The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is offering instruction to
anyone desiring to learn the skills necessary to structure a
professional monograph.1 The content of the course was
developed by Karen Russo, PhD, Director of Small Molecules and
Monograph Acquisition at USP. There are no prerequisites to take this
course and the cost is $99.
“The value is in the intellectual property they will have access to
view and learn as it relates to USP,” said Chris Hall, Product Manager
of the USP Pharmacopeial Education Department (e-mail April 9, 2008).
“The student is able to view the content associated with the learning
objectives listed at their own pace and as many times as is necessary
to understand some content that may not make sense the first time.”
The format is on-demand web slides and audio. One may view a slide
as many times as needed with a DVD-like play-back feature. At the end
of each lesson are questions to test the knowledge gathered. The course
concludes with something similar to a final exam, but its open book and
one may give any section a second glance while taking the test.
The course takes about an hour and the purchaser has 30 days to
finish the course after their initial log-on. Learning topics include
the following: the value of a USP monograph, when to submit a
monograph, contents of a USP monograph, the role of the USP Council of
Experts and Expert Committees, the monograph development tools, the
monograph submissions process, the USP revision process, the USP
reference standards, and the USP standards for articles legally
marketed outside the US (SALMOUS) monographs.1
“On top of this detailed information, they are provided with
background information on how monographs fit into USP’s role in
promoting public health and safety,” said Hall. “This allows the
student to understand why they need to take the steps to either submit
a monograph or become involved in the comment process.”
Those interested in registering should contact USP customer service at 1-800-227-8772 or custsvc@usp.org.
—Kelly E. Saxton
Reference
1USP. How to Develop a Monograph Course Page. USP Web site. Available at http://www.usp.org/education/pe/courses/howToDevMonograph.html. Accessed April 4, 2008. |