Program Overview

Pharmacotherapy III: Special Populations

Course Fact File

• Code: PF6007
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Fees: €1,470
• Closing Date: 09/01/2026
• Venue: Online
• Credits: 10
• Start Date: 09/02/2026

Outline

Module Objective

To develop a higher knowledge of the major pharmacotherapeutic areas in order to promote a better understanding of the benefits and risks of use of these medicines in the clinical setting and to prepare the pharmacists for his/her evolving role within the hospital/community setting.

Module Content

The major diseases and pharmacotherapy of special groups including children, the elderly, pregnant and breast-feeding women, patients with dermatological disorders, patients with haematological or malignant conditions and patients undergoing critical care management including surgery or medication usage review in order to develop a higher understanding of the particular needs of these at risk categories. The expanded professional role of the clinical pharmacists will be highlighted, as will potential areas of future development.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Discuss and explain the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, and tests leading to the diagnosis, of common disorders/diseases of special groups in both primary and secondary care
• Choose the appropriate and effective therapy, for selected diseases of special groups including children, the elderly, pregnant and breast-feeding women, patients with haematological or malignant conditions and patients with dermatologic disorders
• Monitor and counsel the patient on the use of the recommended therapies and health promotion
• Formulate pharmaceutical care plans and counsel patients.

Practicalities

Assessment

Total Marks 200: Formal Written Examination 90 marks (1 x 2hr(s) WUSCE); Continuous Assessment 80 marks (Assignments, exercises); Clinical Assessment 30 marks (End of Year Case presentation).

Compulsory Elements

Formal Written Examination; Continuous Assessment; Clinical Examination. Oral if required.

For Online Programmes

To access and interact with the course content, assignments and assessments etc. students will require access to at least a PC/ Laptop running Windows 7 or later and Mac OSX 10.7.4. Common plug-ins such as Microsoft Silverlight, Java and Flash will also be required. Students must have access to MS Office or an equivalent suite of applications such as Libre Office. They must also have access to a modern standards compliant web browser. UCC recommends either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Requirements

Applicants must be registered with the relevant professional accreditation authority and must provide proof of this registration (via professional registration number which can be verified) and a birth certificate or valid passport in order to register.

• Candidates must hold a primary pharmacy degree from a School of Pharmacy that is approved by the Programme Committee;
• They must be registered with the professional accreditation authority in the country in which they are practising;
• Ideally candidates should have practical experience in their area of qualifications of at least two years post-registration;
• All candidates will be required to have full access to computer and internet facilities and to be computer literate;
• Candidates must be employed in a healthcare setting;
• In some exceptional circumstances candidates, by virtue of their training and experience may, at the discretion of the Programme Director and the Head of School, be deemed suitable for entry to the degree.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this module is €1,470. There is also a €35 application fee.