Ask a student

If your thinking of studying at the Victorian College of Pharmacy and want to know what it is really like, why not ask one of our current students?

All you need to do is submit your question and Ruth, Ranelle, Matt, Boon, Gemma, Tra-My or Tracey will post an response to your question online.

Question: Sumeyra, year 10

Heyy My name is Sumeyra and i am currently in year 10. i really want to do pharmacy because i love science and cant see myself doing anything else in the future!!! i was just worried about my enter score. Can i get some information about any other branches to get into pharmacy?? Also about the oral presentations, i really hate orals and wanted to get some information on that too. Plz i need motivation...HELP MEE! thank you XD

Answer: Tra-My, Pharmacy 3rd year

Hey Sumeyra,

That's great that you want to do pharmacy, I'm sure you'll enjoy it being the science-lover that you are!

In terms of the selection process, information is available online atwww.vcp.monash.edu.au/courses/pharmacy

With oral presentations, I used to be quite nervous about them too. But practice makes perfect- and you'll get plenty of practice in year 11 and 12, and also in pharmacy. As communication is an important aspect of the pharmacy profession, subjects such as pharmacy practice aims to help students develop and enhance their skills through oral presentations and mock counselling sessions.

Good luck Sumeyra!

Tra-My

Question: Michelle, Bachelor of Science

hi, im a science undergraduate at monash university. if i want to apply for an internal transfer into pharmacy next year, do i have to take the umat test? what marks are required to tranfer into pharmacy from another undergraduate course? are the employment opportunities very competitive and is it really dependent on your marks in comparison to the marks of others?

Answer: Matthew, third year Pharmacy

Hi Michelle,

At the moment it is very easy to get a job after graduation. Hospital jobs tend to be a lot more competitive in comparison to community jobs. Your ability as a Pharmacist not only depends on a vast knowledge, but you also need communication, listening and a whole range of other important skills that an employer will be looking for.

Matt

Answer: Jessica Dobbie Student Activites Officer

Hi Michelle,

According to a 2007 survey by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers*, Australia the market rate after graduation for community pharmacists is approximately $61000. For more information on salary ranges you might like to contact APESAM.

Also I thought you might like to know that the 2006 Graduate Destination survey showed that the full-time employment rate for Pharmacists was 99.4%.

Kind regards,

Jessica Dobbie

Question: Michelle

What are the chances of employment with a degree in pharmaceutical science and whereabouts would you be employed? How different is it from a bachelor of pharmacy?

Answer: Ranelle, third year Pharmaceutical Science

Hi Michelle,

Pharmaceutical science allows you to major into Formulation science or medicinal chemistry. If you have more questions about the medicinal chemistry side let me know. I am a recent graduate of Pharmaceutical Science with a major in Formulation Science.

The chances of getting a job once you have graduated is very high. I have just graduated an I am currently doing a summer job at Hospira (a pharmaceutical company that makes generic injections) before i start honours in March. My friend also received a job before she had even finished the course. Other members of my class have just began applying for jobs an are currently going through the interview process.

Places which you can work once you have finished include pharmaceutical companies such as Hospira, Acrux, Glaxo-Smith and Kline, CSL. Cosmetic companies such as Ross Cosmetics, or Neon Cosmetics, Botanicals. Paint companies such as Dulux and Orica. Food companies such as cadbury scwheppes and Musashi. These are not the only companies that you can work for there is many more that I have not listed.

These companies all look for Formulation Scientists but also marketers, technical sales and even patent lawyers which are also jobs leading on from this course. 

This course is totally different to Pharmacy. If you want to do pharmacy you career will involve either working in retail pharmacy, in a hospital or a research and development role into drugs and medicines.

Pharmaceutical science you actually make the end product be it medicines or paints, whichever you enjoy best. It depends on what you are interested in really as to which course you do but they are certainly very different.

Hope that helps

Ranelle

Question: Holly, year 12

Hi, I am a international student who just finished VCE and fortunately has been offered a place at Monash Pharmacy College. To be honest, I am a bit worried about this course even though it is my first preference. Most of my friends say it is a tough course to do. I just wonder if there is any hints to study it well. Looking forward for any precious suggestion from ur guys!

