Functions in Python for Pharmacy Students (Dose Calculator, BMI & Modular Programming)

Functions in Python allow you to organize code into reusable blocks. In pharmaceutical applications, functions are essential for building dose calculators, BMI tools, and clinical decision systems.

🔷 What is a Function?

A function is a block of code that performs a specific task and can be reused multiple times.

def function_name():
    statement

🔷 Calling a Function

def greet():
    print("Hello Pharma World")

greet()

🔷 Function with Arguments

Arguments are inputs passed to a function.

def display_dose(dose):
    print("Dose is:", dose)

display_dose(500)

🔷 Return Values

A function can return a value using return.

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add(5, 3)
print(result)

💊 Dose Calculator Function

def calculate_dose(weight, dose_per_kg):
    return weight * dose_per_kg

dose = calculate_dose(60, 10)
print("Total Dose:", dose)

Reusable function for dose calculation.

💊 BMI Calculator Function

def calculate_bmi(weight, height):
    return weight / (height ** 2)

bmi = calculate_bmi(70, 1.75)
print("BMI:", bmi)

🔷 Multiple Arguments Example

def patient_info(name, age):
    print(f"{name} is {age} years old")

patient_info("John", 45)

🧠 Memory Trick

• def → Define function
• Arguments → Input
• return → Output
• Function → Reusable code

🧪 Practice Exercise

Create functions to:

• Calculate dose using weight
• Calculate BMI
• Display patient details

📝 MCQs

1. Which keyword is used to define a function?
   a) func
   b) def
   c) function
   d) define
   Answer: b


2. Arguments are:
   a) Output values
   b) Input values
   c) Variables only
   d) Operators
   Answer: b


3. Which keyword returns a value?
   a) print
   b) input
   c) return
   d) break
   Answer: c

❓ FAQs

Why are functions important?

They reduce repetition and make code modular and reusable.

Where are functions used in pharmacy?

In dose calculators, BMI calculations, and clinical decision systems.

➡ Next Topic: Modular Programming (Complete Pharma Applications) →