PTEC 122 Pharmacy Calculations

School of Health and Human Services

PTEC 122 Pharmacy Calculations covers the mathematical skills required in the practice of pharmacy. Students examine measurement systems, decimals, fractions, and ratio and proportion concepts. The metric system, in keeping with health care standards in Canada, is a main focus of the course. The interpretation of numerals, symbols and Latin abbreviations used in the pharmacy is a focus within all course assignments and exams. Exploration of dilution and concentration, percentage strength, and compounding calculations prepare students for hands on lab classes in dispensing, compounding and sterile product preparation. Emphasis is placed on completing all calculations with 100% accuracy in preparation for application and testing in the lab classes and practicum.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 courses all with a minimum grade of 80%

Corequisite: PTEC 126, PTEC 123

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks11
Total Credits
Total Hours120
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture~10.9

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Apply mathematical concepts to solve pharmaceutical calculations, including common and decimal fraction conversion and manipulation of ratios and percentages
  2. Interpret numerals, symbols, measurement systems and Latin abbreviations related to pharmaceutical calculations
  3. Convert between various measurement systems used in pharmacy practice
  4. Interpret and apply common drug strength expressions used for pharmacy calculations
  5. Calculate drug dosages based on prescription and patient parameters
  6. Calculate quantities and volumes needed to prepare sterile and non-sterile medications

Teaching and Learning Approach

Students apply pharmaceutical calculation concepts through practice worksheets and 100% accuracy quizzes to self-assess knowledge gained through weekly course resources and learning activities. This course is 100% online and is 100% asynchronous. I use a variety of learning-centered teaching methods that involve reading material, videos, assignments, 100% accuracy quizzes, midterm and final exams. Students who may be struggling or require additional learning supports are encouraged to contact the Accessibility department at Selkirk College. To make an appointment call 1 (888) 953-1133 or email the Welcome

Learning Resources

Required: th McKennon, S.A. (2017). Pharmacy calculations for technicians (7 edition). St. Paul MN: Paradigm Publishing.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Foundational math review 2. The metric system, apothecary system 3. Imperial fluid system, conversion between systems 4. Preparation strengths 5. Calculations for prescriptions, BSA, calculations for compounding 6. Midterm Exam 7. Concentrations and dilutions 8. Moles, Millimoles, MilliEquivalents 9. Specific gravity, alligations, business math basics 10. Reconstitution of drugs, parenteral drugs 11. Final Exam

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Assignment 1 to 51 -630%
100% Accuracy Assignment1 -610%
Midterm1,2,3,4,5, & 630%
Final Exam1 - 630%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Nursing Unit Clerk, Medical Transcription, Editing and Documentation, and Pharmacy Technician Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
96 - 100 A+ 4.33
92-95 A 4.00
89-91 B+ 3.33
86-88 B 3.00
83-85 C+ 2.33
80-82 C 2.00
79 & lower F 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.