Pharmacy
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Length
4 years full-time.
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
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
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.
Middle Band
Consideration is given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Selection
Range of criteria, including high academic achievement (applicants usually need an ATAR in the 90s) and performance at interview (if required).
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, data form, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Applicants must submit a La Trobe Pharmacy Personal Data form - available at www.latrobe.edu.au/pharmacy/pharminfo - by the date specified on the form. Later applications may be considered, subject to availability of places.
Interviews may be required as part of the selection process, and are scheduled between November 2011 and January 2012. The Faculty contacts applicants after assessing their application forms.
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and 25 in Chemistry and in Mathematical Methods.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (March)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Career opportunities
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.