Curriculum reform in Finnish pharmacy education.
OBJECTIVE
To improve pharmacy education through integrating theory and practice, coherent constructively aligned course entities, and enhanced deep-level learning.


METHODS
The reform was conducted collaboratively with faculty and staff members, students, and stakeholders in pharmacy. The curriculum, syllabus, and teaching methods were assessed through evaluations and research, conducting core content analyses, and measuring the workload of pharmacy education courses. The new curriculum, launched in August 2005, consists of 6 strands, comprised of different courses which run through the entire program.


RESULTS
Three years after the introduction of the reformed curriculum, the results of the reform are being evaluated. Ongoing assessments of teaching and learning will reveal how the education at the faculty level has developed since the reform. These assessment procedures are an integral part of the faculty's quality assurance program.


CONCLUSIONS
The integration of practical training and theoretical studies was improved with personal study plans introduced to enhance students' learning.
Katajavuori
Nina
N
University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Finland. nina.katajavuori@helsinki.fi
Hakkarainen
Katja
K
Kuosa
Tiina
T
Airaksinen
Marja
M
Hirvonen
Jouni
J
Holm
Yvonne
Y
D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005178:Faculty / Q000458:organization & administration; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D013663:Teaching / Q000458:organization & administration; D016526:Workload