Answer: Tracey, Pharmacy 3rd year

Hi Holly,

Congratulations on getting in to Pharmacy! I think you'll really enjoy the course. It's a challenging, tough time, but it's worth it in the end. It is best to study consistently throughout the year, making study much easier when it comes to exams. The hardest part is that most of the assessment for the year is the exam, so there's no pressure to study until the week before. It's a bad idea to leave it to the last minute though!

If you keep up to date I think you'll find it really isn't that hard, you just have to be organised and motivated enough to keep it up.

Good Luck!Tracey

Answer: jessica Dobbie, Student Activities Officer

Hi Holly,

Another really important way to make sure you settle into uni and hit the ground running is to attend Orientation week! Get your orientation timetable here.

Jessica

Question: Luisa

I am an international student who has just accepted my course for 2008 (Pharmacy/Commerce ) at Monash university. I am wondering if there are any parking spaces available on the Parkville campus? Is it hard to find a parking spot? also, how many contact hours are there for first year of pharmacy? is there a sample timetable on the web? thanks a lot for taking your time to answer these questions.

Answer: Matt, fourth year Pharmacy

Hi Luisa,

I'm in 4th year now and I haven't had any troubles parking. We are located right next to the zoo, where you can park all day for free and it's only about a 5 minute walk to uni.

There is no timetable up yet, but you will have about 24 contact hours, with a few 8:30am starts. First year consists of a combination of practicals and lectures, so you are on campus every weekday.

Hope that helps,

Matt

Question: Frank

Hi, I am an international student who will commence the first year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy course in VCP this year. I would like to ask regarding my choices after graduating from the course and also regarding the future of pharmacists. I would like to know more about the differences between community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy(the prospects, the pay for example). What other roles do pharmacists play in the society? What is the benefit of doing postgraduate? Also, what will Australian pharmacy become in the future, like, for example will pharmacists be allowed to prescribe with extra training in future, like in the UK?

Answer: Tracey, third year Pharmacy

Hi Frank,

After graduating from Pharmacy, there are many options of what to do next. You can work in retail pharmacy, or in hospital pharmacy, as well as these more common options there are many branches of Pharmacy you can take up, such as doing Home Medication Reviews, or entering into research, or even teaching future Pharmacy students if you're that way inclined.

I believe pharmacists are and will continue to be an important aspect of public health through their invaluable knowledge of drugs and potential problems with them, and are seen as a vital aspect of health in both the community and hospital setting. As long as people require good information about their medications, and Doctor's require expert knowledge of medications, Pharmacists will remain an integral part of maintaining the success of the health industry.

Community Pharmacy is a role within a retail pharmacy, with Pharmacists receiving and checking appropriateness of prescriptions, and providing advice about over the counter medications as well as many other health enquiries.

Hospital Pharmacists check scripts written by doctors, and dispense medications like the community pharmacist, but there are many different aspects to hospital pharmacy not seen in the community setting, such as the use of IV drugs. Hospital pharmacists may be put in charge of a ward, and within that ward they will take accurate medication histories from patients or their carers, as well as ensuring the supply of medication to that patient.

There are many jobs in both Hospital and Community Pharmacy. Latest figures show that graduates have an employment rate of over 99%.

A postgraduate degree in Pharmacy could help you throughout your career, due to the extra knowledge and experience that would be gained.

Hopefully I've answered all your questions, I'm sure you'll find Pharmacy a rewarding occupation in whatever field you choose to work in.

Tracey

Question:  KY

I am an international student going to study pharmacy in Monash Parkville campus. My biggest question is since Parkville s isolated, how  is the campus life like? Is there any campus activity? Any extra curricular activities? How far is it to travel from Parkville to other campus, by PUBLIC TRANSPORT? Is there sufficient time for pharmacy students to join activities?

Answer: Boon, Fourth year Pharmacy

Hi KY!

From the tone of your letter, it seems that you are worried that the location of Parkville may restrict the amount of extracurricular activities you would like to be involved in. Rest assured that even though Parkville may look isolated from the rest of the Monash community, this is mitigated by the fact that is the Monash campus nearest to the heart of the city. Trips to the city are just a convenient few tram stops away. There are lots of fun things to do in these places, and you can certainly make friends with students from Melbourne University if you live in the student accommodations nearby. Which other campus can claim that they have the city as their playground?

