MA/MS in Pharmacy

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: To prepare pharmaceutical professionals who have the knowledge necessary for pharmaceutical activity in different areas of health, able to carry out pharmaceutical research, drug development and address their use of medical practice problems, analyze and produce knowledge of medicinal products, provide pharmacy service and are able to maintain the appropriate level of professional excellence through lifelong learning. Learning outcomes: 1. Knowledge and application of knowledge 1.1. will know and be able to apply the fundamental knowledge and terminology of the health and pharmaceutical sciences in their professional practice; 1.2. will be able to search for and analyse information sources and organise data in Lithuanian and English; 1.3. will be able to apply the latest research-based knowledge of medicinal products and the substances used in their manufacture; 1.4. will be able to evaluate the latest information on pharmaceutical technology and physical, chemical, biological and microbiological testing of medicinal products; 1.5. will be able to apply the latest knowledge of the processes of drug metabolism and their effects, the action of toxic substances, and the function and use of medicinal products in practice; 1.6. will be able to apply the knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences working independently in all areas of pharmaceutical practice; 1.7. will be able to apply knowledge in managing pharmaceutical activities by incorporating the latest achievements of pharmaceutical sciences and practice into professional activity; 2. Ability to carry out research 2.1. will be able to plan, conduct and coordinate pharmaceutical research in accordance with bioethical requirements; 2.2. will be able to apply theoretical and experimental research methods, draw statistically valid conclusions and, if necessary, modify the study design to achieve reliable results and formulate practical recommendations based on the results; 2.3. will be able to analyse and critically evaluate different research methods and research data relevant to the research activity in order to design and develop new products, services and processes in the field of pharmaceutical sciences; 2.4. will be able to integrate knowledge and manage complex situations, evaluate alternative solutions to a research problem and assess the potential environmental impact of the research; 3. Special skills 3.1. will be able to prepare pharmaceutical forms of medicinal products, produce medicinal products and carry out research on medicinal products in compliance with all occupational safety requirements; 3.2. will be able to carry out tests of medicinal products in a pharmaceutical testing laboratory in accordance with all occupational safety requirements; 3.3. will be able to organise the acquisition, storage and supply of medicinal products and substances in the wholesale trade business; 3.4. will be able to organise the procurement, preparation, testing, storage, and dispensing to the final consumer of safe and effective medicinal products in public pharmacies; 3.5. will be able to organise the procurement, preparation, testing, storage, and dispensing or (re)distribution of safe and effective medicinal products in hospitals; 3.6. will be able to evaluate research data on medicinal products and provide information and advice on medicinal products to patients and other healthcare professionals, including information on rational use of medicines; 3.7. will be able to identify, characterise, and record suspected adverse drug reactions and provide information on such cases to competent authorities; 3.8. will be able to apply specific legal and other requirements related to pharmaceutical practice in health promotion programmes; 3.9. will be able to evaluate prescription appropriateness, to select and dispense prescription/non-prescription drugs according to the person’s needs and health condition, and select pharmacy supplies according to the prescription of healthcare professionals and the person’s needs; 3.10. will be able to provide pharmaceutical care services; 4. Social skills 4.1. will be able to think creatively and to act on the basis of democratic and ethical principles for the benefit of patients and society;4.2. will be able to work individually and collaboratively in teams of diverse healthcare professionals in Lithuania and internationally; 4.3. will be able to communicate pharmaceutical practice and knowledge to professionals and others in a clear and reasoned manner; 4.4. will be able to take responsibility for the quality and improvement of their own performance and that of their subordinates, and to enhance the image of a profession of a pharmacist by nurturing the value of the profession and its significance in society; 5. Personal skills 5.1. will be able to apply systematic and strategic thinking skills to build and effectively lead a team, and to choose a direction for personal and team development; 5.2. will be able to develop their competences and professional qualification on a regular basis, and to promote the development of colleagues’ competences; 5.3. will be able to work