Written by Shristi N
The transition to university study can feel like a rollercoaster, exciting but overwhelming. If you are studying pharmacy, you aren’t just learning facts; you are building a foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills that will set you up to change patients’ lives. To help you thrive, here are 5 study tips hot off the press from our pharmacy lecturers.
1 – Collaborate with your peers, NOT compete – Head of Pharmacy/Associate Professor in Pharmacy, Mr Mohmad Farooq Shaikh
Forming study groups is not about exchanging notes, but about active learning. Teach each other concepts, question each other, and complete case studies together. You’ll be surprised by the various perspectives of your peers. Practice now while you’re in university, as pharmacy is all about collaboration.
2 – Break the subject silos into an interconnected subject web – Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Dr Heather Robinson
Holistic, patient-centred healthcare starts in university. Don’t silo your subjects but connect them in the interrelated web of subjects that pharmacy truly is. If you start thinking like the future pharmacist you are going to be, you’d be analysing every piece of information with an evidence-based approach. For example, when learning about a dosage form, consider researching the example drug’s mechanism, its chemical structure, and its pharmacology, as well as what these factors mean for the patient.
3 – The Power of Nature – Lecturer in Pharmacy, Mrs Jaimy Jose
Not all study breaks are created equal. It’s important to step away and take a break, especially by going offline and spending time in nature. While studying, we absorb a lot of information, and using our phones or social media during a break doesn’t truly allow us to reset; we are still processing information. Instead, consider taking a walk outside to refresh your mind. Breathe in some fresh air and focus on what really matters. This simple act serves as a free and underrated reset button in our online-driven world.
4 – Application over Theory – Senior Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry, Dr Christopher J Parkinson
Memorising your lecture notes will only get you so far. The key to any exam is applying the concept in question. Why is it important? What does this mean for the patient? When would I use this formula or this drug over that drug? Turn every piece of information into a potential case study.
5 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a starting point, NOT a reference – Lecturer in Pharmacology, Dr Gregg Maynard
AI is having its moment, but with considerable uncertainty surrounding its accuracy, it is essential to approach AI use as a starting point or conversation starter, rather than a definitive reference. It can be a valuable study tool, but it is up to you to verify the information through credible references, such as textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, or health guidelines.
Having these 5 study tips in your pocket will not only set you up to become the future pharmacist you have always dreamed of becoming but will also make you confident in yourself and your capabilities while on the university rollercoaster.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