It is hard to describe how the campus is like, you need to come here and feel it. To tell the truth, I had some reservations about the size of the campus too when I first enrolled, but after three years here I had little regret choosing to come here. There are enough things to keep you occupied and life here can be fun too.

Moving to clubs and activities, there are generalized clubs which offers a myriad of activities from sports to music, and some clubs more focused on enhancing your awareness of your chosen profession. You can learn more about these clubs during orientation week. However, if you looking for specialist clubs like photography or debating, I afraid you will need to travel to other campuses. Most of them are based in Caulfield and Clayton. Caulfield is about half and hour and Clayton one hour away by public transport.

Studying will not be a piece of cake but it will not consume the bulk of your free time either. The workload here is acceptable and there will be certainly be plenty of time to join activities. Most of the clubs in Uni held their activities around the campus compound after lectures or during lunch time, so there is no need to travel. Just make sure you did not miss O-week. It is the best time to explore the surroundings and everything Parkville campus can offer.

Cheers,

Boon

Question: EC

HEY. I am an international student currently enrolled in VCOP in 2008. Just wondering whether life in Parkville campus feels isolated from the main Monash University campus located elsewhere? Are students in VCOP still capable of applying themselves for activities such as trips&tours? Will students in VCOP feel NOT being a part from the Monash Uni since it is not really located within the university? Do students in VCOP still visit the main campus of Monash Uni often?

Answer: Tra-My, third year Pharmacy

Hi EC,

Student life at the Parkville campus is indeed very different from student life at the main Monash campus. It is unique in the sense that there is a very tight, close-knit community at VCP rarely found at a larger campus.

However, students at VCP are definitely welcome to attend Monash wide activities such as trips, tours, sporting and social events, and are definitely made to feel part of Monash. In addition, we are entitled to use facilities and discounts at other Monash campuses such as the gym or library. Having said this, students tend to utilise university facilities in the Monash Caufield campus because it is closer to Parkville.

Hope that helps, I'll see you at VCP maybe!

Tra-My

Question: Amit Kumar

hey i am from india just wanted to know hows the college ...

Answer: Ruth, second year Medicinal Chemistry

Hi,

Medicinal chemistry will be offered as a major area of study in the Bachelor of Pharmacutical Science from 2008.

Apart from the change, I have to say, that the Victorian college of pharmacy is great! It’s located really close to the city centre, is easily accessible by public transport and has a really great atmosphere for learning and in a social sense too! It is the setting for a lot of scientific research that is cutting edge and thus provides for a cutting edge scientific education.

Its size is also a real advantage. The college, playing host to only two degrees, is distinguished from other universities in terms of its size, which enables it to provide a more personalised learning experience for students.

Thanks,
Ruth

Question: Jessica

hi.i hav been offered a Monash International scholarship for excellence.wat are the conditions to maintain the scholarship?where can i stay in Prkville since on campus accomdation is not available?is it better to stay near the campus or place where it is convenient to buy necesities/working part time?is it easy to find part time job near the campus like along royal parade?can u pls recomend me some of the accomodation with pictures?how much is the tram fare der ?is der time to do part time job der for a pharmacy student?is life in Melbourne hectic?how is life in Mel?i never been to Melbourne b4 so i hope u could help me out with this!thanks lots=)

Answer: Jaci Blumhagen, International Student Support

Hi Jessica

Regarding your scholarship, in order to maintain the scholarship, you need to achieve a minimum of a Distinction grade average (70%) each year. There is more information about the scholarship on the website I have listed below:

http://www.monash.edu.au/study/scholarships/opportunities/international-excellence.html

In addition, you are welcome to contact the Prospective Students Office if you have questions which are not answered by the website. Their email is future@monash.edu.au and their phone number is +61 3 9905 1320.

