학술논문
Nanotechnology Inclusion in Pharmaceutical Sciences Education in Portugal
RESEARCH
RESEARCH
Document Type
Report
Author
Source
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. November 2018, Vol. 82 Issue 9, p1073, 8 p.
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0002-9459
Abstract
INTRODUCTIONThe use of nanotechnology in pharmacy and medicine has been opening new and exciting avenues for the prevention, therapeutics and diagnostics of multiple diseases. (1,2) Contrary to what could be [...]
Objective. To analyze the inclusion of nanotechnology in the curricula of Integrated Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences programs in Portugal.Methods. Information regarding curricula (general notice and curricular unit description, objectives and syllabus) from national institutions was collected from their official websites or requested by e-mail, and analyzed for the occurrence of nanotechnology and related terms. A nanotechnology inclusion in curriculum (NIC) index was developed and used to rank each institution.Results. All institutions with available data (eight out of nine) offered nanotechnology in their curricula. Both basic and applied nanotechnology-related education were offered to students but mostly from a theoretical perspective. The NIC index provided a standardized tool for comparing the institutions' programs and highlighted differences according to the relative importance of the presence of nanotechnology and related terms in curricula.Conclusion. Portuguese institutions offering integrated master's programs in pharmaceutical sciences are including nanotechnology in their curricula. However, its implementation across all institutions remains weak and requires further strengthening to meet the requirements of this emerging field in health care practice.Keywords: curricular unit, nanomedicine, nanoscience, pharmacist, pharmacy education
Objective. To analyze the inclusion of nanotechnology in the curricula of Integrated Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences programs in Portugal.Methods. Information regarding curricula (general notice and curricular unit description, objectives and syllabus) from national institutions was collected from their official websites or requested by e-mail, and analyzed for the occurrence of nanotechnology and related terms. A nanotechnology inclusion in curriculum (NIC) index was developed and used to rank each institution.Results. All institutions with available data (eight out of nine) offered nanotechnology in their curricula. Both basic and applied nanotechnology-related education were offered to students but mostly from a theoretical perspective. The NIC index provided a standardized tool for comparing the institutions' programs and highlighted differences according to the relative importance of the presence of nanotechnology and related terms in curricula.Conclusion. Portuguese institutions offering integrated master's programs in pharmaceutical sciences are including nanotechnology in their curricula. However, its implementation across all institutions remains weak and requires further strengthening to meet the requirements of this emerging field in health care practice.Keywords: curricular unit, nanomedicine, nanoscience, pharmacist, pharmacy education