Undergraduate Catalog

In 1941 the General Assembly took over the assets of the Connecticut College of Pharmacy and added this institution to the schools and colleges of the University of Connecticut. The pharmacy program, which had been "inaugurated under independent auspices" in New Haven in 1925, continued to operate there under State auspices until 1951, when the program was moved to Storrs. The School of Pharmacy has offered the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) as its sole professional degree since 1997. The professional program requires completion of the two years of pre-Pharmacy requirements, two years in the professional program leading to a Bachelor of Science with a major in Pharmacy Studies (BS Pharmacy Studies), followed by two additional years leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). This professional BS/Pharm.D. program is a full-time, four-year professional program (146 credits professional program plus 64 credits pre-pharmacy for a total of 210 credits), making the Pharm.D. graduate eligible to stand for licensure. For the last two years of the professional program (Pharm.D. years), there will be additional tuition and required fees for in-state students and proportional increases for New England Regional and out-of-state students.

The School of Pharmacy also offers a joint Pharm.D./Ph.D. Program. This program targets a small number of highly motivated students who seek to combine pharmacy education suitable for professional licensure with advanced research-based training in Pharmacology or Toxicology. Students completing this program will earn consecutive dual degrees, the Pharm.D. and the Ph.D. Students in the dual track are afforded early acceptance into the Ph.D. program and, if they successfully complete the Pharm.D. curriculum, a modified graduate curriculum will be tailored which will shorten the total time required to complete both degrees. Students must meet the admission requirements of both programs and apply to the Ph.D. program in the spring semester of the P2 year as they complete the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies.

Pharm.D./MBA Degree Program. A joint Pharm.D./MBA program is offered to highly motivated students who seek to combine pharmacy education with business managerial knowledge and skills. After completing the first two years of study in the School of Pharmacy, students enroll in the MBA program for the third year and then return to the School of Pharmacy for the last two years of the Pharm.D. program, which would consist of both pharmacy and business courses. Students must meet the admission requirements of both programs and apply to the MBA program in the spring semester of the P2 year as they complete the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies. Both the Pharm.D. and the MBA will be conferred simultaneously after the program requirements have been successfully met.

Accreditation. The University of Connecticut's Doctor of Pharmacy program has been granted full accreditation by The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), http://www.acpe-accredit.org/. The School of Pharmacy also offers a number of courses leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Students holding the degree of Bachelor of Science may prepare for the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in pharmaceutics, medicinal and natural products chemistry, pharmacology, or toxicology. The Master of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences may be awarded in the above subject areas and pharmacy administration (see the Graduate School Catalog).

Regional Plan. In conformity with plans approved by the Boards of Trustees of the six New England land grant universities for regionalization of certain fields of specialized education, the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy has been designated as a regional New England school for all other New England states except Rhode Island. Regional students enrolled in the professional program receive a tuition savings over out-of-state tuition rates.

Admission. Admission to the professional program in Pharmacy is competitive. Students should apply for admission to the School of Pharmacy after completion of their third semester of study for entry into the professional program in the following September. All required math, science and English courses must be completed by May for entry into the professional program in the following September. All required math, science and English courses must be completed by May for entry into the professional program in the following fall semester. Sociology and economics must be completed before admission into the fall semester. Students who have not fulfilled the University General Education requirements before they enter the professional program will have to complete those courses by May of the second professional year.

To be guaranteed an interview for admission to the School of Pharmacy , the following criteria must be met:

1) Completed all courses at the University of Connecticut earning no grade below 2.0;

2) Earned a minimum of 3.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all required math and science classses;

3) Pharmacy College Admission Test score of 85% (www.pcatweb.info);

4) Earned a minimum grade of 2.7 in English requirements;

5) No repetition of a prerequisite course;

6) Completed a School of Pharmacy Professional Program application.

All other students will be considered for an interview and admission on a competitive basis.