Regarding accommodation at Parkville, you are correct that there is no on-campus accommodation. Many of our students live in the numerous near by colleges are listed on our website:

http://www.vcp.monash.edu.au/futurestudents/accomodation.html

Additionally, many students live in apartments or share-houses in nearby suburbs. Monash Residential Services has an off-campus accommodation database that you can use to search for a place to live (http://www.mrs.monash.edu.au/off-campus/ then click on the Off-Campus Database on the right hand side of the page). Our students live all over Melbourne and most use public transport to get to the campus. The current prices for public transport are $3.30 for a two-hour ticket and $6.30 for a daily ticket. You can buy two-hour, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly tickets - and the tickets are valid for all trams, buses and trains (one ticket covers all three modes of transport). There is a website that can provide maps of the two zones in Melbourne. I would expect that most of our students live in Zone 1, so you will want to look at prices for Zone 1. Also, please note that currently, international students do not qualify for a concession ticket. You are required to pay the full adult fare.

http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares_tickets

If you decide to live in an apartment or share-house, I would strongly recommend you come to Melbourne early and view the apartment personally before signing any contracts. We provide an airport pick-up service with temporary accommodation for new international students, if you need it. New students often come and stay in temporary accommodation while they look for something permanent. There will be information in your acceptance packet, if you decide to accept your offer and come to Melbourne. We will send you packet with lots of information about Monash and about Melbourne in general. However, please note that the rental market in Melbourne is incredibly competitive at the moment. You may have better luck staying in the University of Melbourne accommodation if you can.

Kind regards,

Jaci

Answer: Boon, third year Pharmacy

Hi,

There is certainly time to do a part time job for a pharmacy student, especially on the first and second year of the course. The weekends are good for working too. As long as you can juggle your time studying and working, it should be all right to work for around 10 hours per week. Life in Melboune is not that hectic. In fact, I think that you will find the pace of living here is more leisurely compared to some Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. The shops here closes at 5 or 6, so there's nothing much to do at night. However, the choices for things and food are excellent, as Melbourne is a melting pot of a huge array of cultures. There are also lots of interesting places to chill out in the weekends. The public transport is far reaching, so you can travel from one place to another relatively easily. Personally, I find studying and staying here relatively stress free.

Boon

Question: Jun

Hi. my name is Jun currently doing A level in Malaysia. I was wondering how the course is like compared to the UK pharmacy. How is Monash compared to other unis with Pharmacy course? like Melbourne, James Cook?

Answer: Boon, third year Pharmacy

Hi Jun,

I can't give you a definite answer for this query because in the end, it is up to your preference which country to choose and also which uni to choose. What I can do is just to share my experiences about the decision making and why I ended up here.

I choose Australia over UK because basically Australia is nearer to Malaysia and the cost of living is lower. I also heard that the weather in UK is pretty gloomy the whole year round! As someone also from Malaysia, I do realise that that studying in UK has a higher prestige associated with it. But in the end, you have to be realistic.

In terms of pharmacy, one of the main difference between UK and Australia is that the name of the degree is different. After a four-year course, in UK you will graduate with a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) whereas in Australia it is Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm). But I'm reassured that in terms of knowledge what is taught is basically the same.

There are actually a few pharmacy schools in Australia ( Melbourne Uni does not offer Pharmacy) and I am pretty sure that Monash is one of the best around. Monash is the biggest Uni in Australia and the pharmacy campus is the oldest. Something special about the pharmacy in Monash is that it is an entire campus on its own and not located at the main campus. Hence the campus is totally dedicated to the teaching of Pharmacy.  Besides, being the oldest (the campus is 126 years old), it has strong ties with the whole pharmacy community and related industries.

Personally, I choose to study here because Melbourne is one of the most livable cities in Australia and a lot of my friends chose to study in here. Sometimes it depends on where your friends go too because going overseas to study by yourself can be lonely. In terms of quality, I do think that most of the other universities that offer pharmacies are quite good. I believe irregardless of where you study, as long as you are dedicated, you will end up being a good pharmacist.

I hope I have answered your questions well. Best wishes and hope to see you here!

Cheers,
 Boon

Question: Anthony

Hey, I was wandering about the Bachelor of Pharmacy/Bachelor of Commerce double degree Monash offers. What are the benfits of the Commerce degree and how does that change your employment oppurtunities? Also, what are the wider employment opputunities for pharmacists outside pharmacies or hospitals? Thanks

Answer: Matthew, third year Pharmacy

Hi Anthony,

Having the degree in Commerce with the Pharmacy one allows you to understand more of the business side of pharmacy if you're interested in owning or managing a business or working within the Pharmaceutical industry. Double degrees help to give you more options as you are qualified in two different areas.

