Pharm.D. curriculum (Doctor of Pharmacy)
The curriculum of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Program at Alfaisal University is designed to systemically provide a solid foundation in the basic sciences on which to build upon, and integrate the pharmaceutical sciences, social/administrative/behavioural sciences, and clinical sciences. Consistent with the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University, the Pharm.D. curriculum uses the "SPICES" curriculum model as a guiding philosophy with these elements: Student-centred/active learning, Problem/practice based, Integrated, Community/systems-based, Electives, and Systematic approaches. In addition, the curriculum incorporates research and interprofessional experiences.
The integrated pharmacotherapy course sequences with case-based seminars that employ case-based collaborative learning (CBCL) approach; a hybrid of problem-based learning (PBL), and team-based learning (TBL) approaches. These courses will be offered in the early professional phase of the Pharm.D. curriculum to promote learning in both small groups to prepare for "case-based seminars" and in a tutorial setting with student-directed learning.
Distinguishing features of the program include state-of-the art practicum and simulation experiences, a pharmacy practicum training laboratory with inpatient ambulatory care, and community pharmacy components will be offered is a set of patient care and health system management laboratory courses. Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) courses in a community setting, as well as in an inpatient and outpatient settings will expose the students to the various pharmacy practice opportunities. Students will learn the fundamental research principles and apply research skills by conducting a research project as a capstone experience prior to the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) phase.
The last phase of the Pharm.D. program will consist of state of the art APPE rotations in-patient (hospital/health system) and out-patient (community/ambulatory care) settings that expose students to diverse patient populations as part of an interprofessional team.
Program Structure
| Year | Courses | Credit Hours |
| First year | University Preparatory Program | 23 |
| Second–fifth year | Didactic courses Practicum/simulation laboratory Introductory practice experiences |
135 |
| Sixth year | Advanced clinical/experiential education, via Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations | 40 |
| Total | 198 |
Program Objectives
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at Alfaisal University prepares clinical pharmacists to provide comprehensive medication management using a patient-centred approach within interprofessional health care teams. The entire program requires a total of six years; the first year as the University Preparatory Program (UPP), followed by 4 years of didactic, practicum/simulation and introductory practice experiences, and a final year of advanced clinical/experiential education. Graduates of the program will be qualified practitioners with unique training in the appropriate use of medications and expertise in the provision of patient care services in a variety of different practice settings. The integration of research within the Pharm.D. program provides an optimal environment that promotes critical thinking, analytical and lifelong learning, and prepares graduates for application of research.
At the conclusion of the Pharm.D. Program, all graduates will achieve the following outcomes:
- Demonstrate a scientific foundation as related to the clinical, pharmaceutical, and social/administrative/behavioural sciences.
- Identify and evaluate research methods and demonstrate research skills relevant to the pharmacy profession that can be applied in different practice settings.
- Integrate systems management concepts in the pharmacy profession, including the management of drug formulary systems (i.e., hospital, healthcare system, or national-based).
- Practice evidence-based decision making and implement pharmaceutical care plans.
- Provide comprehensive medication management to optimize medication use and health outcomes, reduce adverse drug events and improve patient safety.
- Promote and implement public health, wellness, and disease prevention concepts.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills to peers, other professionals, patients, and the public.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional and leadership development.