Psychopharmacology

Subject NURS90012 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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 hours lectures
Total Time Commitment: In addition to the subject contact hours, students are expected to devote approximately 6 hours a week to this subject.
Prerequisites:

None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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 courses. Students who think their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Snezana Kusljic

Contact

Nursing
Melbourne School of Health Sciences
The University of Melbourne
Level 5, 234 Queensberry St
Carlton Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 3 8344 9401
F: +61 3 9347 4375
E: nursing-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will provide students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of medications used in psychiatry and to examine the role of the psychiatric nurse in psychopharmacological treatments. The subject allows students to develop clinical skills in relevant assessments and interventions for clients receiving psychiatric medication.
Objectives:

Upon completion of this subject the student should be able to:

  • Examine the clinical implications for and side effects of psychotropic medication.
  • Examine the skills required to assess a person's reaction to the administration of psychotropic drugs.
  • Evaluate the role of the psychiatric nurse in psychopharmacological treatments.
  • Develop comprehensive knowledge of psychotropic medications and apply this knowledge by planning appropriate health teaching strategies.
Assessment:

Students must pass all three (3) components of assessment to achieve a pass in this subject.

  1. Examination 2 hours (60%) - At the end of semester
  2. Assignment 1,500 to 2,000 words (40%) - Due week 6
  3. Completion of hurdle requirements: Attendance of at least 75% of classes .

Total 100%

Prescribed Texts:

Usher, K., Foster, K. & Bullock, S. (2009). Psychopharmacology for Health Professionals Elsevier: Australia
Recommended Texts:

Healy, D. (2005). Psychiatric drugs explained (4th ed.). Elsevier, Churchill, Livingstone

Bullock, S., Manias, E. & Galbraith, A. (2007). Fundamentals of pharmacology (5th ed.).
Australia: Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

In addition to the focus on specific psychopharmacology in mental health, this subject will assist you to develop your

  • problem-solving skills by involvement in classroom discussions and activities
  • analytic skills by your critical appraisal of the literature and development of arguments within the set assignment
  • ability to work as a team member by your involvement in discussions and activities with your fellow students
  • writing skills by completion of the assessment tasks
  • time management skills by planning your work and submitting information by the required deadlines
Links to further information: http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health Theory)
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Practice (Mental Health)

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