With the second point, here is a list of potential careers, I can't go into all of them, as it would be an essay, but there is a vast array of opportunities. With post-grad qualifications, it opens up even more! Here are some to get you started:

Community pharmacy

• clinical pharmacy
• medication management
• pharmaceutical care
• retailing
• management

Hospital pharmacy

• ward/clinical pharmacy, management

Government

• pharmaceutical benefits
• pharmacy inspectors (for example: health department, Pharmacy Board)

Pharmaceutical industry

• research and development
• clinical research
• clinical trials
• drug information
• sales and management

Consultant pharmacy

• medication management
• pharmaceutical care

Armed services

Education

Research

Thanks and good luck!

Matthew

Question: Sucheta, India

What are the future scopes in b.pharmacy?salary range?opportunities offered after completing the course from a good university?

Answer: Boon third year Pharmacy

Hi Sucheta,

There are really a wide range of opportunities available after studying pharmacy, the main one being in the community, hospital, industry/research or academic settings. For an unique experience, you can even opt to work in the rural area or overseas. If you are interested in economics also, the exciting field of pharmacoeconomics  is a good area. Most info about prospective careers can be found through this webpage: http://www.vcp.monash.edu.au/courses/pharmacy/careers.html

All fields have its own point of interests, good oppportunities for further career advancement as well as economic returns.  The current average salary on registration is $45,000 per year, which I think is pretty reasonable. I think the real dilemma is choosing which field suit you most. One thing I found out that is real good with VCP is that there are a lot of opportunities to explore this. I came here from overseas really with not much of an idea of what to do after graduating. Since I'm here, I had tried my hands on research by applying for a Summer Vacation scholarship, and I will be going to placements in hospitals, community pharmacies and even a rural pharmacy soon. These placements are included in the course. Another important benefit of studying in such an established Uni is that it has strong links with the whole pharmacy community, so that there are always events going on where pharmacists from different areas are invited to give speeches or meet the students in social events. I had been to a few of those and met with numerous pharmacists from different background talking about their experiences. These exposure can really assist in you making a decision on which area to focus on. After 3 years here, I can already see my future planned out and I believe this is a distinct advantage.

I hoped I answered your questions well.

Cheers

Boon Phiaw

Question: Katie

Hi! : ) I would like to ask what are we really doing in the 5 years time? i saw one of the answers below saying that the 3rd and 4th year would not get you paid while you were having the practicals, right? so what was going on in the pre-registration training (5th year)? Would I get paid? and could you tell me more about those? thanks : )

Answer: Tra-My, second year Pharmacy

Hey Katie,

During the four years of the course, students attend lectures, complete weekly labs and sit exams for science based subjects- such as medicinal chemistry, physiology and pharmacology. It is in 3rd year that we have our first practical placement, followed by 3 more placements throughout 4th year. All 4 placements are organised by Monash University, and students are required to work Monday-Friday for 3 weeks each time. The professional placement program enables students to apply knowledge learnt at university in different practical settings (hospital, community and rural) developing our clinical, problem solving and counseling skills. You may even apply to complete one of these placements overseas through the Monash Abroad Program!

In terms of pay, you're right, students do not get paid whilst on these placements. However, there will be a salary for trainee pharmacists during the pre-registration year. Unlike the practical placements, students are responsible for applying to preceptors for a pre-registration position themselves. The aim of this year is to provide supervision and assistance to students as they make the transition to become a qualified, independent pharmacist.

Hope that clears things up!

Tra-My

Question: Chris, year 10 student

Hello, I am in the process of selecting my subjects for VCE, what subjects do you suggest I choose?During your time at Monash, is the particular year levels broken up into smaller groups/classes? And finally, I noticed in the first year information page, that an oral presentation is required with a 10% of the overall mark. How is this oral presentation presented? Thank you

Answer: Gemma, second year Pharmacy

Hi Chris!

I am in the process of selecting my subjects for VCE, what subjects do you suggest I choose?

The pre-requisite subjects for pharmacy are English (any), Mathematical Methods (any) and Chemistry. Biology could also help you out, particularly at the start of first year, but it’s not compulsory. For more information about the pre-requisite subjects, you should look at the following web sites: http://www.vcp.monash.edu.au/courses/pharmacy/index.html for information about the pre-requisites for Pharmacy and http://www.vcp.monash.edu.au/courses/pharmsc/index.html for information about the pre-requisites for Pharmaceutical Science.

