Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) Capstone Project: Contents and Assessment Method

SEMESTER X = 3 credit hours

REQUIREMENT OF CAPSTONE PROJECT 

It is a mandatory degree award requirement of three (03) credit hours for the Pharm. D Program. A capstone project is a multifaceted body of work that serves as culminating academic and intellectual experience for students. The capstone project must be supervised and graded by a faculty member as per the protocols prescribed by the department concerned. This requirement cannot be substituted with additional course work or internship.

1. Project Objectives

The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for Doctor of Pharmacy students, designed to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. The project should demonstrate clinical, research, or practice-based expertise while addressing a relevant healthcare or pharmacy-related issue. Students are expected to employ evidence-based decision-making to enhance patient care, public health initiatives, or pharmacy practice.

2. Project Components

A. Proposal Development

The first phase of the Capstone Project involves the development of a formal proposal. Students must select a topic that is pertinent to pharmacy practice, such as clinical research, medication therapy management, public health interventions, or pharmacoeconomic analyses. A comprehensive literature review should be conducted to critically appraise existing evidence and justify the project’s significance. The proposal must outline clear, measurable objectives and hypotheses, along with a detailed methodology that includes study design, data collection strategies, and analysis plans where applicable. Ethical considerations must also be addressed, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval if the project involves human subjects.

B. Project Execution

During the execution phase, students will carry out their proposed work. For research-based projects, this includes data collection and analysis. Practice-based projects may involve implementing interventions, conducting patient case studies, or developing new protocols or policies within a healthcare setting. The execution phase should reflect rigorous methodology, adherence to ethical guidelines, and the application of pharmacy knowledge to real-world scenarios.

C. Final Deliverables

Upon completion of the project, students must submit a written report structured similarly to a thesis or research manuscript. The report should include an abstract, introduction and background, methods, results (if applicable), discussion of findings, conclusions, and references. Additionally, students will deliver an oral presentation and defense, lasting approximately 15-20 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session with faculty and peers. Some programs may also require a poster presentation to showcase the project’s outcomes.

3. Assessment Methods

A. Evaluation Criteria

The Capstone Project is assessed based on several key components, each contributing to the final grade. The proposal quality accounts for 20% of the evaluation, with emphasis on clarity, feasibility, relevance, and literature support. The research or practice work constitutes 30% of the assessment, evaluating the rigor of methodology, data accuracy (where applicable), and ethical compliance. The written report represents 25% of the grade, judged on organization, depth of analysis, writing quality, and adherence to formatting guidelines. Finally, the presentation and defense make up the remaining 25%, assessing communication skills, the ability to justify conclusions, and overall professionalism.

B. Grading Rubric

A detailed grading rubric is used to evaluate student performance across multiple categories. Projects demonstrating originality and impact with high relevance and innovative approaches receive the highest marks, while those lacking significance are graded lower. The methodology is assessed based on design rigor, with well-structured projects earning top scores and poorly designed ones receiving lower grades. Analysis and discussion sections are evaluated for critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning, with superficial analyses scoring lower. Presentation skills are judged on engagement, clarity, and professionalism during the oral defense.

C. Final Grade Determination

The final grade is determined by the overall quality of the project. A Pass with Distinction (A) is awarded for outstanding work that excels in all areas. A Pass (B or C) is granted to projects that meet expectations but may have minor deficiencies. A failing grade (D or F) is assigned to projects with significant gaps in quality, incomplete components, or failure to meet core objectives.

4. Timeline & Milestones

The Capstone Project follows a structured timeline to ensure timely completion. During the first two months, students submit their proposals for approval. If the project involves human subjects, IRB approval should be secured by the third month. Data collection or intervention implementation occurs between the fourth and sixth months, followed by a draft submission in the seventh month. The final report and presentation are due by the eighth or ninth month, allowing sufficient time for revisions and preparation.

5. Faculty Supervision & Feedback

Throughout the project, students receive guidance from a faculty advisor, with scheduled bi-weekly or monthly meetings to monitor progress. Peer review sessions may be incorporated to provide additional constructive feedback. The final assessment is conducted by a committee of two to three faculty members, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation.