National Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology
This course develops your ability to understand pharmaceutical products and support safe technical pharmacy work within an authorised scope.
About the course
This course develops your ability to understand pharmaceutical products and support safe technical pharmacy work within an authorised scope. Learning combines technical study with practical tasks relevant to Southern African organisations and communities.
What you'll learn
Explain pharmaceutical preparation, storage and quality requirements.
Carry out supervised technical calculations and product-handling tasks.
Keep accurate records and recognise situations requiring a pharmacist's decision.
Requirements
Prepare evidence of relevant certificate study or comparable prior learning for the provider's admission review. Refresh the subject knowledge, calculations and practical skills needed for diploma work. Plan access to the supervised workplace, laboratory or project resources required by the course.
Course content
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
3 learning stages 24 subjects
1Specialist subjects16 subjects
- Pharmaceutics 1
- Pharmacology 1
- Pharmaceutics 2
- Physical And Inorganic Chemistry
- Natural Medicines Formulation
- Pharmacy Regulations
- Analytical Chemistry
- Instrumental Analysis
- Infectious Diseases Management
- Research Methods And Statistics
- Dispensing Practice
- Organic Chemistry
- Human Anatomy And Physiology
- Supply Chain Management
- Pharmacology 2
- Pharmacy Practise
2Foundations and shared practice5 subjects
3Practical integration3 subjects
Subjects in this programme
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
24 subjects are listed below with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.
Specialist subjects
- Pharmaceutics 1. Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
- Pharmacology 1. Explore the relationship between medicines, biological effects and safe professional practice. Practice centres on a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios, drawing on medicine actions and body responses and absorption, distribution and elimination concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
- Pharmaceutics 2. Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
- Physical And Inorganic Chemistry. Explore the identification and interpretation of material properties through scientific analysis. Practice centres on a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio, drawing on material composition and chemical relationships and units, solutions and quantitative reasoning. You will record findings, justify decisions and check sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
- Natural Medicines Formulation. Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
- Pharmacy Regulations. Explore the relationship between medicines, biological effects and safe professional practice. Practice centres on a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios, drawing on medicine actions and body responses and absorption, distribution and elimination concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
- Analytical Chemistry. Explore the identification and interpretation of material properties through scientific analysis. Practice centres on a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio, drawing on material composition and chemical relationships and units, solutions and quantitative reasoning. You will record findings, justify decisions and check sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
- Instrumental Analysis. Explore the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
- Infectious Diseases Management. Explore the identification and prevention of health risks affecting populations. Practice centres on a community-health assessment and prevention plan using anonymised data, drawing on population health and determinants and disease occurrence and surveillance information. You will record findings, justify decisions and check indicator definitions, data limitations and feasibility of the proposed response.
- Research Methods And Statistics. Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
- Dispensing Practice. Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
- Organic Chemistry. Explore the identification and interpretation of material properties through scientific analysis. Practice centres on a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio, drawing on material composition and chemical relationships and units, solutions and quantitative reasoning. You will record findings, justify decisions and check sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
- Human Anatomy And Physiology. Explore the structure and function of living systems relevant to technical or care work. Practice centres on a labelled system explanation and technical application case, drawing on cells, tissues and organisational levels and major body systems and their relationships. You will record findings, justify decisions and check anatomical accuracy, correct terminology and appropriate interpretation.
- Supply Chain Management. Explore the movement of goods or people through coordinated operational decisions. Practice centres on a route, schedule and movement-control case file, drawing on service requirements and movement planning and route and mode choices. You will record findings, justify decisions and check capacity, documentation and the effect of delays on service commitments.
