PhAST Track Mathematics Module: Start Here

"Calculations are taught in just about every year of your degree, so getting a good understanding of them in first year can be really useful! I was on placement once where I had to use calculation skills that had been taught in first year, and out of 5 staff members who tried to do the calculation, only the pharmacist and I did it correctly.  So it's good to remember that not everyone can do it. You need to understand calculations, as you never know when they may be needed!"

Tom Lehrer is a mathematician and song writer who wrote the lyrics to this song in the 1960's. This kind of math isn't "new" anymore, but can you imagine a maths teacher explaining how to subtract using this explanation?

Pharmaceutical calculations aren't difficult.

BUT if your basic maths knowledge isn’t strong, you may have trouble.

There are FOUR sections to this module:

(1)    Key Maths

(2)    Moles and Molecular Weight

(3)    Pharmaceutical Calculations

(4)    Ratios & Proportions
 

This module also highlights the most common sources of error – watch out for the  symbol

First, let’s review those basic maths concepts (that you learnt at highschool). A solid grounding in these concepts will help you attack and solve pharmaceutical calculations. Click on the "Key Maths" tab at the top and work through the subtabs. Let's get started!

"There are only a few calculations that you will learn in the BPharm, however these calculations are important and you will need them on a day-to-day basis - especially in clinical pharmacy."