Medication Treatment and Medication Calculations 1 (4 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- calculate medication doses correctly
- apply the legislation and information guidance related to medication treatment
- provide safe medication treatment
- administer medication treatment via the enteral and topical routes and as injections
- use different pharmaceutical databases

Location and time

Please refer to the Timetable Engine at https://lukkarit.laurea.fi/ for the schedule information. Laurea reserves the right to modify the timetable.

Materials

The course materials are integrated in Canvas learning materials. In addition, the course includes medication calculation exercises in Canvas for independent practice, as well as teacher-provided materials such as practice problems and mock exams, which are available on Canvas.

Every student is encouraged to independently practice medication calculus and make use of learning materials on-line. The use of AI is also strongly encouraged when practicing both the theory of medication treatment and theory medication calculus. The use of AI is practiced in on-campus teaching.

Teaching methods

Daytime learning:

A Canvas learning environment is used to support the implementation, but it is important to take part in teaching and guidance on campus according to schedule. The study unit requires mandatory attendance on medication workshop on campus. The study unit includes working in pairs or groups. You will receive individual feedback for assignments from the teacher, an peer feedback may also be utilised.

Exam schedules

Based on the degree regulations (2024), the student accepted for the implementation is required to confirm their participation by showing activity at the start of the study in the following way:
In order to demonstrate activity, the student must be present at the first contact lesson or notify the teacher in charge of their absence to confirm their participation in the study. Registration will be rejected if the student does not report their absence at the start of the study or the reason for the absence cannot be considered justified. Another student can be taken in their place. The first contact lesson is 1.12.2025.

The small group schedules for the medication care workshops can be found in the timetable.
The workshops are conducted in small groups, which will be formed at the beginning of the course (the frist contact lesson on 1.12.2025). This workshop includes a pre-assignment, and the deadline for the pre-assignment for the medication care workshop is available on Canvas.

The medication calculation exams (main exam and two retakes) are listed in the timetable.
Note: The course includes a total of three (3) opportunities to take the medication calculation exam.

The online exam for medication care (main exam and two retakes) is also listed in the timetable.

Completion alternatives

According to the degree regulations (2024), Students are entitled to apply for recognition of prior learning regardless of where, when and how the competence has been acquired. At Laurea, there are two different procedures for the recognition and accreditation of prior learning: a) accreditation of prior learning (competence acquired in higher education studies at another institution) and b) demonstration of competence (competence acquired in other ways). The recognition and accreditation of prior learning is initiated by the student themselves. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence. The student is entitled to guidance for the recognition and accreditation of their competence. Further information in the student intranet.

Student workload

Workload of the study is measured in a way that to acquire the goal competence of the study, one credit corresponds to an average of 26.7 hours of work done by the student. The actual time needed varies e.g. according to prior competence.

The study unit includes the following:
1. Medication treatment 3 ECTS = approximately 81 hours student work. This part is mainly student self-directed learning.
2. Medication calculus 1 ECTS = approximately 27 hours student work. This includes four (4) teaching sessions on campus, and each teaching lesson is four (4) hours so in total 16 hours teacher-led learning on campus. Students also have the medication calculation exam on campus, and that is one (1) hour.
3. Medication workshop, with mandatory attendance is eight (8) hours.

Medication calculus requires student-led independent practice after teacher-led teaching on campus.

Content scheduling

Medication treatment 3 ECTS credits:
Legal framework guiding pharmacotherapy
Safe medication process and medication care plan
Aseptic techniques in pharmacotherapy
The nurse’s role, responsibilities, and duties in medication administration
Routes and forms of medication administration
Medication logistics
Medical technology
Basic knowledge of drug allergies and anaphylaxis
Medication treatment exam in Canvas

Medication Calculation – 1 ECTS credit:
Unit conversions
Percentage calculations
Solid and liquid medications
Infusion rate and administration time
Preparation and dilution of medicinal solutions
Gas calculations
Medication calculation exam on campus

Medication treatment workshops:
Medication dispensing
Injection workshops: subcutaneous, intramuscular, and ventrogluteal injections
Implementation of safe pharmacotherapy
Participation in the workshop requires successful completion of a pre-assignment, and its deadline can be found in Canvas

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

The use of artificial intelligence in the course assessments: The use of AI is prohibited, not to be used. The output must be created without the help of artificial intelligence. The student should use only their own knowledge, understanding and skills. The use of AI is forbidden for a justified reason and will be interpreted as fraud.

The reason for prohibiting the use of AI: In the learning assignments, students must reflect on their competence in relation to the assignment. The purpose of the assignment is to assess the student’s ability to reflect on their own knowledge and skills. Artificial intelligence cannot take on the role of the student. However, we will utilize AI during the on-campus teaching as a learning tool.