- Pharmacology 2. Explore the relationship between medicines, biological effects and safe professional practice. Practice centres on a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios, drawing on medicine actions and body responses and absorption, distribution and elimination concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
- Pharmacy Practise. Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Foundations and shared practice
- Communications And Computer Applications In Pharmacy. Explore the use of digital tools to organise information and produce reliable work records. Practice centres on a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files, drawing on files, folders, naming and version control and word-processing layouts and structured documents. You will record findings, justify decisions and check formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
- Pharmaceutical Calculations. Explore mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
- National Studies. Explore the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
- Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Maintenance. Explore the prevention of harm and the control of quality during vocational work. Practice centres on a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan, drawing on hazard identification and exposure routes and risk assessment and control hierarchy. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Development. Explore the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Practical integration
- Project. Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving pharmaceutics 1, pharmacology 1. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
- On The Job Education And Training. Apply your learning through agreed duties in a supervised workplace. You will connect pharmaceutics 1, pharmacology 1 with routine service or production responsibilities. Keep evidence of preparation, work completed and feedback. Review your progress with the supervisor and explain how your decisions affect quality, safety and other people.
- Skills Proficiency. Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate pharmaceutics 1, pharmacology 1 within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Assessment and practical learning
- Suggested learning checks: analyse applied problems and justify your decisions using relevant evidence.
- Suggested practical assessment: complete a supervised project or portfolio with a clear method, results and evaluation.
- Present and defend your recommendations, then revise the work in response to assessor feedback.
Practical application
Prepare a supervised pharmacy-technology portfolio using training materials, stock records, calculations and quality checks.
Subject descriptions
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Specialist subjects
Pharmaceutics 1
Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how dosage-form characteristics affect preparation and handling.
- Complete a supervised calculation or product-quality exercise.
- Maintain a preparation or handling record and identify issues for referral.
Main topics
- Dosage forms and product characteristics
- Formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts
- Preparation records and calculations
- Storage, packaging and labelling
- Quality checks and error prevention
- Professional responsibilities and referral
Practical task
For Pharmaceutics 1, prepare a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Pharmacology 1
Explore the relationship between medicines, biological effects and safe professional practice. Practice centres on a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios, drawing on medicine actions and body responses and absorption, distribution and elimination concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
Learning outcomes
- Explain a medicine-effect relationship at the level of the course.
- Interpret a fictional medicine-information case using authoritative references.
- Identify information needing professional review and document the referral.
Main topics
- Medicine actions and body responses
- Absorption, distribution and elimination concepts
- Therapeutic classes and intended effects
- Adverse effects, interactions and contraindication concepts
- Medicine information and reporting
- Professional scope, records and referral
Practical task
For Pharmacology 1, prepare a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Pharmaceutics 2
Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how dosage-form characteristics affect preparation and handling.
- Complete a supervised calculation or product-quality exercise.
- Maintain a preparation or handling record and identify issues for referral.
Main topics
- Dosage forms and product characteristics
- Formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts
- Preparation records and calculations
- Storage, packaging and labelling
- Quality checks and error prevention
- Professional responsibilities and referral
Practical task
For Pharmaceutics 2, prepare a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Physical And Inorganic Chemistry
Explore the identification and interpretation of material properties through scientific analysis. Practice centres on a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio, drawing on material composition and chemical relationships and units, solutions and quantitative reasoning. You will record findings, justify decisions and check sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
Learning outcomes
- Prepare a scientific analysis from a defined sample question.
- Interpret results using calculations and suitable quality evidence.
- Report findings with units, uncertainty and handling records.
Main topics
- Material composition and chemical relationships
- Units, solutions and quantitative reasoning
- Sampling, preparation and contamination control
- Analytical methods and instrument principles
- Results, uncertainty and quality checks
- Chemical safety, waste and reporting
Practical task
For Physical And Inorganic Chemistry, prepare a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Natural Medicines Formulation
Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how dosage-form characteristics affect preparation and handling.
- Complete a supervised calculation or product-quality exercise.
- Maintain a preparation or handling record and identify issues for referral.
Main topics
- Dosage forms and product characteristics
- Formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts
- Preparation records and calculations
- Storage, packaging and labelling
- Quality checks and error prevention
- Professional responsibilities and referral
Practical task
For Natural Medicines Formulation, prepare a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Pharmacy Regulations
Explore the relationship between medicines, biological effects and safe professional practice. Practice centres on a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios, drawing on medicine actions and body responses and absorption, distribution and elimination concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
Learning outcomes
- Explain a medicine-effect relationship at the level of the course.
- Interpret a fictional medicine-information case using authoritative references.