Students receiving an interview should not assume that they will be admitted to the professional program.

Applications should be submitted after fall grades are posted, but on or before a February 1 deadline . Applications will begin to be reviewed in February and will continue on a space available basis. School of Pharmacy applications are available in the School of Pharmacy Professional Program Office.

Transfer Admissions to the University and the School of Pharmacy. Only Connecticut residents who have completed their pre-pharmacy curriculum at regionally accredited degree-granting institutions of higher education in the United States will be eligible to apply for direct admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy Professional Program. Connecticut State Residency is determined by the standards set forth by the Connecticut State Statutes: http://www.admissions.uconn.edu/apply/residency_statute.php. Applications to the University and to the School of Pharmacy by direct transfer students are due January 1. Transfer students seeking direct admission to the School of Pharmacy who are not residents of Connecticut or who have completed their pre-pharmacy curriculum at an international institution are not eligible to apply.

Transfer Admission to University Pre-Pharmacy. Students who have already met pharmacy program prerequisites are not eligible for admission to the pre-pharmacy program. Transfer applicants to pre-pharmacy should have completed no more than one year of college-level study in pharmacy program prerequisites: CHEM 1127Q-1128Q; BIOL 1107; PHYS 1201Q; ENGL 1010; MATH 1131Q. Applicants who exceed this restriction will be considered automatically for the Academic Center for Exploratory Students (ACES). Please note that admission to transfer students to pre-Pharmacy or to ACES is not a guarantee for eventual admission into the School of Pharmacy.

Calculation of the Math/Science Prerequisite GPA: To calculate the cumulative math/science prerequisite GPA, the total grade points earned for courses are divided by the number of total credits. The total credits for the 11 specific math/science prerequisites equals 39. When approved course substitutions are taken, the courses are treated as substitutions and not as replacements for the specific prerequisite courses. The total number of credits is still 39.

Substitutions

Grades for MATH 1120Q and 1121Q (a total of 8 credits) will be averaged and substituted for 4 credits of MATH 1131Q. MATH 1120Q and 1121Q may not be used as replacements for MATH 1131Q.

CHEM 1124Q, 1125Q, and 1126Q (a total of 10 credits) will be averaged and substituted for 8 credits of CHEM 1127Q and 1128Q. CHEM 1124Q, 1125Q, 1126Q may not be used as replacements for CHEM 1127Q and 1128Q.

The same applies for other approved substitutions.

Physics

The required prerequisite for physics is PHYS 1300 (3 cr.)

With approval from the School of Pharmacy , PHYS 1201Q, 1401Q, 1501Q, etc… can be substituted for PHYS 1300.

However, taking another physics course (e.g. PHYS 1201Q, 1401Q, 1501Q, etc..) in addition to PHYS 1300 may be considered repetition of a prerequisite.

Advanced Placement

When AP work is applied toward prerequisites, the number of total prerequisite credits (39) is reduced by the number of credits earned by that AP work.

Rounding for GPA

The School of Pharmacy does not round when calculating grade point averages. For example, a 2.99 will not be rounded to a 3.00.

Communication Skills. It is essential that Pharmacy students have excellent written and oral communication skills. Students must be able to communicate effectively with patients, physicians and with other members of the health care team.

The academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all applicants and U.S. citizens or permanent residents for whom English is not the native language and/or primary language of instruction . A minimum score of 7.5 is required for admission to the program.

Scholastic Standards. Students admitted to the professional pharmacy program must maintain the following standards of scholastic achievement to continue and/or complete the program:

1) A minimum semester and cumulative grade point average of 2.0. (Students are subject to dismissal if there is more than one semester in which they earn a semester or cumulative grade point average below 2.0.)

2) A minimum 2.0 grade point average in all required Pharmacy courses. (Students are subject to dismissal if there is more than one semester in which they earn a semester grade point average below 2.0 in required Pharmacy courses.)

