Technology is a vital tool to support student’s transitions to university. This project aims to develop an E-learning resource for health science students focused on pharmaceutical and pharmacological calculations that are fundamentals for subsequent knowledge in health sciences and research.
Department: Pharmacy
Supervised by: Silvia Amadesi
Background Adapting to University study can be challenging for year1 students. Feedback from staff and students, and student’s academic achievements, highlight that year 1 and 2 pharmacy, BSc Pharmacology (BScPh) and Physician Associate Studies (MPAS) students struggle with pharmaceutical and pharmacological calculations. However, every future pharmacist and pharmacologist must be competent in these calculations for patient's care and safety and/or to prevent medical and experimental errors. Thus, supporting students is crucial. In 2021, we developed an E- guide on fundamental chemistry topics, to help our BScPh and MPAS undergraduates transitioning to university. Using learning analytics, we recently evaluated the impact of this resource on year 1 students. We found that students that engaged with the E-resource from September 2021 attained higher marks in the two chemistry-focused questions of the 2021-22 final year exam, when compared to those that did not (68% and 58% vs. 60% and 55%). Thus, the E-resource benefitted students. A similar approach may be valuable to help with calculations skills. Aims To prepare an interactive, online ’Support for Pharmaceutical and Pharmacology calculations’ E-resource, for year1 pharmacy, BScPh and MPAS students. The new resource, developed by a student for students, will offer a virtual student-to-student mentoring experience aimed to: i) ensure that key calculation principle and processes are understood and ii) help students to acquire a transformed way of understanding/interpreting calculations, vital for subsequent knowledge for health sciences. Impact of the work This project will improve the support we can offer to year1 students, starting their university’s studies. We predict this will enhance students’ experience, learning, academic achievements and development as healthcare professionals and scientists
The tasks the student will undertake during the project are summarised below. Weeks 1-2. Using the curriculum and the teaching material from years1 and 2 of the MPharm, MPAS and BSc Pharmacology programmes as a starting point for the E-guide content, and the online Lt learning platform (already available at RSoP), the student will develop a study E-guide on essential principles and application of pharmaceutical and pharmacological calculations, that will inform and underpin subsequent knowledge for health care sciences. Weeks 3-4. To gather feedback on E-guide’s content and structure, the UROP student will present the guide to year 1 and 2 students e.g., using small group discussion and to members of RSoP staff e.g., at departmental lunch. Qualitative analysis of the feedback will be performed, and the results will be used to revise the E-guide and change it if/where appropriate. Weeks 5-6. The student will finalise the guide that will be made available to new first year students in September 2023. Future work: The benefit of the E-guide to students’ learning will be evaluated comparing students’ academic achievements before and after the implementation of the new resource. This will constitute part of a follow-up project.
The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic student enrolled on the MPharm, BSc Pharmacology or MPAS programmes with a general interest in mathematics, pharmaceutical and pharmacology calculations. Experience in developing online and learning material or in qualitative research is not required. However, the candidate should have the following skills: • Excellent knowledge of appropriate mathematical concept • Excellent writing skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team • Excellent computer and problem-solving skills • Interest in the use of digital technology to support learning Also, the student should be: • Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing • Able to work to deadlines The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to further develop the above skills.
The student will develop essential skills, personal qualities and values that will also support the development of employability skills. The further skills developed as a result of the placement are listed below: • The student will use Microsoft Excel (to collect and analyse data), Word (to write their results) and PowerPoint (to present their results) software, the Lt online learning platform (that supports the E-guide). Thus, they will develop advanced computer skills. • The student will have the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge on basic understanding on pharmaceutical and pharmacological calculation with undoubtable benefits to their development as students. • The student will have to organise and chair meetings with students and staff as well as complete tasks by a set deadline, thus they will improve their communication, organisational and leadership skills and their ability to work independently. • The student will need to use their initiative when analysing student’s feedback data (particularly when applying thematical analysis, weeks 3-4), preparing for their meetings with the supervisors (week 1-6) or presenting to staff (week6). Thus, the student will develop initiative, problem-solving and decision-making, written and presentation skills. • The student will start developing some research skills and awareness on data collection and qualitative data analysis methodologies when analysis staff and student feedback. This will support the development of essential skills for their final year dissertation.
The project will be carried out using computer and online resources. Access to a desk space to work on campus will be provided (Hopkins building, first floor). If necessary, the student will be allowed to work virtually and off-campus or at home. Communication with the supervisors including induction on how to use the Lt platform will be provided through face-to face meetings. Virtual meetings will be also available if necessary.
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Monday 19 June 2023 - Friday 28 July 2023
The deadline to apply for this opportunity is the end of the day on Friday 26th May 2023. Students should submit their CV and Cover Letter directly to the Project Supervisor by emailing: s.amadesi@reading.ac.uk.