Degree course in Pharmacology [LM-13] D. M. 270/2004
General information
Qualification awarded
Master of Science in Pharmacy
Level of qualification
Single Cycle
Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning
Enrollment in the Master of Science in Pharmacy (CDLM) program is contingent upon possession of a High School diploma, or other equivalent qualification obtained abroad and recognized as valid. Entry to the CDLM in Pharmacy is limited. Entering students should have an adequate level of knowledge in core subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
Profile of the programme
The main objective of the single cycle of the CDLM Pharmacy program is to equip graduates with the scientific basis, and the theoretical and practical training, to practice the profession of pharmacist (after related professional qualifications are obtained in accordance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC), and to become expert in drug and health care products (such as medical-surgical, medical health, cosmetic, dietary, herbal, diagnostic, and clinical chemistry products) in hospitals and within the health district.
The CDLM Pharmacy program equips graduates with expertise in the use of drugs for therapeutic purposes in order to be able to work with doctors and patients in health care facilities, to provide professional advice on the correct use of pharmaceuticals, foods, dietary products, and cosmetics, and to participate in programs of preventive medicine and health education within the health district. Program objectives also include new professional norms such as integrated home care, initial diagnosis, and the role of health educators, as provided by Decree 3.10.2009, n. 153.
A CDLM Pharmacy graduate is educationally prepared to become a health care professional with multidisciplinary scientific and technological skills (chemical, biological, pharmaceutical, pharmacological, toxicological, legal, ethical, and hygienistic) in order to help achieve the objectives set by the Italian National Health Service to respond to the health needs of the community.
Qualification requirements and regulations
The CDLM in Pharmacy program has a duration of five years during which students must acquire 300 credits. Training activities are organized on a semester basis, and include lectures, tutorials, practical labs, individualized lab activities, seminars, professional training (at least six months full-time work in a pharmacy, open to the public or in a hospital) and a thesis. All aspects of the organization and management of CDLM are described in the appropriate Academic Regulations available on the website of the department.
Key learning outcomes
CDLM Pharmacy graduates obtain theoretical knowledge and practical know-how in chemical, biological, pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and technological fields, and become familiar with the scientific approach to solving problems typical of the profession. Through the medium of books, and/or consultation of scientific literature, including by electronic means, graduates will be equiped with advanced knowledge in their field of study to develop and implement ideas in the context of research.
CDLM Pharmacy graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry to undertake and describe qualitative and quantitative analyses of drugs. Through their knowledge of pharmaceutical technology, and the legal regulations related to it, they will be able to process galenic formulations and also demonstrate practical skills in the technological control of dosages according to regulations of the Italian Official Pharmacopoeia and that of the European Union.
Graduates will also be able to apply knowledge they’ve learned of the pharmaceutical, pharmacological and legisltaive fields in order to identify the proper use of medications and to understand diseases and their prevention in order to adopt a professional approach to work. The ability to apply know-how is, in the first instance, explicated by individualized laboratory activities, from experiments performed during the course of their thesis, and in the training provided by law. Verification of the expected course outcomes will be based on the comportment of students in laboratories, and through testing in both oral and written exams.
CDLM Pharmacy graduates progressively acquire independence of judgment, verified by the methods mentioned above, that culminates in the preparation of an experimental thesis undertaken at the end of the training period. The ability to acquire information, and to collect and interpret data deemed useful to make such judgments, will result in the correct dispensing of medicinal products and tips and hints on the subject of health education. Teaching tools used to verify expected outcomes will be based on appropriate tests highlighting the acquisition of a good grasp of scientific method. Of particular importance will be the capacity of students to be able to conceive, write, and efendi their thesis.
CDLM Pharmacy graduates will acquire adequate ability to communicate information and ideas, and to illustrate problems and solutions by using their expert technical undestanding of drugs to specialists and to non-specialists alike. They will be able to provide advice on health issues as professional intermediaries between patients, physicians and health care facilities. Tools and methods used for assessing these achievements are written and oral reports on research and laboratory activities, with the aid of multimedia tools, and by assessing their period of professional training in a pharmacy.
