Student perspectives on pharmacy curriculum and instruction in Egyptian schools

Objectives. To determine student attitudes and opinions towards pharmacy education in Egyptian universities to provide information for designing delivery of a revised pharmacy curriculum. Methods. Students were recruited from the pharmacy faculties at a government-sponsored university and a privately funded university. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and statistically analyzed. Responses from open questions were subjected to thematic analysis. Results. Students spent widely differing amounts of time on non-classroom study, little of which was self-directed. This was reflected in the low frequency of use of library facilities and the preference of students for passively acquired information. Themes that emerged on how students would improve the curriculum were to increase the use of computers and the Internet; make the course more relevant to pharmacy practice and/or clinical pharmacy; improve and expand the practical components of the course; increase their own involvement in learning; and increase their understanding of subjects as well as their knowledge. For many of the questions, there was a significant different between the responses of students at the 2 universities. Conclusions. Students relied on classroom teaching and devoted little time to self-directed study. However, students were aware of international developments in pharmacy education and practice and are receptive to change.