Fostering autonomous and independent pharmacists
who can contribute to the community
through a unique education system

In the situation where separation of dispensing and prescribing functions has advanced and the sophistication of medical technology has accelerated, prospective pharmacists are required to have not only specialized knowledge and skills but also a rich sense of humanity and communication skills necessary to play an active role in team medical care.

The Faculty of Pharmacy provides a unique and elaborate educational program through which students can receive a broad education, from the basic stage to the clinical stage, in a step-by-step and systematic manner for six years. The aim of the Faculty is to foster autonomous and independent pharmacists who have a rich knowledge of pharmacy, a good education and basic academic skills to take appropriate and prompt action as medical service providers, communication skills, and problem-solving ability as well as who can take the lead in protecting the health of local residents after graduating from the university.

To foster highly specialized pharmacists required in future society, we have adopted an educational method under which students continuously accumulate knowledge for six years. Our distinctive educational system includes “Ignite Education” for 1st- to 3rd-year students, which aims to have students acquire basic skills necessary to become an autonomous and independent medical professional, and the “Pharma Drill” program for repetitive learning focusing on exercises for the national examination for pharmacists.

• （1） Ignite Education Bring out the potential of students and increase their motivation to learn.
• （2）Cram School Help students obtain a basic knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics,
  which form the foundation of pharmacy.
• （3）Pharma Drill Have students engage in repetitive learning focusing on exercises to acquire thorough knowledge of pharmacy.
• （4）Tutor System Support individual students’ learning through individual tuition.

（1）Ignite Education

One of the major characteristics of the Faculty of Pharmacy is Ignite Education

One of the major characteristics of the Faculty of Pharmacy is Ignite Education, which is our unique educational program aimed at building a foundation to become an autonomous and independent specialist in pharmacy by actively igniting the potential of students at the stage of basic education. Students are required to participate in a group activity, in principle, to conduct a survey, join a discussion, create a poster, and give a presentation on a given topic. The purpose of the program is to cultivate the independent learning skills, communication skills, and problem detecting and solving skills of students.

STEP1 (1st year of university)

As first-year education that gives guidance to students on the way they shift from passive students to active learners, the program aims to have students acquire learning techniques and obtain a basic common sense and a desirable attitude that are required of university students.

STEP2 (2nd year of university)

Students repeat questions and answers in a small group to organize their knowledge and enrich their understanding. They are required to acquire skills to think rationally.

STEP3 (3rd year of university)

Students engage in practical activities in which they try to resolve various issues in the field of pharmacy, which are presented by instructors, through team activities.

Advanced - Developed stage - (4th year of university)

Students engage in group learning on pharmaceutical issues, using various skills and knowledge acquired in Steps 1 to 3, and cultivate problem-solving ability useful in actual medical settings while confirming what they have thus far leaned.

（2） Cram School

A cram school refers to an on-campus cram school aimed at reinforcing students’ basic academic skills of chemistry, physics, and mathematics, which are essential for leaning in the Faculty of Pharmacy. A four-hour class is offered once a week in the first semester of the first year of university, inviting lecturers in the relevant subject areas from outside the university. Classes are offered with a focus on a review of what students learned in high school. Since the classes are easily understandable, even students from the humanities can participate in the classes without lagging behind students from the science field.

（3）Pharma Drill

The terms of “pharma” and “drill” refer to pharmacy and repetitive learning, respectively. This is our unique program focusing on exercises to help students solidify their knowledge of pharmacy acquired in classes. Second-year to sixth-year students are required to engage in repetitive learning toward passing the national examination for pharmacists. They are also required to regularly take a nationwide mock examination to confirm learning effects while always being conscious of national-level academic assessment.

（4）Tutor System

One instructor (tutor) takes care of 8 to 15 students and provides a variety of support, including giving academic advice according to the learning goals of individual students and providing consultation on their personal problems. This system features detailed assistance provided for daily classes as well as all aspects of student life.

Curriculum Flow for Six Years