Reference is made to the story titled 'No space to train more pharmacists - despite lower interest rate for that area of study,' in The Sunday Gleaner of May 10.

I am taking the opportunity to inform prospective student-pharmacists, who may be unable to enroll at the University of Technology, Jamaica, on account of the limited space constraint, that the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) offers an alternative pathway for them to achieve their goal.

Articulation

This pathway is called 'articulation' which, in the academic context, refers to the movement of students from one level of the education system to another level, usually from a lower to a higher level. Articulation aims to allow students to make a smooth transition from one academic level to another without experiencing delays, duplication of courses or loss of credit. With the high cost and increasing demand for tertiary education in Jamaica, articulation is a very cost-effective way for students to achieve their academic goals.

In 2000, an articulation agreement was established between CASE and UTech under which graduates of CASE's associate of science degree in natural science programme are granted advanced standing into four degrees - bachelor of pharmacy; BSc in environmental health; BSc in dietetics and nutrition; and BSc in medical technology - in UTech's Faculty of Health and Applied Science (with specified conditions). In addition, in 2007, CASE and UTech signed a memorandum of understanding for close collaboration between both institutions.

Limited space

So then, prospective student-pharmacists, who may not be able to get into UTech because of the limited space, are hereby being informed of the 'CASE alternative' described herein, by which they may be able get in later with advanced standing.

Application forms and copies of the companion booklet, The Smart Student's Guide to CASE, are available at CASE or from CASEOnline on the Internet at www.case.edu.jm.

I am, etc.,

Dr Paul Ivey

presidentofcase@yahoo.com

College of Agriculture, Science

and Education

Passley Gardens

Portland