Bachelor of Pharmacy

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy incorporates diverse practice such as community or hospital pharmacy, dispensing, medication management and health counselling to equip graduates with skills for immediate employment.

Pharmacists represent the major component of continuing healthcare for the community.

CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy is the first pharmacy degree in Australia to be offered outside a metropolitan area. Ample opportunities for employment exist for graduates as there is a recognised demand for skilled practitioners, particularly in rural and remote areas.

What will I learn?

Students develop knowledge and skills in health promotion, learn treatment of minor ailments, and become fluent in communication and health information management.

Primarily in the first and second year, students study core subjects in some basic sciences including chemistry, mathematics and statistics, computer use, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, nutrition and molecular genetics.

To complement these scientific disciplines, there are subjects in various pharmaceutical sciences presented in the first three years. These subjects are organic and medicinal agents, pharmaceutical microbiology, pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics. Together, the pharmaceutical science and the basic science subjects provide a solid foundation for studies in the professional aspects of pharmacy.

Specialist subjects include pharmacy practice, pharmacy residency, professional practice and therapeutics. There is an elective in the first session of the final year. The elective allows you to follow and develop particular interests which may enhance your capacity to work in a variety of exciting careers.

Students may participate in specialist areas of study such as rural health, vaccination training, mental health first aid, the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management  and international programs.

To transfer into the Honours stream at the beginning of the third year, you must have obtained a Credit average in all first- and second-year subjects. Successful students will be included in a special program of Honours workshops and tutorials in third year and choose a project and potential supervisor during that year.

Prospective students should note that this course does not lead to registration as a pharmacist in Australia. After graduation students are required to meet the registration standards set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia. These standards include undertaking 1,824 hours of supervised practice, completing an intern training program and passing examinations set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Your course is recognised by industry

CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy is well respected in the pharmacy profession and is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council.

Additional admission requirements

Refer to the workplace learning section for information on:

• Immunisation
• Criminal Record Clearance
• Senior First Aid Certificate

Frequently asked questions

1. How many places are available each year?

Around 45 places are available on the Orange Campus and 65 places on the Wagga Wagga Campus.

2. Are there any prerequisite subjects?

There are no formal prerequisites for the Bachelor of Pharmacy but, as it is a science based course, it is assumed that students will have studied English Standard, chemistry and mathematics at Year 12 level. Interview panels may consider that the study of chemistry reflects a student???s interest in and aptitude for science but it is understood that not all rural schools offer chemistry at Year 12 level. If you have not studied chemistry in Year 12 and are accepted into the course, it is strongly recommended that you undertake a Study Link course before commencing.

3. What ATAR score do I need to get in?

Your academic record (ATAR/ENTER or previous university study) only becomes relevant if you succeeded in the interview. Entry to the course is competitive and an ATAR of at least 85.00, or Credit level GPA is expected.

4. What if I have not done Year 12?

If you have not completed Year 12 in the past 10 years or have not completed at least one full year of study at university, you may not be eligible for selection into the course. In that case you should contact us to ascertain your eligibility.

5. Will all applicants be called for an interview?

No. Applicants will be selected for interview on the basis of their supplementary application form. In most cases, interviews will be conducted in late November/early December and candidates selected for interview must attend in person (face-to-face). Interviews will be conducted on the Orange and Wagga Wagga campuses.

6. How many contact hours are involved?

You will have to attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes for up to 25-30 hours per week depending on the year of study.

7. Can the course be studied part-time?

No.

8. If I am offered a place in CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy, can I defer?

Yes, for 12 months. It will not harm your application if you choose to decline an offer then reapply in subsequent years.

9. Can I sit the STAT and have the score considered?

This will not be necessary but may be considered if you already have STAT results from previous testing. If you are a non-recent school leaver, you will be selected depending on your performance in the interview and the GPA you achieved in university study.

