the newly developed study unit for the first time were asked to rate the course content and delivery of lectures via an independent review. Results: Out of a total of 43 students, 37 gave feedback about the study unit. Thirty- five students agreed that the study- unit was of help in strengthening the knowledge and skills relevant to the area of study. Thirty five students also agreed that the outline of the study unit was followed and expected learning outcomes presented in the study unit description were achieved. Thirty students thought that there was a link between this study unit and the remaining units of the pharmacy course. All students found the study unit to be well organised. Twenty six students found the lectures to be intellectually challenging and 33 students agreed that lectures were understandable and stimulating. One student suggested the inclusion of practical sessions linked to the lectures given. If given a choice, 28 students would recommend this study unit to other students. Conclusion: The developed course was positively evaluated by the students and suggestions to include practical sessions will be considered.