3) A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all required Pharmacy courses is required to enroll in clinical clerkships/rotations.

4) A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for graduation.

In addition, to demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in English, the student must receive a grade of 2.0 or above in Interpersonal Skills Development (PHRM 3008) and in Pharmacy Practice Laboratory (PHRM 5009, PHRX 5047 ) to continue into the clinical experience sequence.

All required Pharmacy courses must be taken for a grade (i.e. may not be taken on Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory).

Failure to meet any of the requirements may result in dismissal of the student from the program.

The student has the right to appeal in writing to the Office of the Dean of the School of Pharmacy any dismissal decision.

Honors Program. Students in the School of Pharmacy may be eligible to participate in a variety of enrichment programs. These include independent research projects with a faculty mentor, the Honors Program, and the University Scholars Program. Each of these programs offers the motivated student a way of individualizing their intellectual environment to better meet their needs while providing distinction to their academic record. For more information on these programs, ask to speak with a Pharmacy Honors Advisor.

Technical Standards. Students admitted to the School of Pharmacy must have the ability to safely apply their knowledge and skills to effectively interact with patients and others in educational and health care settings. Basic nonacademic qualifications required in addition to academic achievements are considered essential for admission and successful completion of the pharmacy curriculum.

Thus, candidates for the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies and for the Doctor of Pharmacy degrees must be able to perform essential functions in each of the following categories: Observation, Behavioral and Social Attributes, Intellect, Communications, and Psychomotor Skills. Upon request of the student, the University will make good faith efforts in providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.

Physical Examination Requirements. All students by the end of the first semester in the professional phase of their program are required to have an initial physical examination including CBC and urinalysis. Additionally, all students are required to have a Rubeola titer; a Varicella titer; a Rubella titer (note: even though you may have already had measles and/or chicken pox as a child, you still need titers); a DT (Diptheria/Tetanus) shot; Hepatitis B immunization (a series of three injections for Hepatitis B and mandatory post-titer level); and a PPD. The Tuberculin Test or PPD must be repeated annually. In addition, a medical release form must be signed annually. Rubella immunization is necessary if the titer is absent. You must have had an updated Tetanus immunization within the last 10 years.

Students may have the health requirements conducted by Health Services or may elect to have the physical examination and required tests performed by a private physician.

In addition, the School of Pharmacy will provide, in compliance with the OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Standard, mandatory annual educational sessions for all students.

Transportation. Students must provide their own transportation to experiential sites during the professional program. They should allow for transportation expenses, which would include the cost of gasoline and parking fees where necessary.

Health Insurance. All students in the professional phase of their pharmacy education are required to carry health insurance as stated in the University's health policy. It is the student's responsibility to present a completed Verification of Health Form to the Director of Experiential Education at the School of Pharmacy. This must be done annually, prior to the start of the third full week of classes. It is also the student's responsibility to re-present proof of coverage (by filling out a Verification of University of Connecticut Health Insurance Form) to the Director of Experiential Education in advance of the expiration date should it occur sometime in the middle of any semester.

Any medical expenses incurred by the student while participating in the clinical portion of the program will be assumed by the student.

Professional Liability Coverage. All students in the professional phase of their curriculum are required to carry specific professional liability (malpractice) coverage. You will automatically be billed for this on your University fee bill. Although the State of Connecticut has statuatory protection for students in "field placement programs" (Chapter 53 of the Connecticut General Statutes), there are sites that will not accept this as adequate protection. Therefore, the School of Pharmacy has required all students to have the blanket University malpractice coverage.

Additional Degrees. Students wishing to take a second degree in another school or college should consult the Associate Dean of the School of Pharmacy early in their professional program.

Intern Registration. It is mandatory that all Pharmacy students register with the Connecticut Board of Pharmacy upon admission to the Pharmacy professional program. Failure to receive and maintain a valid Pharmacy intern card will result in students not being allowed to participate in experiential courses, or any of the other practice component of the curriculum.