During the course, we have all our lectures together, and are broken up into smaller groups for practical classes and tutorials. The groups are different sizes for different subjects. For some subjects we have groups of 30-40 people, yet for others there are only about 15 of us. We generally have two demonstrators for the larger groups and one for the smaller groups.

The oral presentations are done during practical classes. You will be presenting to a group of between 10 and 15 people. When we did it back in first year, it went for 10 minutes, and we were allowed to use notes, overheads (the clear plastic photocopy ones, not PowerPoint) and props. At the end, those watching your presentation are will be encouraged to ask questions. The presentation may sound scary, but it’s not really that bad.

Good luck!

Gemma

Question: Paul, Year 12

Hi, I would like to know during the pharmacy practice work experience program do you use all of the knowledge you have accumulated over the course of your university degree or do you just stick labels on boxes and open a store like 7-11.

Answer: Matt, third year Pharmacy

Hi Paul, You definitely do not just stick labels on boxes during practical placements. We have 4 three-week placements during the course, 2 at a hospital, 1 at a community pharmacy and 1 at a rural pharmacy. A pharmacy student's role in these placements is one of learning off their preceptor on counseling patients using all the knowledge we have gained over our course. Hospital Pharmacy has many different facets, including patient counseling, history-taking, drug charts etc. Community pharmacy is what you make of it. You could go through it just sticking labels on boxes, but if you're enthusiastic and motivated, you can do and learn so much more.

Cheers, Matt

Question: Khoa, Year 12

Hi =D i was just wondering how high the UMAT score had to be to get into pharmacy? Because im really worried about it with the test coming up in like 12 days O_O Oh and which subject is it heavier on? chemistry, biology or a math one? By the way do you guys have any inspiriting words because i really want to get in but sometimes i just feel very well, just not good enough to do so X_X. Thanks everyone =)

Answer: Boon, third year Pharmacy

Hi Khoa,
The course is heavier on Chemistry. For the first year, half of the subjects you have in your course will be on chemistry - and there are a fair number of lab work also on those subjects. Maths is also pretty important and it is integrated into the subjects we have, and the main focus is on calculus and statistics. I belive, biology is not a requirement for entry, nevertheless it is good to have some background knowledge about the human body (physiology), because one of the main theme of pharmacy is to study how the human body works and how does it interact with medications. Just to give you a glimpse on what you will be studying, there are four subjects in first year: pharmacy practice, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry and physiology.

Jessica Dobbie: Student Activities Officer

Hi Khoa, Details of the entry requirments for the Bachelor of Pharmacy can be found at http://www.vcp.monash.edu.au/courses/index.html.

Question: Stephen, year 12

Hi, I'm current year 12 student and want to know more about Bachelor of Pharmacy. I'm not quiet sure about the course and also not sure if Bachelor of Pharmacy is going to be my first preference. Could you please tell me more about what students in Bachelor of Pharmacy study and ENTER score that I have to obtain? Thank you!!

Answer: Tra-My, second year Pharmacy

Hey Stephen,

I'm currently a second year pharmacy student. The Bachelor of Pharmacy is a great course for science lovers like myself as it is very scientifically-based and all about medicines!

As future drug experts, we learn about the chemistry of drugs (medicinal chemistry), the chemistry of our bodies (physiology & biochemistry), and, importantly, how drugs work on our bodies (pharmacology).

Pharmacy practice is also a major subject which runs throughout all 4 years of study. The subject places everything we learn in context of professional practice of pharmacy and emphasises the importance of communication and counselling.

During third and fourth year, we also undertake work placements in hospitals and community pharmacies to develop practical skills in different pharmacy settings.

Pharmacy is a great combination of people, science and healthcare- if this is something you are interested in, really consider putting pharmacy as your number 1 preference.

Hope I've helped!

Tra-M

 Jessica Dobbie Victorian College of Pharmacy

Hi Stephen, Details of the entry requirments for the Bachelor of Pharmacy can be found at http://www.vcp.monash.edu.au/courses/index.html.

Question: Ari, year 11 VCE student.

Hi, What is involved with Pharmacy (i.e what jobs do you do as a pharmacist? It's not just sticking labels on bottles, right? I'm interested in finding cures for diseases. What course is best suited for me?

