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.