Design and implementation of an exam for the practical course of physicochemical control of pharmaceuticals using problem-solving method for Pharm.D. students

Given the inevitable role of pharmacists in pharmaceutical industries, it is necessary to learn the methods of controlling and analyzing compounds that are used as an active ingredient and even packaging in pharmaceutical formulations. In practice, students learn different sampling and analytical methods, and in the exam, they are evaluated in terms of their acquisition of practical skills in problem-solving. The final exam should assess students in terms of practical skills similar to those needed in their future job. In a problem-solving exam session, each student is tested individually by presenting a problem, and s/he needs to choose his / her question randomly from the numbers representing the question and the desk number. This program could make the students familiar with a new method of assessment in practical education before the exam. The design and implementation of this exam was a successful experience in increasing practical skills for trainees who would be employed in industry or by research centers.