Pharmaceutical Sciences
What is it?
A discipline that deals with the study of drug action, delivery and
utilization.
Academic Programs
- Most
programs in the US offer a six years Doctor of Pharmacy program (PharmD).
- Canadian
Universities offer a five year BSc Pharm. Only two Universities offer
the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, University of British Columbia and
University of Toronto as post BSc programs
- Most
graduates of the PharmD program become community (80%) pharmacists. The
rest pursue careers in hospital pharmacy or pursue graduate degrees in
other areas of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- MSc
and PhD programs in the following areas:
- Pharmaceutics
and Biopharmaceutics
- Pharmacology
and Toxicology
- Pharmacy
Administration
Admissions
Undergraduate Programs
Most programs require:
- B+ average or greater for the required courses in the first two
years of pre-Pharmacy programs
- Pre-Pharmacy courses included:
1st Year English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, a humanities
course, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry
- PCAT exam score
- Interview with the Dean of Admission depending on the
University
Graduate Programs
- A minimum of B+ average in the undergraduate courses
- Some universities require the GRE score
- Admission based on approval of Faculty of Graduate Studies and
supervisor
Career Opportunities
- Greater than 85% of pharmacy graduate work in the community
- About 15% work in the hospital, industry or government
Different areas of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biopharmaceutics
The study of the physical and chemical properties of drugs and their
proper dosage as related to the onset, duration, and intensity of drug
action. Pharmaceutics is a graduate degree (MSc or Ph.D) offered within
most Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculties. These are the scientists who
come up with innovative methods of drug delivery. For example, the fact
that many drugs such as narcotics may be formulated in a form of a
dermal (skin) patch so that it bypasses metabolism by the liver is a
phenomenon that was discovered by pharmaceutics scientists.
Pharmacokinetics
The study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of
drugs. These scientists specialize in figuring out drug behaviour in the
body. For example, whether an antibiotic is taken once a day or twice a
day or whether a drug is excreted by the liver or the kidney all depend
on the pharmacokinetic properties of a drug
Pharmaceutical Outcomes
Pharmaceutical outcomes looks to measure the outcome of pharmaceuticals
on the population. For example, many health authorise are interested to
know whether a drug used to lower cholesterol is cost-effective and
therefore worth paying for. Many clinicians are interested in knowing
whether a new heart medications lowers the risk of a heart attack in the
population This is a relatively new field in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Not all Faculties of Pharmacy offer this program. Those interested in
Pharmaceutical Outcome Programs may choose to specialize in Epidemiology
Pharmaceutical policy, Pharmacoeconomics or Pharmacoepidemiology. Some
programs offer a combined PharmD, PhD program. Pharmaceutical Outcomes
specialists can work for the Industry, government or Universities. The
pharmaceutical Industry is always looking for individuals who can assess
drug safety or efficacy in their large studies. Government agencies and
Universities are also very interested in individuals with this type of
training.
Tips
Pharmacy may be one of the most overrated of among the five Health
Sciences Degrees
- The
program may be attractive to those who are interested in pharmaceutical
sciences. However, many don’t realize that working in a pharmacy is
mostly drug dispensing, counting pills, talking on the phone with
insurance companies. Those who are looking for a challenge should pursue
graduate degrees in different areas of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- If
you plan to go to Dental or Medical School through Pharmacy, think
twice.
- Pharmacy
is one of the most demanding undergraduate science degrees. Pharmacy may
bring down your GPA and make you less competitive for Medical or Dental
School. It is more difficult to get high marks in pharmacy than other
general science degrees
- Make
sure you work or volunteer in a pharmacy so you know exactly what you
are getting into before applying to the program
- Consider
the Doctor of Pharmacy program or a hospital residency if you are
interested in clinical pharmacy
- Pharmacology should not be
confused with Pharmacy which is
a clinical professional degree
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