PharmD 2+2 (Retired Program)

(4 units) This 4-unit course introduces first year pharmacy students to basic principles in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology needed to understand human physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology (Block A). Following this introduction, the anatomy and physiology of two important organ systems are discussed in detail: (1) autonomic nervous system and (2) immune system (Block B). Emphasis is also placed on inflammation and principles underlying the pathophysiology of the immune system by comparing normal and abnormal states (Block C).

(7 units) This 7-unit course introduces the foundational principles of medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, pharmaceutics, physical pharmacy, pharmacokinetics and pharmacy calculations. Important topic areas include functional groups, acid/base chemistry, pH/ionic equilibria, solubility, enzymes, drug metabolism, drug receptors, and drug delivery and dosage forms. This knowledge is then applied to the adrenergic and cholinergic systems, and to the immune system (e.g., hypersensitivity, inflammation). This background prepares students for the continued application of pharmaceutical sciences to specific organ systems and disease states beginning with PRMC 606.

(4 units) This 4-unit course familiarizes students with the various forces that shape the delivery of health care, specifically pharmaceutical care, as well as patient behavior. The course addresses the patchwork of systems and programs that feed into the larger health care system and delves particularly into underserved, or at-risk populations by discussing the resources available to them and how pharmacists can address issues related to health disparities and health illiteracy in providing culturally competent care. This course provides an introduction to pharmacy law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Patient Safety and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the California Business & Professions Code and the California Code of regulations.

(4 units) This 4-unit course introduces pharmacy students to clinical lab medicine, immunizations and drug information. The pharmacist’s role in the management of patients with conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and dermatological systems is addressed. Students also work collaboratively in assigned groups to deliver a presentation on an over-the-counter (OTC) topic and learn how to write a clinical progress/SOAP note.

(1.5 units) Student pharmacists gain initial and progressive pharmacy practice skills through Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE), which include 1) simulations, active learning, discussions and lectures in the Pharmacy Practice Center and 2) Real Practice Experiences that involve direct contact with patients and healthcare providers within the Community Practice setting.

(0.5 units) In this 0.5 credit hour course, the use of patient cases and practice problem sets aligned with materials presented in PRMC 601, 602 and 604 allows students to reinforce foundational knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology and therapeutics. Through introductory online modules, students are also introduced to inter-professional education (IPE). By engaging in various IPE activities pharmacy students interact, communicate and work as a team with students from public health, physician assistant, nursing, education and osteopathic medicine programs to ultimately enhance the quality of care of the patients they will serve.

(5 units) This 5-unit course addresses human physiology and common forms of pathophysiology. It provides the foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for competency in other biological, pharmaceutical and clinical sciences courses. Topic areas covered in this course include the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the following organ systems: respiratory, gastrointestinal, and liver (Block A); renal, ear/nose/throat (ENT), and ocular (Block B); and cardiovascular (Blocks B and C). Acute and chronic diseases in these organ systems will be discussed in regard to their pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical signs and symptoms, testing and diagnoses as well as the scientific basis for treatment and prevention. A combination of didactic lectures and active problem-based learning will be used to reinforce the material.

(5 units) This 5-unit course is the second didactic course in Pharmaceutical Sciences. It continues the discussion began in PRMC 602 of the principles of medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics, with emphasis on how these principles apply to pharmacy practice. Students carry out out-of-class review and preparation, in-class active participation, small-group activities and participation in a group poster project in this course. Topics include pharmaceutical calculations, injectable medication, dosage and delivery forms, physical pharmacy principles, and pharmacology and medicinal chemistry of drugs acting on the respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular systems, and the eyes, ears, nose and throat (EENT).

(4 units) This 4-unit course is taught in three blocks that familiarize pharmacy students with the overall health care environment within which the practice of pharmacy takes place. This overview includes the social, governmental, cultural, legal, and health care structures that impact upon patients, their families, pharmacists and their colleagues. Lectures and classroom discussions provide interdisciplinary approaches to difficult political, social and economic issues that confront health practitioners and the public. The focus is on special issues that impact some, but not all, identifiable health care populations, federal and state-run health prescription health benefit plans and the administration and regulation of such. In addition issues of medication safety, regulatory compliance, evidence-based practice, quality control improvement and good financial stewardship to improve drug therapy outcomes. The law portion focuses on state and federal regulations governing controlled substances.

(5 units) This 5-unit course, addresses the pharmacist’s role in the management of patients with conditions affecting: (1) respiratory and gastrointestinal; (2) liver and renal; (3) ophthalmic/otic/oral; and (4) cardiovascular. These are the same topics covered in PRMC 605 and PRMC 606, such that there is coordination in the presentation of information in the pathophysiology, pharmacology, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacy practice tracks. This consistency of topics presented helps achieve reinforcement and enhance comprehension of the elements of practice and the larger overall concept of translational education from “bench to bedside.” Cases will be “SOAPed” (written up in terms of their Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan). Exercises are reinforced in small group discussion (SGD) activities, SGD Mega Case Days, and a Comprehensive Case Day.

(1 unit) Student pharmacists gain initial and progressive pharmacy practice skills through Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE), which include 1) simulations, active learning, discussions and lectures in the Pharmacy Practice Center and 2) Real Practice Experiences that involve direct contact with patients and healthcare providers within the Community Practice setting.

(0.5 units) In this 0.5 credit hour course, the use of patient cases and practice problem sets aligned with materials presented in PRMC 605, 606 and 608 allows students to reinforce foundational knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology and therapeutics. By engaging in various campus inter-professional education activities pharmacy students will interact, communicate and work as a team with students from public health, physician assistant, nursing, education and osteopathic medicine programs to ultimately enhance the quality of care of the patients they will serve.

(3 units) This core Experiential Education will serve as the introduction to the Community Practice in the Community Pharmacy environment.