Elective Course Descriptions

These courses provide an opportunity for students to work with individual faculty mentors on projects of variable scope. Activities may include clinical, library, laboratory, and/or survey-type research; assistance with syllabus development for future elective courses; or other activities agreed on between the student and the mentor. All special projects/research require the approval of the appropriate department chair and Dean.

Credits: PPRA 1301: 1.5 creditsPPRA 1302: 3 credits

This course introduces the pharmacy student to Microsoft Pocket PC database applications and mobile computing that relate to the practice of pharmacy. The course also allows students to learn concepts and techniques for the systematic creation, storage, reproduction, distribution, and retention of patient records using the latest technologies in handheld computing.

Credits: 1.5

This course is designed to introduce the pharmacy student to the history of pharmacy. This will be accomplished by focusing upon the historical development of pharmacy in the United States by examining the growth and professionalization of the field, its statutory regulation and its product development. Students will be able to apply the lessons of history to current and future practice philosophies.

Credits: 1.5

The objective of this course is to introduce the tools needed to financially succeed after graduation. The class will focus on introduction to the areas of taxes, planning for retirement, investing, debt consolidation, home ownership, money management, and insurance. Students will complete two assignments and have an in-class final exam.

Credits: 1.5

The goal of this course is for students to improve their ability to find and evaluate recently published information on medications. Each student will give two presentations: one of a newly approved medication and one of a recently published study. Grades will be based on presentations and participation. Enrollment will be limited to 10 to 15 students so the course can be offered as a weekly small group discussion.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

PPRA 1676 Evidence-Based Healthcare

This elective course is designed to enhance students' knowledge and skills in senior care pharmacy. The course will provide an introduction to general principles of aging and an overview of geriatric syndromes. Topics include pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, inappropriate medications and Beers Criteria, falls, weight disorders, and syncope. Students are evaluated on weekly drug regimen review assignments along with a senior interview activity and comprehensive final exam.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

PHID 1503 Integrated Sequence 3

This course provides a forum for students to learn how to manage patients with rare and interesting disease states. The pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests or procedures, treatment and the pharmacist's role in the management for each disease state/genetic abnormality/adverse drug event will be reviewed. The course simulates clinical practice; professional/respectful/civil behavior is expected of all students and professional dress is encouraged. Activities will simulate patient work up and written/oral presentations in clinical practice.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PHID 1609 Integrated Sequence 9

This elective course provides students with an overview of the major topics in anticoagulation management encountered in clinical practice. Topics may include prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), anticoagulation in various disease states, anticoagulation in special patient populations, and treatment plans requiring modification of anticoagulation. Students will develop a working knowledge and skill set helpful in providing pharmacy-managed anticoagulation services in both the inpatient and ambulatory/community settings.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

Completion of PHID1604 Integrated Sequence 4

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of advanced topics in women's health particularly related to reproductive health. Expanded information in topics such as contraception, infertility, drug use in pregnancy, and mood disorders related to pregnancy are provided. The course utilizes various teaching methods including lectures, case studies, readings, assignments, and discussions. Students will develop a working knowledge to aid them in caring for women with gender related disease states.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

PHID 1503 Integrated Sequence 3

This course provides an overview of dentistry and its relation to healthcare. Discussion includes questions that pharmacists often are asked regarding oral lesions, injuries to the oral cavity, and efficacy of OTC remedies. Information about various dental specialties will help the pharmacist refer their patients to the appropriate specialist. Misuse and abuse of dental drugs and medications and investigation and enforcement of dental regulations concerning drug abuse will be discussed.

Credits: 1.5

This course is an expansion of the key issues found in the practice of infectious diseases pharmacotherapy. The class will rely on a mixture of lectures, case presentations, and on-site visits to apply key principles of infectious diseases pharmacotherapy. Topics may include, but are not limited to pneumonias, fungal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, MRSA, Clostridium difficile, the clinical microbiology laboratory, and home infusion services. The course will incorporate self-directed learning, lecture, and group case discussion. The class will be making site visits to a clinical microbiology laboratory and a home infusion pharmacy.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

PHID 1608 Integrated Sequence 8

This elective course provides students with an overview of the major nutritional problems in the United States with emphasis on lifestyle modification and counseling that can be done for each disease state or topic. Topics include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and sport enhancement. This course utilizes a team based learning method with assessment being based on team and individual quiz and exam scores. This is a student-centered learning course designed to begin the process of lifelong learning for students as healthcare professionals.

Credits: 1.5

This course focuses on the recognition and identification of dangerous plants and animals found primarily, but not exclusively, in Arizona. Students learn to assess poisoning situations and recommend management scenarios. Lectures and workshops involving case studies and field trips are utilized.

Credits: 1.5

This elective course provides an in-depth review of neuropharmacology of substances of abuse including stimulants, depressants and inhalants, ethanol, opioids, hallucinogens, marijuana, anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. In addition, an overview of drug use, drug use as a social problem, drug products and their regulations, the nervous system, the mechanism of action of drugs, preventing substance abuse and substance abuse and dependence will also be covered.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

PHID 1503 Integrated Sequence 3

Pharmaceutical Formulation and Analysis is a supplement to Pharmaceutics 1 & 2. This elective course is a hands-on, lab- based course that integrates the fundamental pharmaceutics concepts underlying drug product formulation and analysis with the practice of pharmacy compounding. This integration is critical in helping pharmacy compounders understand the importance of product quality and how multiple variables may affect the quality of their products.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

PSCI 1542 Pharmaceutics 2

This course covers the fundamental concepts related to the formulation, manufacture, quality assurance, and clinical preparation and administration of sterile products. Topics will include formulation and compatibility considerations, sterility assurance and aseptic technique including a review of USP Chapter <797>, packaging, compounding methods and calculations, therapeutic issues, and advances in parenteral technologies. Laboratory sessions will focus on aseptic technique and familiarization with equipment used to prepare and administer parenteral medications.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

PSCI 1542 Pharmaceutics 2

Nanotechnology will revolutionize society in the twenty-first century. The medical application of nanotechnology to all aspects of prevention, diagnosis and therapy of human disease has given rise to nanomedicine. This course will focus on nanoscale drug formulations currently under development. Participants will become familiar with the state-of-the-art of pharmaceutical nanotechnology and acquire a foundation that will enable them to understand upcoming changes that nanoscience will bring to their future profession.

Credits: 1.5

Prerequisites

PSCI 1542 Pharmaceutics 2

Pharmacogenomics has the potential to revolutionize society and medicine in the twenty-first century. The medical application of human genetics to pharmacotherapy of human disease has given rise to new field of pharmacogenomics, and has the potential to result in custom designed therapies tailored to the individual genetic make-up of the specific patient.This course will briefly discuss the foundations of pharmacogenomics, and discuss in detail the origin of genetic effects on drug uptake and metabolism, and specific actionable applications to patient care. Participants of this course will become familiar with the state-of-the-art of pharmacogenomics. This course is aimed at providing students with a foundation enabling them to understand upcoming changes that pharmacogenomics will bring to their future profession.

Credits: 1.5