- Identify information needing professional review and document the referral.
Main topics
- Medicine actions and body responses
- Absorption, distribution and elimination concepts
- Therapeutic classes and intended effects
- Adverse effects, interactions and contraindication concepts
- Medicine information and reporting
- Professional scope, records and referral
Practical task
For Pharmacy Regulations, prepare a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Analytical Chemistry
Explore the identification and interpretation of material properties through scientific analysis. Practice centres on a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio, drawing on material composition and chemical relationships and units, solutions and quantitative reasoning. You will record findings, justify decisions and check sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
Learning outcomes
- Prepare a scientific analysis from a defined sample question.
- Interpret results using calculations and suitable quality evidence.
- Report findings with units, uncertainty and handling records.
Main topics
- Material composition and chemical relationships
- Units, solutions and quantitative reasoning
- Sampling, preparation and contamination control
- Analytical methods and instrument principles
- Results, uncertainty and quality checks
- Chemical safety, waste and reporting
Practical task
For Analytical Chemistry, prepare a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Instrumental Analysis
Explore the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Learning outcomes
- Select a measurement or control approach for a defined variable.
- Configure or analyse a supervised training loop.
- Evaluate response and document a justified adjustment.
Main topics
- Measured variables and sensor characteristics
- Signal conditioning and data acquisition
- Calibration, uncertainty and records
- Feedback, set points and response
- Controllers, interfaces and communication
- Testing, faults and operating limits
Practical task
For Instrumental Analysis, prepare a measurement or control-loop investigation in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Infectious Diseases Management
Explore the identification and prevention of health risks affecting populations. Practice centres on a community-health assessment and prevention plan using anonymised data, drawing on population health and determinants and disease occurrence and surveillance information. You will record findings, justify decisions and check indicator definitions, data limitations and feasibility of the proposed response.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret a community-health pattern using suitable evidence.
- Plan a proportionate prevention or service response.
- Evaluate results using defined indicators and stated limitations.
Main topics
- Population health and determinants
- Disease occurrence and surveillance information
- Exposure routes and prevention measures
- Community needs and service access
- Programme planning and evaluation
- Ethics, confidentiality and risk communication
Practical task
For Infectious Diseases Management, prepare a community-health assessment and prevention plan using anonymised data in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of indicator definitions, data limitations and feasibility of the proposed response.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Research Methods And Statistics
Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Formulate a question suited to the available evidence and resources.
- Collect and analyse information using a documented method.
- Present conclusions supported by findings and stated limitations.
Main topics
- Problem definition and research questions
- Finding and evaluating literature
- Sampling and data-collection choices
- Consent, confidentiality and research integrity
- Organising and analysing evidence
- Interpreting results and reporting limitations
Practical task
For Research Methods And Statistics, prepare a research proposal and small investigation in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Dispensing Practice
Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how dosage-form characteristics affect preparation and handling.
- Complete a supervised calculation or product-quality exercise.
- Maintain a preparation or handling record and identify issues for referral.
Main topics
- Dosage forms and product characteristics
- Formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts
- Preparation records and calculations
- Storage, packaging and labelling
- Quality checks and error prevention
- Professional responsibilities and referral
Practical task
For Dispensing Practice, prepare a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Assessment
Direct observation of the task, the completed output and oral explanation of the method. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Organic Chemistry
Explore the identification and interpretation of material properties through scientific analysis. Practice centres on a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio, drawing on material composition and chemical relationships and units, solutions and quantitative reasoning. You will record findings, justify decisions and check sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
Learning outcomes
- Prepare a scientific analysis from a defined sample question.
- Interpret results using calculations and suitable quality evidence.
- Report findings with units, uncertainty and handling records.
Main topics
- Material composition and chemical relationships
- Units, solutions and quantitative reasoning
- Sampling, preparation and contamination control
- Analytical methods and instrument principles
- Results, uncertainty and quality checks
- Chemical safety, waste and reporting
Practical task
For Organic Chemistry, prepare a supervised sample-analysis and results portfolio in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of sample integrity, calculations, quality controls and the limits of interpretation.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Human Anatomy And Physiology
Explore the structure and function of living systems relevant to technical or care work. Practice centres on a labelled system explanation and technical application case, drawing on cells, tissues and organisational levels and major body systems and their relationships. You will record findings, justify decisions and check anatomical accuracy, correct terminology and appropriate interpretation.