Regards, Ari

Answer: Alice, third year Medicinal Chemistry

Dear Ari,

If you’re keen to cure disease, then medicinal chemistry (a major area of study in the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science) may be more suited to you. There is an emphasis on research and development of drugs for treating disorders and diseases of the human body. It is a multiple discipline course that focuses on both the human body, methodology for discovering treatments and development of potential pharmaceutical treatments. The course is suitable for many students as many area's and aspects of research are investigated.

Pharmacy aims at preening students for being Pharmacists, though further study and research can also be an option. Pharmacists may practice at hospitals, community pharmacy or continue further studies.

Kind Regards,

Alice 3rd year Medicinal Chemistry

For more info on the Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science visit http://www.vcp.monash.edu.au/courses/index.html

Thanks, Jessica

Question: Natasha, University of Sydney

I was wondering if it's difficult remembering the names of all those drugs and their functions and side effects, etc. ? Also, I've heard that the practical component of pharmacy, namely the compounding or 'making of' drugs, is quite difficult? Is this true? Thanks

Answer: Matthew, third year Pharmacy

I'm a current third year Pharmacy student. You would be amazed at the amount of drug names we are exposed to and need to know about. It would always seem like a daunting task to anyone, which I can't deny. But, the way the course is structured, you learn about all the chemistry and drug action sites of the body in the first 2 years, with not so much emphasis on drugs. You are still exposed to them but not a great deal. It is then in 3rd and 4th year that it all fits in. And remembering them is a lot easier than it seems, as a lot of them have a similar name for the function/action, eg ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole. And by knowing how they act, in most circumstances, you can predict the expected side effects. And with experience and practice, it all becomes easy! The practical side of pharmacy is not that difficult, if you mean our practicals as opposed to the theory we learn. Every prac class, we are given a comprehensive guide as to what to do, and there is also always a demonstrator to help you.

Cheers, Matt

Question: Amy, UCSD

Greetings, I'm currently in my third year in undergraduate and I am for sure going to apply for pharmacy school. I was just curious if you would know any programs out there that would provide international abroad experience to the pharmacy field for undergraduates. I really think this might really confirm my decision to become a future pharmacist. Thanks a lot. I'm not sure if this question was even relevant to ask.

Answer: Matthew Loft, third year Pharmacy Student

Hi Amy,

I'm a current third year Pharmacy student. I have been given the opportunity to go to London for a 3 week placement at the end of the year as part of the Monash Pharmacy Abroad program. There are also about 10 other students in my year level going to places like Kansas, Nottingham and Singapore. From what I have heard everyone loves these experiences and I can't wait! So there is definitely scope for undergraduates to gain experience in Pharmacy internationally!

Cheers, Matt Loft

Answer: Jessica Dobbie Student Activities Officer

Hi Amy,

You might also consider applying for the Mathew Peck Traveling Scholarship and getting involved in student club Remedy.

Regards, Jessica Dobbie

Question: Jun Lynn, Catholic High School, Malaysia

Answer by Tracey, first year Bachelor of Pharmacy

Does VCP have lots of clubs and society? coz i'm looking forward to join lots of activities during my uni years.. and how is the orientation week like?

Hi Jun Lynn, VCP has a number of clubs and societies, such as Wildfire (a club concerned with rural pharmacy issues), Parkville International Students Assocation and more. I'm sure that you will be able to join in to a great number of activities throughout uni at Parkville. We don't perhaps have as many clubs and societies as the bigger unis, but we certainly have enough to keep you very busy, and have fun along the way. Visit the clubs page or the MPSA website for more info.

Orientation week for me was a great way to meet some older students, as you have a mentor for the week who looks after you and is able to answer the thousands of questions that need to be answered for you to get a grip on student life. Because we were in a small group you made friends quickly, and there were fun activities throughout the week. Your orientation week will be much the same, and I'm sure you will enjoy what's in store for you. Thanks for your question, and if you have any others feel free to ask!

Tracey

Question: Michelle, firsth year Curtin University of Technology

Answer: Edmund, third year Pharmacy

Hi. I'm a first year pharmacy student from Curtin and am trying to get a transfer to Monash, where I'll be starting my second year. And id appreciate it if you could enlighten me on the following issues.

1. Is there a 500 hour work scheme in Monash that must be fulfilled as part of the year 2 curriculum?

Hi Michelle!

