Aston University first in UK to subscribe to Pharmacy Knowledge

Aston University has become the first university in the UK to fully adopt Pharmacy Knowledge, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS’s) digital learning platform for pharmacy schools.

Pharmacy Knowledge features the full content from 58 core pharmacy textbooks alongside new, specially commissioned learning material. It enables tutors and students to create bespoke reading lists tailored to their institution’s MPharm course design, and tutors can add additional information to supplement students’ learning and monitor progress in real time.

Pharmacy schools have moved much of their teaching online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Clare Langman, information specialist for pharmacy at Aston University, said that the digital learning platform will be of particular benefit for students at this time.

“Aston has been quick to adapt to the demands of teaching during a pandemic, and we are confident that our students will not be allowed to fall behind,” said Langman.

“We are delighted to be the first university in the UK to roll out Pharmacy Knowledge across the whole pharmacy school, as we believe it will ensure that our students have the best possible learning experience during the pandemic and beyond.”

Pharmacy Knowledge was trialled across the UK and Ireland between March and September 2020, with over 1,000 students and tutors taking part.

Farahin Usop, a pharmacy student at University College London who took part in the trial, said that “as someone slowly adopting a paperless lifestyle, Pharmacy Knowledge is an unparalleled resource and an innovative way to learn from PharmPress publications”.

“Going digital is a no-brainer when it comes to removing barriers to effective revision, and it is a huge bonus not having to lug heavy books across London when it’s all at your fingertips.”

Tony Scully, publisher of Pharmaceutical Journal Publications, said that Pharmacy Knowledge “has been specifically designed to support blended learning programmes, and enables pharmacy schools to quickly and efficiently set up a system to support students learning remotely and ensure that they have a personalised experience that aligns with their career goals”.

For more information about Pharmacy Knowledge, contact Gary Cumber at gary.cumber@rpharms.com.