Learning outcomes
- Describe a body structure and explain its normal function.
- Relate a measurement or device purpose to the relevant system.
- Communicate observations accurately using appropriate terminology.
Main topics
- Cells, tissues and organisational levels
- Major body systems and their relationships
- Normal function and physiological regulation
- Structure-function links in technical applications
- Variation, measurement and interpretation
- Terminology, communication and scope of practice
Practical task
For Human Anatomy And Physiology, prepare a labelled system explanation and technical application case in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of anatomical accuracy, correct terminology and appropriate interpretation.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Supply Chain Management
Explore the movement of goods or people through coordinated operational decisions. Practice centres on a route, schedule and movement-control case file, drawing on service requirements and movement planning and route and mode choices. You will record findings, justify decisions and check capacity, documentation and the effect of delays on service commitments.
Learning outcomes
- Plan a movement around the stated service constraints.
- Prepare records connecting the movement stages.
- Evaluate cost and service performance after a disruption.
Main topics
- Service requirements and movement planning
- Route and mode choices
- Capacity, schedules and resource allocation
- Handling and movement documentation
- Tracking, delays and exception response
- Cost, service reliability and performance measures
Practical task
For Supply Chain Management, prepare a route, schedule and movement-control case file in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of capacity, documentation and the effect of delays on service commitments.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Pharmacology 2
Explore the relationship between medicines, biological effects and safe professional practice. Practice centres on a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios, drawing on medicine actions and body responses and absorption, distribution and elimination concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
Learning outcomes
- Explain a medicine-effect relationship at the level of the course.
- Interpret a fictional medicine-information case using authoritative references.
- Identify information needing professional review and document the referral.
Main topics
- Medicine actions and body responses
- Absorption, distribution and elimination concepts
- Therapeutic classes and intended effects
- Adverse effects, interactions and contraindication concepts
- Medicine information and reporting
- Professional scope, records and referral
Practical task
For Pharmacology 2, prepare a medicine-information case portfolio using fictional scenarios in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of correct terminology, reliable evidence and recognition of professional limits.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Pharmacy Practise
Explore the preparation, handling and quality of pharmaceutical products within a supervised technical role. Practice centres on a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio, drawing on dosage forms and product characteristics and formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how dosage-form characteristics affect preparation and handling.
- Complete a supervised calculation or product-quality exercise.
- Maintain a preparation or handling record and identify issues for referral.
Main topics
- Dosage forms and product characteristics
- Formulation ingredients and compatibility concepts
- Preparation records and calculations
- Storage, packaging and labelling
- Quality checks and error prevention
- Professional responsibilities and referral
Practical task
For Pharmacy Practise, prepare a simulated preparation, labelling and quality-check portfolio in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calculation accuracy, product identity and prevention of handling errors.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Foundations and shared practice
Communications And Computer Applications In Pharmacy
Explore the use of digital tools to organise information and produce reliable work records. Practice centres on a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files, drawing on files, folders, naming and version control and word-processing layouts and structured documents. You will record findings, justify decisions and check formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
Learning outcomes
- Create and organise files for a defined work task.
- Use a spreadsheet or document tool to process information accurately.
- Check outputs and protect the underlying information.
Main topics
- Files, folders, naming and version control
- Word-processing layouts and structured documents
- Spreadsheet calculations and charts
- Presentation of findings and supporting evidence
- Data entry, validation and checking
- Access controls, backup and responsible information use
Practical task
For Communications And Computer Applications In Pharmacy, prepare a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Pharmaceutical Calculations
Explore mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Learning outcomes
- Select a mathematical method suited to a stated problem.
- Show calculations with consistent units and clear assumptions.
- Check the result against an independent estimate or known constraint.
Main topics
- Units, ratios and numerical accuracy
- Algebraic relationships and equations
- Graphs, tables and interpretation
- Geometry and measurement applications
- Descriptive statistics and variation
- Model assumptions, checking and technical reporting
Practical task
For Pharmaceutical Calculations, prepare a worked problem portfolio using occupational data in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
National Studies
Explore the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the role of public institutions in a community issue.
