Course coordinator
Dr Danial Saifuddin
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- Dutton Park
- Coordinating unit
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences School
Students participating in this course will engage in the innovation aspects related to pharmaceutical and medical technologies. Building skills in communication and collaboration, and working both independently as well as in teams to explore innovative and entrepreneurial concepts and skills. Pitching novel methods or technologies to build an organisations capacity or expand a unique concept and linking these concepts to pharmaceutical and medical technologies organisations. Explore problem solving concepts and development critical analytical skills that enable clear communication and focussed solution-based behaviours.
This course is designed to enhance your employability skills through learning and applying teamwork, communication, and leadership. You will engage with your colleagues in designing and presenting an innovation, applying entrepreneurial skills to building a business case and pitching to investors.
Course requirements
Restrictions
MPharmIndPrac students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Danial Saifuddin
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetable information can be found on the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site for this course.
Aims and outcomes
Develop your professional persona. Build skills in communication and collaboration, and work both independently as well as in teams to explore innovative and entrepreneurial concepts and skills. Pitch novel methods or technologies to build an organisation's capacity or expand a unique concept and link these concepts to pharmaceutical and medical technologies organisations. Explore problem solving concepts and development critical analytical skills that enable clear communication and focussed solution-based behaviours.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Formulate and conceptualise emerging pharmaceutical or medical technologies innovations
LO2.
Communicate pharmaceutical or medical technology innovation, including pitching new ideas
LO3.
Collaborate with colleagues to develop an emerging pharmaceutical or medical technology innovation, incorporating a structured peer feedback process
LO4.
Develop key employability skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, organisation, and time management
LO5.
Write a CV, build a digital professional profile, and develop a professional narrative
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Innovation Project Proposal | 15% |
2/04/2025 3:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique, Presentation |
Board Pitch
|
10% |
Pitch Presentation - 8/05/2025 Pitch Review - 14/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Innovation Project Pitch
|
15% |
29/05/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Innovation Project Business Plan | 50% |
10/06/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Job Application | 5% |
12/06/2025 3:00 pm |
| Role play/ Simulation |
Mock interview
|
5% |
16/06/2025
The interview schedule will be available on the course Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site. |
Assessment details
Innovation Project Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
2/04/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment involves preparing a written project proposal.
- The task is to produce a written project proposal for a new medical entity.
- The document should be no more than 1,500 words excluding tables, figures and references and appendices.
- This is a brief describing the portfolio focus in preparation for a business case. This includes the disease or condition noting specifically aspects on prevalence, mortality, morbidity, cost to society, demographics and other population information, and possible co-morbidities should also be discussed. The brief should also describe current treatments and technologies in use such as lifestyle strategies, medical interventions, technologies or medicines.
- Use Vancouver style for the format of any references used.
- See the assessment section within the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site for specific task requirements and marking criteria.
- This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of the assessment will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit via the link in the assessment section on Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Board Pitch
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Pitch Presentation - 8/05/2025
Pitch Review - 14/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Pitch presentation:
- Pitch your idea to a simulated "board of directors" and provide peer review of pitches made by other students.
- The presentation should address the unmet need, the demographics, the treatment area of focus, the details around the proposed emerging technology or medicine (this must be a novel approach; an existing, "on the market" approach is not to be presented), and the benefits and the competition for this emerging product.
- The presentation will be 15 minutes with 10 minutes questions and further discussions.
- The Oral Presentation will be recorded and retained as per university policy. The recording will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed if required for the purposes of moderation of marking; provision of feedback to the student; and/or re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Pitch Review:
- Students will provide feedback to their peers about the proposed technology or medicine, and presentation style.
- The report should analyse the strength of the case for the proposed innovation, the strength of the case for meeting an unmet need or better alternative treatment or approach, and a perspective on the argument for the selected innovation going forward to investors.
- Each student must review each peer's presentation.
- The review must not exceed 500 words, excluding references were applicable.
- This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of the assessment will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
See the assessment section within the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site for specific task requirements and marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
- The pitch presentation will be conducted during scheduled tutorial time
- The pitch review will be submitted via the link provided in the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Innovation Project Pitch
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
29/05/2025
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
In this task you will pitch your innovation project. You will present the final proposed new entity, how it works, what its competitors are and how this entity might be marketed.
- The presentation duration is 10 minutes, with an additional 5 minutes for questions and discussion.
- This presentation will be recorded and retained as per university policy. The recording will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed if required for the purposes of moderation of marking; provision of feedback to the student; and/or re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
- See the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) assessment section for details and marking criteria.
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The pitch presentation will be conducted during scheduled tutorial time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Innovation Project Business Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
10/06/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The innovation project business plan should show the business case for the proposed new medical entity.
- The report should be no more than 2000 words, excluding tables, figures, references and appendices.
- ONE innovation will be described within the report.
- Please see the assessment section within the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site for specific task requirements and marking criteria.
- This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of the assessment will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit via the link in the assessment section on Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Job Application
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
12/06/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05
Task description
In this activity you will apply for a role in the pharmaceutical industry.
- The job description and all details of the assessment schedule and expectations are provided on the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site for this course.
- The Cover letter should be restricted to one page in readable font size and style (size 11, Times new roman or Arial).
- This assessment will be recorded and retained as per university policy. The recording will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed if required for the purposes of moderation of marking; provision of feedback to the student; and/or re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
- See the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) assessment section for marking criteria.
- This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of the assessment will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit via the link in the assessment section on Learn.UQ (Blackboard)
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Mock interview
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
16/06/2025
The interview schedule will be available on the course Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site.
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05
Task description
A mock job interview will be conducted based on the job description within the cover letter submitted in the assessment "Job Application".
- You will be interviewed and asked questions about the job application outlined in the submitted cover letter.
- The mock interview will be 15 minutes.
- The interview will be recorded and retained as per university policy. The recording will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed if required for the purposes of moderation of marking; provision of feedback to the student; and/or re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
- See the Learn.UQ (Blackboard) assessment section for details and marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
A scheduled timetable will be made for the students, students will attend the interview via Zoom at the scheduled time. Only 1 student can be present at a time during the interview.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Project Development These lectures will focus on patent search, assessing unmet medical needs, and establishing a pharmaceutical or medical device company. Related learning resources can be found in the Blackboard site. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Tutorial |
Project Development These tutorials will focus on patent search, assessing unmet medical needs, and establishing a pharmaceutical or medical device company. Additional resources can be found in the UQ Extend content within Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Lecture |
Teamwork This learning activity will involve a series of teamwork dynamics outlined in the lectures and notes in the learning resources section in Blackboard. Additional resources can be found in the UQ Extend content within Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L03 |
Tutorial |
Teamwork This tutorial will involve a series of teamwork development and working in teams. Additional resources can be found in the UQ Extend content within Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Leadership This learning activity will involve a series of leadership styles outlined within the lectures and tutorials. Additional resources can be found in the UQ Extend content within Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L03 |
Tutorial |
Leadership This tutorial will explore leadership with the context of project management. Additional resources can be found in the UQ Extend content within Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Lecture |
Communication This lecture series will explore communication to pitching to the board of directors and potential investors. Additional resources can be found in the UQ Extend content within Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Tutorial |
Communication This tutorial will explore the communication styles to pitch in a corporate setting and investors. Additional resources can be found in the UQ Extend content within Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 12 |
Lecture |
Employability This learning activity will involve a series of lectures and tutorials on employability and professionalism within the workplace. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Employability The tutorial will explore employability with relations to applying for a job, writing a cover letter and CV along with professional persona. Additional resources can be found in the UQ Extend content within Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.