New pharmacy labs declared open

Students beginning a brand new Pharmacy course at the University of Birmingham had the chance to hear one of the most eminent pharmacy professors in the country speak when he officially opened a new suite of laboratories yesterday (Wednesday).

The four-year MPharm course is a new addition to the University’s course offering for this year, with students arriving this week.

The new teaching laboratories, based in the University’s Robert Aitken building, have been created exclusively for the Pharmacy students.

The official opening was marked with a lecture by Professor Alexander (Sandy) Florence, Emeritus Professor and ex-Dean at the School of Pharmacy, University College London, on The Impact of Pharmaceutical Science on Patient Care.

The new course complements the postgraduate DPharm which was set up in 2011, and the University’s existing  programmes across the College of Medical and Dental Sciences.

Professor John Marriott, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy said: “The new course has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the General Pharmaceutical Council and follows the principles of the Department of Health’s Medical Education England’s, Modernising Pharmacy Careers which proposes a new approach to pharmacist undergraduate education and pre-registration training. 

“As a result the MPharm course will be more clinical and patient focused, while still retaining its scientific integrity.

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Florence here today to deliver the 2013 Pharmacy Lecture and open our new laboratories.” 

Photo caption: University of Birmingham Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Medical and Dental Sciences Prof Eric Jenkinson, Prof Sandy Florence and course lead Prof John Marriott in the new laboratory.

For more information, contact Kara Bradley in the University press office on  0121 414 5134.