10. If I am not accepted into CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy the first time, what should I do?

First, you should make sure that pharmacy is the profession that you really want to pursue and seek career planning advice. If you have no Year 12 qualification or your ATAR/ENTER was not high enough, you should concentrate on qualifying for admission to the Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Clinical Science or another relevant university course with a view to reapplying for pharmacy in the future.

11. Can I apply to study on a full-fee paying basis?

No. All places in this course are Commonwealth supported (other than for International Students).

12. How much does it cost?

You can only study CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy as a Commonwealth supported student and will be liable to pay the student contribution (HECS). Financial assistance is available through the various CSU scholarships available. In addition you will need to buy books - most subjects have prescribed text books, and often students purchase additional books to help with their studies. Scientific texts typically cost between $100 and $150 each. Second hand books are often available. There are costs associated with professional placement (travel and living). Some assistance with rural placement is available. Protective clothing (laboratory coat, and protective glasses) are also required from the first or second week of the course.

13. I am not an Australian resident. Can I apply?

Yes.

Workplace learning

Students will complete periods of training (i.e. externships) primarily in a hospital or community pharmacy. The externships give the student the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real problems in the practice of pharmacy.

To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment.

Course structure

The course consists of 256 points for Pass stream and 256 points for Honours streams:

Core subjects for both Pass and Honours streams (23 subjects; 232 points)

BCM211 Foundations of Biochemistry
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
BMS208 Human Nutrition
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
BMS310 Disease Processes
BMS313 Infectious Diseases and Applied Immunology
BMS340 Pharmacology (16 points)
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
CHM219 Organic & Physical Chemistry
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
PHM101 Introduction to Pharmacy
PHM131 Pharmaceutics 1
PHM215 Pharmacy Practice 1
PHM231 Pharmaceutics 2 (16 points)
PHM315 Pharmacy Practice 2 (16 points)
PHM320 Organic and Medicinal Agents (16 points)
PHM341 Pharmacokinetics
PHM401 Professional Practice 1
PHM430 Therapeutics (16 points)
PHM490 Rural Pharmacy Practice (16 points)
STA201 Scientific Statistics

Compulsory subject for Pass stream only (1 subject; 16 points)

PHM405 Professional Practice 2 (16 points)

Restricted elective subject for Pass stream only (1 subject; 8 points)

ACC100 Accounting 1 Info for Business
BMS342 Medicinal and Indigenous Foods
GER204 Aging and Professional Practice
GER401 Choices/Options in Later Life
HIP302 Understanding Healthy Communities
HRM210 Human Resource Management
IKC100 Indigenous Health
MGT220 eCommerce
NRS235 Pain Management
NRS325 Child Healthcare and Promotion
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health and Human Services
RSC301 Asthma Management
SCI301 International Practical Experience
SOC226 Rurality in a Globalised World
HSM401 Perspectives on HlthCareSystem
SOC108 Sociology of Health and Health Care

Students may be permitted to take a subject not included in this list at the discretion of the Courses Director.

Compulsory subjects for Honours stream only (3 subjects; 24 points)

PHM300 Research Methods for Pharmacy Honours (0 point)
PHM402 Professional Practice 2 (8 points)
BMS408 Biomedical Sciences Honours Project/Dissertation (students must enrol in this subject for two successive sessions)

Key Subjects

The course includes the following key subjects:
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
CHM219 Organic & Physical Chemistry
PHM215 Pharmacy Practice
BMS340 Pharmacology
PHM315 Pharmacy Practice 2
PHM401 Professional Practice 1

Enrolment pattern

By full-time study

Common to Pass and Honours stream

Session 1

CHM104 Chemistry 1A
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
PHM101 Introduction to Pharmacy
STA201 Scientific Statistics

Session 2

CHM107 Chemistry 1B
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
PHM131 Pharmaceutics 1

Session 3

BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
BCM211 Foundations of Biochemistry
CHM219 Organic & Physical Chemistry
PHM231 Pharmaceutics 2 (16 points) (commenced)

Session 4

BMS313 Infectious Diseases and Applied Immunology
BMS310 Disease Processes
PHM215 Pharmacy Practice 1
PHM231 Pharmaceutics 2 (16 points) (completed)

Pass stream

Session 5

PHM315 Pharmacy Practice 2 (16 points) (commenced)
BMS340 Pharmacology (16 points) (commenced)
PHM320 Organic and Medicinal Agents (16 points) (commenced)
PHM341 Pharmacokinetics

Session 6

BMS340 Pharmacology (16 points) (completed)
BMS208 Human Nutrition
PHM315 Pharmacy Practice 2 (16 points) (completed)
PHM320 Organic and Medicinal Agents (16 points) (completed)

Session 7

PHM430 Therapeutics (16 points) (commenced)
PHM401 Professional Practice 1
PHM490 Rural Pharmacy Practice (16 points) (commenced)
[ ] Elective (Restricted)

Session 8

PHM430 Therapeutics (completed)
PHM405 Professional Practice 2 (16 points)
PHM490 Rural Pharmacy Practice (16 points) (completed)

Honours stream

Session 5

PHM315 Pharmacy Practice 2 (16 points) (commenced)
BMS340 Pharmacology (16 points) (commenced)
PHM320 Organic and Medicinal Agents (16 points) (commenced)
PHM341 Pharmacokinetics
PHM300 Research Methods for Pharmacy Honours (0 point) (commenced)

Session 6

PHM315 Pharmacy Practice 2 (16 points) (completed)
BMS340 Pharmacology (16 points) (completed)
PHM320 Organic and Medicinal Agents (16 points) (completed)
BMS208 Human Nutrition
PHM300 Research Methods for Pharmacy Honours (0 point) (completed)

Session 7

PHM430 Therapeutics (16 points) (commenced)
PHM401 Professional Practice 1
PHM490 Rural Pharmacy Practice (16 points) (commenced)
BMS408 Biomedical Sciences Honours Project/Dissertation

Session 8

PHM430 Therapeutics (16 points) (completed)
PHM402 Professional Practice 2 (8 points)
PHM490 Rural Pharmacy Practice (16 points) (completed)
BMS408 Biomedical Sciences Honours Project/Dissertation

Professional recognition

This course qualifies graduates (after completion of the postgraduate internship year) to register nationally with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, under the Australia Health Practitioners Regulation Agency  (AHPRA) umbrella. The qualification is also recognised by the Pharmacy Guild, the Pharmaceutical Society and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

Admission requirements

Additional requirements apply to domestic applicants who are required to apply through UAC. These requirements are not applicable to international students applying directly to the University.

Applicants are not selected on the basis of their ATAR (or equivalent) alone. In addition to applying through UAC, you must demonstrate your commitment to pharmacy by completing CSU's supplementary application form which is available online from 1 August. The completed form must be submitted with your UAC application.

On the basis of your supplementary application form, you may be selected for interview. Interviews will be held in late November/early December on Orange and Wagga Wagga campuses. For further information regarding the interview, including dates, locations and how the interview process will enhance your opportunity of being admitted to the course, please contact the University by phoning 1800 334 733 or by submitting an online enquiry.

Applicants are required to demonstrate:

• an interest in, and commitment to, rural Australia, a career in pharmacy and the overall health of the rural population
• an understanding of the unique issues that confront pharmacists and other health workers in rural and remote Australia
• the capacity to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Currently, no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to the Bachelor of Pharmacy, however chemistry and mathematics are assumed knowledge for this course.

Principals' Report Entry Program (PREP)

Applicants applying for the Principals' Report Entry Program (PREP) are required to submit their PREP application form along with their supplementary application form. Applicants who receive a PREP offer will not be required to attend an interview. For further information about PREP, visit: www.csu.edu.au/study/prep.htm

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they

1. have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 7.0, and with no score lower than 6.5, within the last 12 months;  or
2. undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
3. undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies;  or
4. completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;

The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.

NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1