Pharmacy
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Length
4 years
Campuses
Bendigo
Course description
Understanding the effect of medicines on the body is essential to the safe provision of healthcare treatment.
La Trobe University's Pharmacy course is recognised in the profession as producing outstanding graduates. In 2011, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia awarded Sarah Carminati the 2011 Victorian Pharmacy Student of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year. This was the fifth time in the past eight years that the prestigious award had been won by a La Trobe student.
The course prepares you for a rewarding career in pharmacy, working at the interface between other health professionals and patients, with a focus on achieving excellence in patient outcomes, clinical services and reviewing medication for safety and effectiveness.
Students undertake a comprehensive range of tasks as part of their course, developing their technical knowledge during practical classes on scientific formulation. Students also prepare to deal with the public in the model pharmacy on campus and develop new skills in communication, which are essential to effective health care.
Work placements are integrated throughout the course, providing valuable work experience. At the conclusion of your degree, you must complete a one-year internship under the supervision of the Pharmacy Board of Australia to qualify as a professional pharmacist. The Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at La Trobe University is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council.
Course structure
First-year studies include biology, chemistry, introduction to pharmacy practice, psychology studies for pharmacy, pharmaceutical formulation, the organisation and function of cells, and pharmacy mathematics. Later-year studies cover pharmacy practice, therapeutics, pharmaceutical formulation, medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, complementary medicines, quality use of medicines, and the healthcare system.
Contact hours
23 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmacy practice, therapeutics.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
28 550
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Additional costs include up to A$30 for a laboratory coat and safety glasses. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property.
Clinical experience involves travel and accommodation costs, estimated on the basis of a maximum of A$500 per full-time week of placement, and these costs may vary. First year (travel only) - up to A$20; second year (one-week placement) - up to A$500; third year (1-2 weeks' placement) - up to A$1000; fourth year (up to 6 weeks' placement) - up to A$3000.
Please note: international students cannot claim reimbursement of their travel and accommodation costs for placements.
Selection
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS PG2a (75%)) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.5; or
TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or better in the Test of Written English; or
TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 250 with a score of 6 in essay writing; or
TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 96 with no individual score less than 24; or
Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or
Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 85
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 90 + Range of Criteria. Please see the VTAC Guide at: www.vtac.edu.au
International Baccalaureate - 31
GCE A Levels - 11
Hong Kong A Levels - 9
HKDSE - 12,6 (the student must meet the higher than standard English language requirement)
Sri Lankan A Levels - AAA
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - Ex Yr 12 FSP
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.9
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG/MVG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85
Vietnam (Year 12) - 9
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 3.4
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.3
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Extra requirements
A telephone interview may be required as part of the selection process. Applicants will be contacted once their application form has been assessed. International applicants completing Year 12 in Victoria must apply through VTAC and must also complete a La Trobe Pharmacy Personal Data form which can be obtained at:
this website
Students undertaking practical placements within some healthcare agencies may be required to undergo a National Police Check (approximate cost A$15). Failure to do so will restrict the range of placements available.
Prerequisites
Chemistry and Mathematics determined to be equivalent to Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 with a study score of at least 25 in Mathematical Methods (either) and at least 25 in Chemistry.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Career opportunities
Graduates have also moved into roles in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, policy making, and a range of other science-based industries.
Graduates are likely to find work as pharmacists in hospital or community practices, in both rural and metropolitan locations; they are also qualified to deliver pharmacy services within the armed forces. Postgraduate research may be another option, with opportunities in diverse areas, including pharmacy practice, environmental chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, biotechnology, and microbiology.
Professional recognition
Graduates can complete a one year internship supervised by the Pharmacy Board of Australia to be registered as a professional Pharmacist. Graduates can earn qualifications that are recognised across Australia and in several countries overseas. Please note that international graduates who wish to complete the supervised pre-registration employment in Australia require the relevant visa.