Examination regulations, assessment and grading
Exams consist of written tests and/or oral examinations (sometimes preceded by written tests that might be scheduled during the course, and which are meant to give access to the oral and/or laboratory tests) and are outlined in the descriptions of each course. The examination for each course is evaluated on a thirty-point grade basis with the possibilty of earning an honors level grade (cum laude). The final grade is based on the outcomes of individual courses and the preparation and discussion of a thesis and its defense in a graduating session in front of a committee of at least eleven teachers and is expressed as a fraction of 110 points with the possibility of honors (cum laude).
Graduation requirements
The final qualification is obtained after completion of 300 credits and approval of a written thesis.
Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)
Class attendance at both theoretical lectures and practical labs is mandatory. Full-time study is recommended but part-time status can be arranged.
Occupational profiles of graduates with examples
The Master of Science in Pharmacy degree (and its related professional license) authorizes graduates to enter the profession of pharmacist within the meaning of EEC directive 85/432. Other career opportunities include working as sales representatives in the drug industry, as consultants for the education and promotion of industrial medicine practitioners, or as health specialists in university clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, government agencies, and health institutions in general.
Access to further studies
A graduate in the CDLM Pharmacy program can be admitted to a variety of third-level degree programs such as PhD and Master’s courses and graduate schools.
Programme director or equivalent
Tabella riepilogativa regolamento
Information currently not available (Regulations 2013)
| Year 1 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2127 2131 | Animal biology and plant biology (A-L) (M-Z) | 1s | 12 | Yes |
| 2128 | general chemistry | 1s | 8 | Yes |
| 2126 | Physical science | 1s | 6 | Yes |
| 2125 | mathematics and elements of computer science | 1s | 6 | Yes |
| 2129 | human anatomy | 2s | 8 | Yes |
| 2130 | inorganic and analytical chemistry | 2s | 6 | Yes |
| 651 | English | 2s | 3 | Yes |
| Total Year | 49(*) | |||
| Year 2 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
| 2133 2134 | Drug analysis I (A-L) (M-Z) | 1s | 6 | |
| 2132 | Organic chemistry | 1s | 9 | |
| 2139 | Microbiology | 1s | 9 | |
| 2144 2145 | Drug analysis II (A-L) (M-Z) | 2s | 6 | |
| 2141 | Biochemistry general and metabolic | 2s | 12 | |
| 2142 | natural products chemistry | 2s | 6 | |
| 2140 | physiology | 2s | 9 | |
| Total Year | 57(*) | |||
| Year 3 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
| 2149 | Food chemistry and human nutrition | 1s | 12 | |
| 2148 | Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry I | 1s | 11 | |
| 2146 | general pathology | 1s | 9 | |
| 2153 | Pharmacokinetics, general pharmacology and pharmacognosy | 2s | 12 | |
| 2157 | Hygiene and Public Health | 2s | 11 | |
| 2151 | Applied biochemistry methods | 2s | 9 | |
| Total Year | 64(*) | |||
| Year 4 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
| 2205 2206 | Drug analysis III and drug analysis IV (A-L) (M-Z) | 1s-2s | 13 | |
| 650 | Electives | 1s-2s | 6 | |
| 2162 | Medicinal and Toxicological Chemistry II | 1s | 11 | |
| 2161 | Pharmacoterapy and Biodrugs | 1s | 12 | |
| 2209 | Pharmaceutical technology, socio-economics and legislation I and II | 2s | 14 | |
| 2184 | Toxicology | 2s | 8 | |
| Total Year | 64(*) | |||
| Year 5 | ||||
| ECTS code | Study-unit | Period | ECTS | Offered |
| 1251 | Electives | 1s-2s | 6 | |
| 2159 | Pharmaceutical technology and cosmetic products | 1s | 13 | |
| 652 | Thesis | 2s | 15 | |
| 653 | Internship | 2s | 2 | |
| 654 | Stage | 2s | 30 | |
| Total Year 5 | 66(*) | |||
| Total | 300 | |||