Psychopharmacology

Subject 554-625 (2009)

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

Credit Points:	6.25
Level:	9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:	This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009: For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment:	Contact Hours: 6 weeks x 3.5 hour seminars Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:	None
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

Subject Overview:	This selective will provide a brief revision of basic pharmacological principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics including the relevance of age, gender, ethnicity, common drug interactions, environmental influences, route of administration. The primary focus of the different seminars will be the major drug types commonly used in psychiatric practice including the underlying neurochemical basis for their use in specific disorders and specified primary target syndromes and symptoms.
Assessment:	The unit is assessed through the students' written 1500 word essay (70%) that answers a clinical question and that requires integration of the course elements. Students will also be rostered to bring in illustrative case examples or clinical problems to discuss in the case illustration small group discussions and be able to draw up an appropriate drug management plan (30%)
Prescribed Texts:	Leonard B, Fundamentals of Psychopharmacology, 2nd edition, Wiley &Sons, Europe 1997 Stahl S M, Essential Psychopharmacology: neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000.
Breadth Options:	This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date