Overview

This unit provides an introduction to the pharmacological principles underlying drug action, and the factors that influence their use as therapeutics.  Specific examples of drugs used for therapeutic and social reasons are discussed with an emphasis on the social issues associated with drug availability and use. You will learn about … For more content click the Read More button below. Throughout this unit, the emphasis is on the application of knowledge and the development of a range of skills, including critical thinking, teamwork and communication, that will help prepare you for a range of career paths, including postgraduate study.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Tracey Gaspari

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Jennifer Irvine
Dr John Ling

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

Discuss the targets of drug action, their mechanisms of action and the factors that influence their use as therapeutics;

2.

Apply knowledge of drug action to discuss the risks and benefits of drug use and some of the non-pharmacological issues associated with drugs in our society;

3.

Discuss the steps involved in the discovery, development and regulation of drugs from bench to market;

4.

Demonstrate the ability to obtain, present and interpret data from pharmacological experiments;

5.

Demonstrate the ability to source, evaluate and use information from a range of sources to critically analyse socially relevant drug controversies;

6.

Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team to complete in-class and project activities.

Teaching approach

Research activities
Enquiry-based learning
Online learning
Active learning
Peer assisted learning

Assessment

1 - Laboratory and workshop activities
2 - Team assignment
3 - In-semester quizzes
4 - Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories
Lectures
Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources
Recommended resources

Availability in areas of study

Pharmacology