I'm Edmund and i just completed 3rd year Pharmacy at Monash Uni. And it's great that you want to join our uni!

1. To the best of my knowledge, this year and last year there was no 500 hour work scheme that must be fulfilled as part of the 2nd year curriculum (i.e. there is no compulsory "working in a pharmacy" required to complete 2nd year). However, in 3rd and 4th year there will be placements that students are required to attend in order to graduate (and you don't get paid for it). These contribute to the overall student hours to complete your trainee year (5th year).

2. What's the study in Monash like? Is it a lot of contact time?

The workload in a pharmacy course if a lot (as you would probably know in 1st year). 2nd year though probably has the longest number of contact hours in all 4 years due to the increased number of pracs. In a week, there can be up to 5 pracs (this seldom happens, normally 3-4 a week). Pracs are allocated 3 hrs (some go for the full 3 hrs, on avg they go for 2hrs). So altogether, probably 20 contact hours at uni in a week.

3. Is it easy to get a job while doing a pharmacy course? Is getting a job even recommended?

Is it easy to get a job while doing a pharmacy course? Is getting a job even recommended? There's no official recommendation to get a job but personally, i strongly recommend it. It will compliment your understanding immensely. It's probably more important you get a job in 3rd year than in 2nd year but the earlier the better. And if you do decide to get a job, make sure you're learning stuff because you can end up doing a lot of routine stuff and you'll realise u're not learning anything and then u'll dread work. 4 hrs part-time work should be enough and it's common for lots of students to get 4 hrs part-time work. Others vary from 8-20hrs part-time work a week. But 4 hours should be enough.

How easy it is? That really depends on where you're looking and how lucky you are. Don't be shy to go back tot he same pharmacy 6 months later and re-apply. Internet sites like SEEK can help. Monash also has a site to help look for jobs. The pharmacy guild (at Monash Uni) posts up advertisements for employers looking for pharmacy students (this is very helpful)

4. What's the time table likes? Is it very packed?

Here's what i got from this year's 2nd years
Monday - 1 lecture, 1 prac (sometimes no pracs so just 1 lect for the whole day! - hence a lotta students wag this day) Tuesday - 4 lectures (2 lect, half hr break, 2 lect) Weds - 3-4 lectures Thurs and Fri - 2lects in morning and 2 pracs. You can also see the timetable at www.vcp.monash.edu.au/students/undergrad/timetables/index.html.

5. How is the study environment? Is it very competitive?

Depends on who you hang out with. Most people are aiming to pass rather than to ace the exam so it's not that competitive. There are discussion boards on our sites for people to discuss problems with notes or concepts they don't understand. This is extremely helpful during exam time. It's very co-operative work. If you're a high distinction student, there's some competition but it's healthy competition.

Question: Reef, Jerudong International School, Brunei

Hi. I'm doing UK A Levels where we do practical exams in chemistry : an experiment plan is drawn out for us, we perform it and analyse results while the supervisor walks around and assesses us during this 3 hr exam. He marks us on things like correct use of equipment (e.g. calibrating pH metres and touching liquid surfaces with the tip of the pipette). When you're doing the pharmacy degree do you do prac exams or ongoing coursework? Are you marked on the implementing as well as quality of results and analysis? Are you given plenty of practice runs before assessments? Also, what are the study hours like? How much do you have to put in at home? Is the workload right up there with Medicine? Thanks.

Answer: Tracey, second year Pharmacy

Hi  Reef, Your A-levels sound pretty strict. In Pharmacy we have both practical and ongoing coursework, but the main assessment is in exams.

The focus in our practical exams is on our understanding of the practical. The correct way to do things is tested through written tests.

Because of this we don't really have to practice for the practical exam. We get the 10 weeks of semester to practice our understanding of the techniques in order to get accurate results at the end of each class. The demonstrator assess whether we've satisfactorily completed each practical.

The study hours aren't too bad, in first year I had 24 hours a week, and in second this year I have around 22. After that the number of hours decreases. It is recommended that to do well you should do double this amount of study per week, and I'm sure if you did that you would cruise on through any exam.

I wouldn't say that we do as much work as some of my friends doing medicine, but the courses are somewhat similar in content.

I hope this helps!
Tracey Williams.