License to Practice Pharmacy. Any request for information concerning Connecticut internship training requirements and other qualifications for examination and licensure as a pharmacist should be addressed to The Board Administration, Commission of Pharmacy, State Office Building, Hartford, Connecticut. Students seeking licensure in other states should contact the Boards of Pharmacy in those states.

Degree Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies. The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies is awarded after the completion of two years of pre-pharmacy and the first two years of pharmacy study in the professional program. The B.S. in Pharmacy Studies must be earned before entry into the last two years of the professional program. Upon recommendation of the faculty, the degree of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies is awarded by vote of the Board of Trustees to students who have met the following requirements: (1) earned 137 credits; (2) completed all requirements for the first two years of the professional program; (3) satisfied the University's General Education Requirements; and (4) earned at least a 2.0 grade point average for all calculable required pharmacy courses. The B.S. in Pharmacy Studies does not entitle an individual to sit for a pharmacy licensing examination.

Degree Requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) The Doctor of Pharmacy is a professional degree, not a graduate degree. It is awarded after two years of pre-pharmacy studies and four years of study in the professional program. Upon recommendation of the faculty, the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy is awarded by vote of the Board of Trustees to students who have met the following requirements: (1) earned 210 credits; (2) completed all requirements for the professional years and the Professional Program; (3) satisfied the University's General Education Requirements; and (4) earned at least a 2.0 grade point average for all calculable required Pharmacy courses. The Doctor of Pharmacy degree entitles an individual to sit for a pharmacy licensing examination.

II. Required Courses and Recommended Sequences for the Pre-professional Years

Students must complete two additional years to earn the Pharm.D. with a total of 210 credits.

Students must have completed the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies and the first year of the Pharm. D. program

Rotating Professional Experiences (1 month = 4 credits) Required (one month each) 16 credits

PHRX 5100 *(4 cr.), 5101(4 cr.), 5102*(4 cr.), 5103*(4 cr.)
With the approval of the director of Experiential Education, substitutions may be made.

Electives, minimum of 5 (one month each) 20 credits
At least 2 of the electives must be direct patient contact.

Direct patient contact indicated by *
All of the PHRX courses in the list are offered for 4 credits.

Exemption and Substitution. Students who desire to be excused from any of these requirements or to substitute other courses for those prescribed, should consult the Associate Dean of the School. The Dean of the School of Pharmacy must approve such exemptions or substitutions. Any waivers or substitution for professional courses must be approved by the School of Pharmacy Curriculum Committee.

IV. The Professional Program for Students Entering the School of Pharmacy in Fall 2007

Students will be admitted to the Pharmacy Studies degree program after completion of the two-year pre-Pharmacy program (64 credits) and acceptance by the Admissions Committee .

* Read an Advance article about the School of Pharmacy's white coat ceremony. (Photo by Daniel Buttrey)

Students must complete two additional years to earn the Pharm.D. with a total of 196 credits.

Third Professional Year - 34 Credits

Students must have completed the B.S. in Pharmacy Studies and the first year of the Pharm. D. program

Rotating Professional Experiences (1 month = 4 credits) Required (one month each) 16 credits

PHRM 5100 *, 5101, 5102* , 5103*
(may substitute Pediatrics or Geriatrics for Ambulatory Care and General Medicine)

Electives, minimum of 5 (one month each) 20 credits
At least 2 of the electives must be direct patient contact.

Direct patient contact indicated by *
All of the PHRM courses in the list are offered for 4 credits.

³ Register for the course each semester. A letter grade and one credit are issued in the spring semester.
⁴These courses need not be taken in the semester indicated, but must be completed by the end of the second professional year if the student will not have 126 credits.
⁵If student will not have 196 credits earned following the completion of the Fourth Professional Year, these elective credits must be taken. A total of 196 credits are necessary for the Pharm.D. degree.