in a constantly changing environment, anticipate and manage change, and find solutions; 5.4. is able to think analytically, apply the latest research findings in professional activities, and be creative working at the junction of pharmaceutical and various other fields of science; 5.5. will be able to make innovative decisions independently in the field of pharmacy, to assess the potential societal and ethical implications of their activities, and to understand and take responsibility for the impact of their activities on patients, society, science development, welfare and the environment; 6. General competencies of the University Collaboration 6.1. When working in a team, a graduate of Vilnius University (hereinafter the ‘graduate’) must be able to perform various teamwork roles, formulate teamwork goals and create a collaborative environment based on interpersonal trust, support and shared commitment to objectives and success; Responsibility 6.2. The graduate, in addition to understanding the importance of personal leadership in group work, creating an appropriate environment and setting ambitious common objectives, must also be able to take responsibility for the success and/or failure of the group as well as for the planning of activities and the effective management of resources; Interculturalism 6.3. The graduate must exhibit respect, openness and interest towards people from other cultures and subcultures which manifest through the understanding of the specifics and cultural contexts of various cultures and subcultures, the ability to appreciate them fully and the capacity to create an appropriate environment for effective learning and work in an intercultural environment; Problem solving 6.4. The graduate must use critical, systemic and creative thinking in solving different issues and making decisions, try to anticipate the most problematic areas and take preventive measures, and, when problems arise, develop unique problem-solving algorithms in order to find the best solutions to issues; Openness to change 6.5. In addition to being open to potential change and understanding its importance, the graduate must also be an initiator of change and be able to manage it by employing a creative and systemic approach and devising strategic change directions. Activities of teaching and learning: Lectures in auditoriums, practical exercises in the classrooms and laboratories, seminars, laboratory work, internships in companies/institutions, tutorials, master’s thesis, self-study. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Continuous/intermediate (tests, work during practical exercises, reports) and a final evaluation (examination) or pass/fail assessment are conducted in writing or orally and in writing. The assessment is based on a 10-point grading system or pass/fail assessment. The passing score for a course is 5-10 points or, where appropriate, a pass. The final assessment for a course is a cumulative score according to the proportions of the work indicated in the course description. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: Group 1 (Pharmaceutical Sciences): Introduction to Pharmacy; Pharmacology; Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy; Pharmaceutical Care and Communication; Pharmacotherapy and Rational Drug Use; Pharmaceutical Technology; Hospital Pharmacy; Drug Utilisation Research; Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery; Social Pharmacy; Pharmaceutical Care Skills (GIMMICS); Master’s Thesis; Final Examination. Group 2 (Chemical Sciences): Analytical/General and Inorganic/Physical/Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Analytical Toxicology. Group 3 (Biology and Physical Sciences): Plant and Animal Biology; Human Anatomy and Histology; Biology; Applied Physics. Group 4 (Medical Sciences): Clinical Medicine; Pathological Physiology, and Immunology; Biochemistry; Microbiology; Human Physiology; Introduction to Human and Medical Genetics, Laboratory Medicine; Innovative Technologies in Medicine; Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine. Group 5 (General Education): Health Economics and Management; Pharmaceutical Legislation and Professional Ethics; English Language; Latin Language and Medical Terminology; Research Methodology and Statistical Modelling. The study programme includes professional practice (20 credits). Specialisations: Optional courses: Optional (elective) courses – 30 credits. Distinctive features of a study programme: In addition to acquiring basic knowledge on pharmacy, students will gain an understanding of modern pharmaceutical products, innovative medicines, best practices in the pharmaceutical field and pharmaceutical care, and will enhance the practical skills necessary for performing pharmaceutical activities. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: - Wholesale and retail pharmaceutical companies; - Healthcare institutions; - Drug manufacturing companies; - State institutions; - Higher education and research institutions; - Representatives of drug manufacturers/pharmaceutical companies. Access to further study: Graduates will be able to pursue doctoral studies at universities in Lithuania and other European Union countries.