Year 3 Curriculum
Fall Quarter (late September / early October)
Neurology, Psychiatry, and Pain
Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of neurological, psychiatric, and pain disorders.
Cardiopulmonary II
A continuation of Cardiopulmonary I, this course further develops students' ability to manage cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders through therapeutic drug management. Students will continue to apply principles of pathophysiology, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and clinical pharmacokinetics, with emphasis on integrating clinical data, monitoring therapeutic outcomes, and optimizing patient care.
Winter Quarter
Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Policy
Students are introduced to the organization, financing, and delivery of healthcare services in the United States. Using access to prescription drugs as one framework, the relationship of providers, patients, payers, producers, purchasers, and policy makers will be analyzed as a critical review of the system's assets and liabilities. In addition, discussions will include other comparisons of other national health policies and current United States health policy issues and controversies.
Oncology and Hematology
Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of oncologic and hematologic disorders.
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases II
A continuation of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases I, this course further advances students' knowledge and application of therapeutic drug management for microbial disorders and infectious diseases. Students will continue to integrate principles of pharmacotherapy, pharmacokinetics, pathophysiology, and laboratory medicine to support clinical decision-making and optimizing patient care.
Spring Quarter
Multiple Organ Systems and Special Populations
Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states in special populations and builds on the preceding pharmacotherapy courses. The course will utilize comprehensive clinical cases of increased rigor and complexity that incorporate material from previous pharmacotherapy courses related to the treatment of special populations (e.g., pediatrics, older adults, etc.) and complex multi-organ system disorders.
APPE Boot Camp
Preparatory course designed to support students' transition into Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). It covers core topics such as acute and ambulatory care, law and ethics, APPE orientation and logistics, journal club facilitation, case-based discussions, compassionate care training, and wellness strategies, ensuring students are well-equipped for success in advanced clinical settings.
Year Round
Service-Learning Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE)
Health-related service learning is an opportunity for students to learn about social issues and apply their knowledge and skills to address a need in their community. It helps foster professional responsibility, develop a sense of caring for others, and reinforces what is taught in the didactic curriculum. Health-related service learning provides avenues for interaction with other health care professionals, as well as patients and caregivers in the community.
Service learning is a structured learning experience performed by students in collaboration with community partners. Such experiences require clearly defined objectives, careful preparation, purposeful reflection, and engaged discussion with fellow students, faculty members, and - if possible - members of the community served. The experiences help students establish professional relationships with patients and communities, promote patient welfare, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and/or provide exposure to drug distribution systems.
Thriving for Success in Pharmacy through Continuous Professional Development III
This longitudinal course introduces pharmacy students to the principles of continuous professional development essential for success in their pharmacy careers. Students will build knowledge and skills in professionalism, leadership, career development, and personal wellness.
Scientific Inquiry and Clinical Practice II
In this course, students will interpret and critically analyze primary peer-reviewed literature to strengthen scientific proficiency and critical thinking skills, and to apply current best evidence in the clinical decision-making process.
Pharm.D. Required Student Research Project
Completing a research project is required of all students and is a prerequisite for graduation. Students are encouraged to consider potential projects beginning in their first year. Students may complete their research project in any academic year. For Pharm.D./Ph.D. program students, completion of the Ph.D. thesis project will satisfy this graduation project requirement.