PUFF Guide to working in groups

Being able to work in teams is very important in your future professional role as a pharmacist or dispensing pharmacist, no matter where you work. The Master of Science and Bachelor of Science Programmes in Pharmacy will give you many opportunities to work in groups, with different tasks. The group methodologies vary depending on the objectives of the courses and are more or less regulated depending on the assignments. Among the clearer forms of methodology are Problem-based learning (PBL) and the Case Method. Descriptions and instructions can be found in this guide.

In addition, the programme will allow you to work in interprofessional groups where you, during the courses Interprofessional Learning 1 (IPL1), IPL2 and IPL3, for half a day get to meet students from the other vocational courses at the faculties of medicine and pharmacy. Together you will have the opportunity to discuss issues regarding interprofessional communication, human rights and ethics, and patient safety respectively. These steps aim to prepare you, and the other students, for the interprofessional situations you will face in your professional life.

The guide also contains general basic methods for group work and useful advice for creating effective group collaborations and a positive work environment. By practising working in groups during the training, you will learn how to manage different tools for the work model and to benefit from the knowledge of your group members. You will also have the opportunity to practise leadership. With this, hopefully, your team projects will work well, regardless of the chosen methodology. You will use the content during the whole programme. You will return to some parts during several courses.

This way of working contributes to the achievement of degree goals in terms of teamwork and the ability to lead, plan and coordinate work.

Further reading

• Group dynamics
• Important roles in a group
• What you can do to create a group

• Group project checklist
• Group laboratory work checklist
• Checklist group meetings while work is ongoing
• Checklist group meetings while work is ongoing, individual
• Checklist group meetings after completing the work, individual

• Self-evaluation form for group work
• Problem-based learning
• Contract for group work

Download the Guide to group work