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International Clinical Pharmacy

BSc (Pharm), BSc (Clinical Pharmacy – International)
School of Pharmacy and Bimolecular Sciences, RCSI; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University

What you will study

Important notice

This dual degree programme is only available to students registered on the BSc (Pharm.) programme at Soochow University, Suzhou in China.

The International Clinical Pharmacy dual degree is a 2+2 degree programme (i.e. two years at Soochow University, Suzhou and two years at RCSI, Dublin).

Students register for the BSc (Pharm) in Soochow University and spend the first two years in Suzhou, where you will be required to complete a number of compulsory modules, including two modules which are delivered by RCSI staff in Soochow University. 

International Clinical Pharmacy brochure (in English) PDF | 957.8 KB International Clinical Pharmacy brochure (in Chinese) PDF | 18876.2 KB

Curriculum

During the first two years of the programme, your studies will cover a range of topics focusing on the basic sciences.

In addition, you will be expected to complete two RCSI integrated modules. An integrated module integrates the life sciences, clinical sciences, and practice all into one module.

All modules in the subsequent years of the programme in RCSI Dublin are integrated, therefore these initial modules provide you with an opportunity to learn about the RCSI approach to teaching pharmacy.

Year 1 and 2 compulsory modules

  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Anatomical Physiology
  • Pharmaceutics (1)
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Botany and Pharmacognosy
  • Biochemistry
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Health: Medicines and Patient Care (RCSI)
  • Gastrointestinal Health: Medicines and Patient Care (RCSI)

Upon the successful completion of these modules and subject to certain acceptance criteria, you can transfer to the RCSI campus in Dublin, Ireland to compete the final two years of the dual degree programme.

The RCSI years of the programme are more clinically focused, with a particular emphasis on professionalism and placing the patient at the centre of healthcare.

Year 3 and 4 modules

Year 3 Year 4
Respiratory Health: Medicines and Patient Care The Liver and Kidney: Health, Function and Medicines Handling
Muscoloskeletal and Haemotological Health: Medicines and Patient Care The Endocrine System: Hormones as Signals and Regulatory
Central Nervous System Health: Medicines and Patient Care Mens and Womens Health: Tailored Care
Immunology: Defense and Management of Response Stages of Life: The Changing Body and Medicines Handling
Infection: Optimising Prevention and Treatment Strategies Cancer: Prevention and Control
Sensory and Protective Structures: Health and Delivery of Medicines Clinical Research Project

Teaching styles

The programme adopts a variety of teaching methods to suit the distinct ways in which students learn, including:

  • Online activities
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Small-group teaching
  • Laboratory practicals
  • Patient contact sessions
  • Research and group projects
  • Simulated learning activities
  • E-learning packages
  • Structured visits to clinical and industry sites

Assessment

Each module is assessed independently by a combination of continuous assessment (e.g. group presentations, laboratory practicals) and summative end-of-semester multiple choice question (MCQ) and short note question (SNQ) papers. In addition, at the end of the academic year, you will participate in a clinical examination which will assess skills and professional behaviours.

On successful completion of this four-year dual degree programme, you may have the option to complete a further year and receive a Masters degree in Advanced Pharmacy Practice. This programme is currently under development.