Sustainability in the pharmacy and pharmaceutical science curriculum

Stefan G. Huth; Jim Fang; Catherine A. Forrester; Richard A. Hughes; Lauren T. May; Susan J. van de Meene

Authors

Stefan G. Huth Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Jim Fang Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
Catherine A. Forrester Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Richard A. Hughes Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Lauren T. May Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
Susan J. van de Meene Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia

Keywords:

sustainability, pharmaceutical science, pharmacy, curriculum

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Sustainability is fast becoming a significant economic factor for the pharmaceutical industry and therefore important for future professionals in the sector. However, sustainability often plays only a marginal role in pharmaceutical science and pharmacy degrees.

Sustainability in the pharmaceutical sector encompasses a wide range of environmental and socio-economic issues that require contributions from multiple science disciplines, complicating its introduction into curricula.

PLAN

This curriculum initiative aims to identify suitable frameworks for embedding sustainability concepts and practices into the pharmaceutical science and pharmacy degrees at Monash University.

We report here on preliminary insights from curriculum mapping, an analysis of literature frameworks and an evaluation of ‘pilot’ teaching activities addressing sustainability. Student perspectives will be investigated through assessment data and survey results (human ethics approval pending).

ACTION AND EVALUATION

Sustainability-focused teaching activities have recently been incorporated into the Monash University pharmaceutical science and pharmacy degrees. These activities draw on a range of frameworks and standards, including the UN sustainable development goals (United Nations, n.d.) and the ESG (environment, social, governance) framework.

The AMEE consensus statement learning outcomes (Shaw et al., 2021) have been used for mapping sustainability content in the Monash Pharmacy degree.

REFERENCES

Shaw, E., Walpole, S., McLean, M., Alvarez-Nieto, C., Barna, S. et al. (2021) AMEE Consensus Statement: Planetary health and education for sustainable healthcare. Medical Teacher 43(3), 272-286, DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2020.1860207

United Nations (n.d.), Sustainable development goals. Retrieved May 22, 2023 from https://sdgs.un.org/goals