Pharmacy
See study programmeThe Bachelor of Pharmacy is a professional qualification that provides pharmaceutical competence. After completing the programme, candidates may apply for a licence as a reseptarfarmasøyt in Norway. This title does not necessarily mean you are an authorized pharmacist in other countries, as most countries require a Master's degree. Only authorized pharmacists can sell and dispense prescribed medicines.
The study programme consists of chemical, pharmaceutical, life sciences and social pharmacy courses. It also includes two courses that are common to all the health and social sciences Bachelor's degree programmes at the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences at Nord University. These courses include the provision of valuable insight into the role of healthcare professionals and cross-professional cooperation.
A period of supervised professional training in a pharmacy (four months) is included during the sixth semester. In order to ensure work relevance and strengthen pharmaceutical expertise, the study programme cooperates with the health and business sectors. During the fifth semester students can choose between specialization in two elective courses: one involving scientific specialization in marine pharmacy science and one specializing in social pharmacy. Exchange visits are also organized during the same semester.
The study programme courses provide a holistic understanding of the chemistry, production, quality, use, effects, and side effects of medicines along with gradual progression in all disciplines.The programme has a continual focus on patient safety, quality assurance, critical assessment and reflection, and aims to make provisions for lifelong learning. The programme’s learning and teaching methods vary considerably and have a consistently high percentage of student-active forms of learning and varied forms of assessment. Peer learning and assessment is included in many of the courses. Digital tools are included as a natural part of the teaching, and some of the teaching is done online.
Knowledge
The candidate
has in-depth knowledge of the origins and chemical and physical properties of key substances
has broad knowledge of the composition and manufacture of key types of pharmaceuticals, as well as their physical, chemical and biopharmaceutical properties
has broad knowledge of the effects, side effects and use of medicines in the prevention and treatment of physical and mental illnesses
has knowledge about the choice and execution of key analytical methods for pharmaceuticals
has knowledge of how prescription and use of veterinary medicines can help to ensure good animal health and food safety
has knowledge about the history of pharmacy and the professional role of the pharmacist
is familiar with national and global public health challenges
Skills
The candidate
is able to use their academic knowledge to identify and manage pharmaceutical problems, supervise and facilitate user participation when dispensing medicines and selling medical equipment and other pharmacy products
is able to use relational, communication and supervisory skills to understand, interact with and supervise users, patients, relatives, students and healthcare personnel who are in the process of learning, mastering or changing processes, including being able to motivate and contribute towards shared decision making and self-care
is able to use, maintain and acquire new knowledge, critically assess information and undertake professional assessments, decisions and actions in accordance with evidence-based practice
is able to use basic mathematical, statistical and epidemiological methods to investigate practical and theoretical pharmaceutical issues
is able to master independent and safe provision of services in accordance with statutes, regulations and professional ethical guidelines
is able to master relevant laboratory techniques, including the manufacture of sterile and non-sterile medicines
is able to reflect upon their own professional practice, and can modify this as a result of supervision and feedback
is able to provide pharmaceutical services that ensure the correct use of medicines and patient safety
General competence
The candidate
has insight into and is able to identify, reflect on and address ethical issues in pharmaceutical professional practice, show respect for the users of pharmaceutical services and provide guidance that safeguards the integrity and rights of users
has insight into and an understanding of how pharmacovigilance, quality systems and quality and improvement work contribute towards the safe use of medicines and enhanced patient safety
has digital expertise with insight into e-health, welfare technology and digital security, and is able to assist in the development of and use suitable technology at both the individual and system level
is able to convey their pharmaceutical knowledge to all relevant groups, and is able to initiate, plan and implement interdisciplinary and interprofessional cooperation
is familiar with innovative thinking and innovation processes and is able to contribute towards service innovation, entrepreneurship and systematic and quality-enhancing work processes
Admission to the programme requires higher education entrance qualifications.
Applicants who do not have higher education entrance qualifications and are 25 years of age or older may apply for admission on the basis of prior learning and work experience. A certificate or good conduct is required.
Special admission requirements
Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 + S2) and Chemistry 1 + either Physics 1 or Biology 1 or Chemistry 2.
The programme has progression requirements:
- All courses during the first semester must be passed in order to attend teaching in third
semester courses.
- All courses during the second semester must be passed in order to attend courses taught in the fourth
semester.
- All courses during the third semester must be passed in order to attend courses taught in the fifth
semester.
- All courses during the fourth semester must be passed in order to attend courses taught in the sixth
semester.
Further details about the progression requirements can be found in the prerequisite knowledge requirements for each course. Separate progression requirements will apply if the student in question will be going on an exchange visit abroad.
The Laboratory Safety course must be passed to gain access to the laboratory exercises in all courses. No exceptions will be made for students who have completed HSE trainingat another campus at Nord University or with another organization.
With a bachelor's degree in pharmacy you can, in Norway, apply for authorization as a "reseptarfarmasøyt". Reseptarfarmasøyter are healthcare professionals with specialist expertise relating to the manufacture, quality assurance, use and effects of medicines. Mark that most other countries require you to take a Master's degree in pharmacy (authorized as "provisorfarmasøyt" in Norway) to gain authorization as a pharmacist. Pharmacists may work in pharmacies, hospitals, the primary health service and the pharmaceuticals industry, or for wholesalers.
A Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy will provide the foundation for a Master’s degree in Pharmacy at the NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) and UiT (University of Tromsø). Upon completion of the master's degree, students can apply for authorization as a provisorfarmasøyt. The requirements for the master of pharmacy are described in EU Directive 2013/55/EU.
The bachelor programme also qualifies graduates to undertake a number of other master's studies that require a 3-year bachelor’s degree in health for admittance, e.g. a master’s degree in practical knowledge or a master in health sciences at Nord University. Please contact the study supervisor if you have questions in this respect. The following website, www.farmasifag.no/kan, will provide you with insight into what it's like to be a pharmacy student, the job opportunities that are available and places offering pharmacy studies in Norway.
There will be an opportunity to apply for a student exchange visit during the fifth semester of the programme.
International students may attend selected courses during the fifth semester. If international students attend, the teaching in these courses will be in English.
The study programme includes various forms of assessment in line with the university's approved forms of assessment. Required coursework, such as written assignments or laboratory reports,is used to facilitate learning and contribute towards the achievement of the learning outcome descriptions.
Compulsory attendance is required when courses require student attendance to obtain the learning outcomes. The requirements relating compulsory attendance are marked in the timetable and are included in the individual course descriptions. The programme includes both individual and group examinations, and the assessment methods are varied to include oral, practical and written examinations, assignments and portfolio examinations.
Exams and assessments for courses in this study program is described in Studentweb.
The programme of study is evaluated annually by the students in course surveys and
study programme evaluations. These evaluations are part of the university's quality assurance system.
The suitability of students is assessed throughout the programme, in accordance with the Regulations