A self-paced course in pharmaceutical mathematics using web-based databases.
OBJECTIVE
To transform a pharmaceutical mathematics course to a self-paced instructional format using Web-accessed databases for student practice and examination preparation.


DESIGN
The existing pharmaceutical mathematics course was modified from a lecture style with midsemester and final examinations to a self-paced format in which students had multiple opportunities to complete online, nongraded self-assessments as well as in-class module examinations.


ASSESSMENT
Grades and course evaluations were compared between students taking the class in lecture format with midsemester and final examinations and students taking the class in the self-paced instructional format. The number of times it took students to pass examinations was also analyzed.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on instructor assessment and student feedback, the course succeeded in giving students who were proficient in pharmaceutical mathematics a chance to progress quickly and students who were less skillful the opportunity to receive instruction at their own pace and develop mathematical competence.