Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Dutton Park
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Dutton Park
- Coordinating unit
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences School
This course combines business management with a consideration of the role of other health professions. Strategic, financial, inventory and human resource management are developed, encompassing aspects of community and hospital pharmacy. Students learn the essentials of strategic business planning and sustainable business. This course commences in week 5 of semester.
This course integrates the skills, concepts and information gathered from years 1-3 of the undergraduate Pharmacy program within the context of the social and professional roles of a pharmacist. It will deliver theoretical business concepts and also provide students with the opportunity to start acquiring managerial skills through observation and practice. The skills acquisition component will facilitate the effective translation of management theory to the contemporary pharmacy workplace setting and to explore the pharmacist's role in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students must have successfully completed Years 1,2 and 3 of the Bachelor of Pharmacy program as this course builds on many professional aspects of earlier undergraduate lectures, tutorials, placements and practical sessions and familiarity with the concept of Australian pharmacy practice is implied. Some experience of working in either a community or hospital pharmacy is also highly desirable.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PHRM4030
Restrictions
Bachelor of Pharmacy students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Development of the knowledge, skills and professional attributes necessary for the Pharmacy student entering the post-graduate period of pre-registration (internship training/practice) as a pharmacist.
This will encompass:
- Basic Pharmacy management knowledge and skills (strategic, financial, inventory and people management)
- Current professional topics relating to Australian and international contemporary pharmacy practice
- Interprofessional education activities
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically analyse and apply various business strategies to pharmacy practice scenarios.
LO2.
Apply ethical principles to business decisions in a Pharmacy context.
LO3.
Explore current and future trends in the Pharmacy profession globally and nationally.
LO4.
Examine the pharmacist's role in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Weekly quiz
|
10% (2.5% for each quiz) |
Quiz 1 - 7/04/2025 3:00 pm Quiz 2 - 17/04/2025 3:00 pm Quiz 3 - 6/05/2025 3:00 pm Quiz 4 - 26/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Assignment One | 15% |
10/04/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Assignment Two | 25% |
15/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Examination |
On-Campus invigilated examination
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Weekly quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10% (2.5% for each quiz)
- Due date
Quiz 1 - 7/04/2025 3:00 pm
Quiz 2 - 17/04/2025 3:00 pm
Quiz 3 - 6/05/2025 3:00 pm
Quiz 4 - 26/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
There will be a total of 4 online quizzes across the semester.
- Each quiz can be taken at any time within the 3 or 7 day time period that it is open prior to the deadline. See the quiz timetable in Blackboard for the timetable for each quiz.
- You will be offered three attempts, and the highest grade will be recorded. Feedback is provided for each question. Both questions and answer options are randomised for each individual. each quiz has 10 questions each worth 2 marks – total points = 20 points. An answer is either correct (2 marks) or incorrect (0 marks).
- You have 20 minutes per attempt to complete the quiz, except for the quiz containing calculations for which you have 30 minutes per attempt.
- Extensions are not available for this assessment.
- 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
Quizzes will be accessed via a link in the course Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Assignment One
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
10/04/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
This assignment has you learning to think about business from a community pharmacy perspective. This assignment is around customer perceptions, and it is recommended to use a community pharmacy in which you have not worked or completed a placement in.
- Students will be required to work individually to complete this piece of assessment.
- More explicit guidance/ explanation of the assignment including a template with recommended headings and marking criteria is provided on the PHRM4031 Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site in the Assessment Folder. You will also receive further hands-on guidance and opportunities to receive clarification during the course lectures and workshops.
- This assignment must be referenced using the Vancouver reference style.
- 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
Submission is via a Turnitin link on the course 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.
Assignment Two
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
15/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
You are asked to develop a marketing plan for a professional service being introduced into the community pharmacy where you work.
- More explicit guidance/ explanation of the assignment including a template with recommended headings and marking criteria is provided on the PHRM4031 Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site in the Assessment Folder. You will also receive further hands-on guidance and opportunities to receive clarification during the course lectures and tutorials.
- Students will be required to work individually to complete this piece of assessment.
- This assignment must be referenced using the Vancouver reference style.
- 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
Submission is via a Turnitin link on the course 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.
On-Campus invigilated examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The written examination will test your understanding of the main concepts of the course.
- The examination is 2 hours with 10 min perusal and takes place in the central examination period
- The exam is a mix of MCQs, calculations and short answer questions
- The exam will be undertaken using your own laptop computer via the Inspera eAssessment platform (as will any deferred or supplementary written exams). Go to the Inspera Assessment Information page link to navigate to the Library Services web page which provides further information on: how to access Inspera, on-campus invigilated exams in Inspera, device requirements, familiarisation opportunities, submitting assessment and access to the Student Laptop Scheme and short-term laptop-loans.
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person.
- The marking criteria are provided on the PHRM4031 Learn.UQ (Blackboard) site.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop for EoS exam | You can borrow a laptop from the Library if you do not have a suitable device for your exam. Loans are for 24 hours or 28 days and stocks are limited. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
With this course there is no set text book. Suggested readings are listed under each week's lecture on Blackboard.
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 |
Lecture |
The Business of Health Lectures There are no in-person lectures, all lectures have been pre-recorded and the links to the lectures will be available on Learn.UQ. Theoretical content is delivered with community pharmacy or hospital pharmacy examples provided to give context and complement the theory. Lectures will be provided by various members of the Pharmacy and other healthcare professions. Lectures include topics on interprofessional education and the role of other health professionals, ethical considerations from a professional perspective and the societal considerations relating to consumers. The lecture content will be assessed in the online quizzes, the written assignments and the final examination so attendance is essential and highly recommended. The links to the lectures will be available on Learn.UQ. It is recommended that the lectures are reviewed before the appropriate tutorial. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 12 |
Tutorial |
The Business of Health Tutorials Management skills development through observation of effective management techniques, role plays and scenario-based learning activities. There are assessment items (online Blackboard quizzes) attached to these tutorials and attendance is hence recommended. The tutorials also discuss relevant information for the completion of the written assignments. The tutorials will be delivered face to face at PACE on Tuesdays from 10am to 12noon, and will be recorded for those unable to attend. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
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.