- Compare perspectives using identifiable evidence.
- Prepare a reasoned civic or workplace contribution.
Main topics
- Constitutional principles and public institutions
- Citizenship and civic responsibilities
- Zimbabwean history and national development
- Cultural diversity and community participation
- Work, enterprise and public services
- Evidence, public debate and responsible participation
Practical task
For National Studies, prepare a local public-service case review in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Maintenance
Explore the prevention of harm and the control of quality during vocational work. Practice centres on a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan, drawing on hazard identification and exposure routes and risk assessment and control hierarchy. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.
Learning outcomes
- Identify hazards and select controls appropriate to the task.
- Follow an agreed safe-work and quality-check procedure.
- Record an incident or defect and recommend corrective action.
Main topics
- Hazard identification and exposure routes
- Risk assessment and control hierarchy
- Safe work preparation and protective equipment
- Environmental impacts and waste handling
- Incident reporting and emergency communication
- Inspection records and corrective action
Practical task
For Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Maintenance, prepare a task risk assessment, inspection record and improvement plan in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether controls address the identified hazard rather than relying on labels alone.
Assessment
Direct observation of the task, the completed output and oral explanation of the method. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development
Explore the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Learning outcomes
- Define a customer need and a practical enterprise response.
- Estimate resources, costs and cash requirements.
- Revise a business proposal using evidence from a small market test.
Main topics
- Customer problems and enterprise opportunities
- Products, services and value propositions
- Startup resources and operating costs
- Pricing, cash flow and basic records
- Market testing and customer feedback
- Business risks, responsibilities and growth choices
Practical task
For Entrepreneurial Skills Development, prepare a small-enterprise plan and test record in a pharmaceutical technology setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Practical integration
Project
Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving pharmaceutics 1, pharmacology 1. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
Learning outcomes
- Define a feasible project with clear success criteria.
- Develop and evaluate a response using technical evidence.
- Present the completed project and defend its conclusions.
Main topics
- Project problem, purpose and scope
- Review of relevant technical evidence
- Plan, resources and milestones
- Implementation or structured investigation
- Testing, interpretation and limitations
- Final report, demonstration and reflection
Practical task
Prepare a supervised pharmacy-technology portfolio using training materials, stock records, calculations and quality checks.
Assessment
An approved brief, progress evidence, the final output and an individual presentation are assessed against the stated project criteria.
On The Job Education And Training
Apply your learning through agreed duties in a supervised workplace. You will connect pharmaceutics 1, pharmacology 1 with routine service or production responsibilities. Keep evidence of preparation, work completed and feedback. Review your progress with the supervisor and explain how your decisions affect quality, safety and other people.
Learning outcomes
- Complete agreed duties within the supervised role.
- Maintain a traceable record of work and feedback.
- Evaluate progress and identify specific development needs.
Main topics
- Workplace induction and agreed duties
- Applying technical knowledge to real work
- Work records and evidence of contribution
- Team communication and professional conduct
- Supervisor feedback and skills development
- Reflective review and future learning priorities
Practical task
Complete supervised duties linked to National Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology. Keep a logbook, samples of permitted work and supervisor feedback.
Assessment
Assessment uses the agreed work plan, supervisor observation, work evidence and an individual reflective discussion.
Skills Proficiency
Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate pharmaceutics 1, pharmacology 1 within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Learning outcomes
- Plan and complete an integrated task to agreed criteria.
- Demonstrate safe and consistent practical performance.
- Explain the result and correct identified weaknesses.
Main topics
- Interpreting an integrated work brief
- Preparing tools, information and resources
- Demonstrating the required technical skills
- Checking output against agreed criteria
- Responding to faults and assessor feedback
- Presenting evidence and explaining decisions
Practical task
Prepare a supervised pharmacy-technology portfolio using training materials, stock records, calculations and quality checks.
Assessment
Direct observation, the completed output, a quality-check record and oral questions provide the evidence for this subject.
Instructors
