Université Laval
Faculty of Pharmacy

The faculty at a glance

The Université Laval Faculty of Pharmacy actively contributes to pharmacy education and to the advancement of pharmacy knowledge through research.

  • 11 programs at 3 levels of study
  • An undergraduate degree program (192 students admitted each year)
  • Numerous continuing education programs
  • $225,000 awarded annually from the Teaching and Research Fund in the form of student scholarships and to purchase research lab equipment
  • Almost $50,000 in awards and merit scholarships for students at all three levels
  • A brand new integrated health sciences learning complex housing the faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing. The complex boasts cutting-edge laboratories for pharmaceutical practice, experiments, and sterile handling
  • Faculty events including Recognition and Awards Night, the Lab Coat Ceremony, and Research Day

A rich and diverse community

Today, the Faculty of Pharmacy is:

  • 29 professors, 15 instructors (including 6 with student supervision responsibilities), and 30 lecturers
  • Close to 150 teaching assistants and speakers
  • Over 1,000 clinical lecturers (for workplace training programs)
  • 3 workplace coordinators
  • 1 practical trainer
  • 4 professors emeriti

A unique and exciting environment for research and creation

  • More than 10 health-related fields of research
  • Some $5 million in research grants awarded to our professors who are lead investigators, including $1.8 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
  • 5 research grants and 2 research chairs
  • 185 articles in science journals with a global readership and 215 presentations at provincial, national, and international conferences

Mission, vision and values

Mission

To meet the needs of the population and promote sustainable health, we train leaders in the best use of medications and make discoveries through large-scale research across disciplines.

Vision

Centred on the needs of individuals and society, the Faculty of Pharmacy is a catalyst of innovation and has a global reputation for the excellence of its education and the impact of its scientific discoveries.

Values

The Université Laval Faculty of Pharmacy upholds the following values:

  • Humanism

    We cultivate an inclusive and empathetic approach,
  • Drive

    We aim to help each person reach their full potential and we constantly push our boundaries in pursuit of excellence
  • Engagement

    We apply our skills and knowledge and we champion collaboration and involvement.
  • Well-being

    We promote balance and health through a healthy and fulfulling living environment.
     
  • Bold thinking

    We encourage brilliant, innovative ideas that will set us apart for our leadership and agility.

History of the Faculty of Pharmacy

Early days of the School of Pharmacy

Starting on April 10, 1860, apprentice pharmacists in Québec could take classes at the Université Laval Faculty of Medicine. On June 9, 1924, thanks to the determination of pharmacists in Québec City, Université Laval authorities agreed to create a School of Pharmacy, originally part of the Faculty of Arts. Alfred-Émile Francoeur, a doctor of pharmacy, would be the first director of the school. The status and location of the school changed many times over the years.

1942
Became part of the Faculty of Science with facilities on Boulevard Bonne Entente

1962
Moved to the Alexandre-Vachon Building

1965
Became part of the Faculty of Medicine

1990
Moved to the Ferdinand-Vandry Building

1997
The School of Pharmacy gained faculty status

Advances in the profession and in pharmacy training

The practice of pharmacy has made huge strides in recent decades. Pharmacists used to be chemists and preparers of medications, relying on a small arsenal of treatments. Over the years they became valued advisors and medication experts. At the same time, pharmacy education evolved in leaps and bounds, and now involves much more than the internships of yesteryear.

1942
As part of the Faculty of Sciences, the School of Pharmacy benefited from better laboratories and was able to launch a four-year program.

1950s
More theoretical courses offered mainly in chemistry, galenic pharmacy, and botany.

1962
The school offered the first hospital pharmacy courses.

1968
The hospital pharmacy certificate course was introduced. It would later become a diploma and, in 1993, a master’s program.

1971
The first clinical internship in a hospital setting was created.

1974
A block of community health courses was added to the program to give students a global understanding of health and interdisciplinarity.

1994
A new bachelor’s degree program was created in light of the new realities of pharmacy practice.

1997
The faculty introduced new graduate programs in research.

2011
The undergraduate pharmacy degree program was launched.

The meteoric rise of research and higher education

The arrival of more professors in 1970 and the introduction of pharmacokinetics and the metabolism of medications as academic fields gave graduate study a huge boost. Pharmaceutical research, both basic and clinical, was bolstered by the expertise of

Faculty challenges

Rather than resting on its laurels, the Faculty of Pharmacy is strengthening its position as an education and research leader. In the years to come it will be tackling a number of challenges:

  • Rollout of an enhanced undergraduate degree program centred on skill development
  • Development of cutting-edge research
  • Training in interprofessional collaboration techniques
  • Development of enhanced continuing education offerings

Organizational chart