Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1

Subject 534-401 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: na
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Graham Mackay
Subject Overview:

This subject addresses the fundamental pharmacological principles of medication management, which can enables students to develop and utilise skills for specialty practice. Students will learn the foundational knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutics, in order to understand the actions of drugs on physiological, biochemical and pathophysiological processes. With a greater appreciation of the action of drugs on body processes, students will be able to determine the therapeutic, adverse effects, contraindications and precautions for use for the specialty practice setting. Key pharmacological characteristics of drug classes will be emphasised, rather than characteristics associated with individual agents. This focus will ensure that students develop life long learning skills that will enable them to assess patients' needs for specific medications, administer medications, monitor responses to medications and evaluate outcomes in their practice setting. Please note that this subject is conducted through the Department of Pharmacology.

Assessment: Four 20-minute tests (50%).One 2-hour examination (50%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students will be able to

  • use problem solving skills in understanding the effects of drugs on body processes;
  • use appropriate critical thinking skills in applying the principles of pharmacokinetics;
  • use appropriate critical thinking skills in applying the principles of pharmacodynamics;
  • use appropriate problem solving abilities in understanding the therapeutic and adverse effects, contraindications and precautions for medications;
  • develop the life long learning skill of deriving the pharmacological characteristics of individual drugs based on information about the drug class.
Notes: Level: 4th Year

Download PDF version.