ACPHS General Education

ACPH General Education

The General Education program at ACPHS supports the mission of the College to instill values, attitudes and skills that enable lifelong intellectual, cultural, personal and professional growth. Courses offered in the first two years expand the student’s historical, cultural, literary, scientific and philosophical perspectives. These courses also foster the critical assessment of ethical and humanistic values, and emphasize the communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare the student to advance in their professional discipline and cultural competency. Through its blend of required and elective courses, the College strives to expose students to the complexities of the world and prepare them to become valuable participants.  The College’s adaptations of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education’s educational outcomes are:

ABILITY-BASED OUTCOMES

THINKING ABILITIES:  Think critically, solve complex problems and make informed, rational, responsible decisions within scientific, social, cultural, legal, clinical and ethical contexts.

  • Identify, retrieve, understand, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information needed to make informed, rational, responsible and ethical decisions.
  • Solve complex problems that require an integration of one’s ideas and values within a context of scientific, social, cultural, legal, clinical and ethical issues.
  • Display habits, attitudes and values associated with mature critical thinking.

COMMUNICATION ABILITIES:  Communicate clearly, accurately and persuasively with various audiences using a variety of methods and media.

  • Read and listen effectively.
  • Effectively communicate in speaking and writing, choosing strategies and media that are appropriate to the purpose of the interaction and to the ideas, values and background of the audience.

RESPONSIBLE USE OF VALUES AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES:  Systematically make and defend rational, ethical decisions regarding potentially complex personal, societal and professional situations within a context of personal and professional values.

SOCIAL AWARENESS, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CITIZENSHIP

  • Demonstrate sensitivity and tolerance of cultural diversity in all interactions and settings.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the obligation to participate in efforts to help individuals and to improve society and the health care system.

SELF-LEARNING ABILITIES AND HABITS:  Self-assess learning needs and design, implement and evaluate strategies to promote intellectual growth and continued professional competence.

  • Establish personal and professional learning goals and determine areas of deficiency and/or interest.
  • In order to achieve established learning goals, engage in learning activities on an ongoing basis for personal or professional development based on self-determined areas of deficiency and/or interest.

SOCIAL INTERACTION:  Function effectively in interactions with individuals, within group situations, within the workplace and within professional organizations and systems.

NUMERACY:  Use mathematics effectively to meet the demands of day-to-day life at home, at work and in society.