Unit outline_

NURS2005: Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is a multidisciplinary unit taught by the Sydney Pharmacy School. This unit builds on the foundations of pharmacology that were taught in NURS2001 Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1. The unit extends the fundamental pharmacological knowledge and concepts previously acquired to explore the use of pharmacotherapy and how drugs affect the body in health and disease across the lifespan.This unit will examine the use of therapeutic agents acting upon the central nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as exploring use of complementary therapies and recreational drugs. Throughout the unit students will consider the role of pharmacotherapy, the use of individual agents including mechanism of action, interactions, adverse reactions and practice principles associated with each agent in the nursing context. Students will be provided with an opportunity to apply the underlying principles of pharmacology to nursing practice. By integrating evidence-based pharmacological knowledge to case studies they will learn to optimise safe medication management.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
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36 credit points of 1000 level units and NURS2001
Corequisites
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None
Prohibitions
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None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Connie Van, connie.van@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Assessment 4: Final Exam
Short answer and case based questions
50% Formal exam period 80 minutes AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
In-class quiz Early Feedback Task Assessment 1: Brief Quiz
Multiple choice and short answer questions
0% Week 03 10 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
In-person written or creative task Assessment 2: Quiz 1
Multiple choice, short answer and case based questions
25% Week 06 20 minutes AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
In-person written or creative task Assessment 3: Quiz 2
Multiple choice, short answer and case based questions
25% Week 10 20 minutes AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • Assessment 1: Brief Quiz  – multiple choice and short answer questions 
  • Assessment 2: Quiz 1 – multiple choice and short answer questions 
  • Assessment 3: Quiz 2 – multiple choice and short answer questions 
  • Assessment 4: Final exam – short answer and case based questions

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Grade

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Intro / Fertility control Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 Diabetes Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Diabetes 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Cardiovascular 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Diabetes 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Cardiovascular 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Cardiovascular 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Cardiovascular 3 Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 06 Depression and antidepressants Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Cardiovascular 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Asthma and COPD Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 08 Pain and opioid analgesics / NSAIDs and paracetamol Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Cardiovascular 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Histamine and antihistamines / Parkinson's disease Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 10 Adverse drug reactions Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Asthma and COPD Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Complimentary medicines Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Recreational drugs Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
ADRs and drug interactions Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Final Exam Info Lecture (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance BN [AS]

  • Students are expected to attend, engage and participate in all scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the school if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity; and apply for special consideration or special arrangements; or have an academic plan with relevant adjustments, where appropriate. Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment.  For additional information, please review the policy here

Attendance and participation are monitored.

  • Students should attend and participate in all required learning activities in person, except for (a) pre-recorded lectures, which students may view in their own time; and (b) other sessions as specified by the unit coordinator. Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.
  • Students must attend/participate in any live/synchronous lectures, and view any recorded lectures, specified as compulsory per unit of study.
  • Any anticipated absences or late arrivals should be clearly communicated to your unit of study coordinator as soon as possible. Your email should clearly state your name and the day and time you will be absent and should be emailed via your university email address; your unit of study coordinator will advise you accordingly.
  •  Students must attend/participate in minimum 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled per unit of study. At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence. Any unexplained absences are a breach of professionalism, and a potential risk of not passing the unit of study. Not meeting attendance requirements could lead to an Absent Fail grade and referral to the School’s Student Professionalism Committee.

    (i) maximum two tutorial absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

    (ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded.

  • Students must attend/participate in all practical classes (simulation labs and/or workshops) scheduled per unit of study.
  • At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from practical classes due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence: (i) maximum two practical class absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed. (ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded.

 

 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please see canvas site for compulsory and optional readings.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate an understanding of how drugs affect the body in health and disease in conditions affecting the central nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
  • LO2. demonstrate an understanding of the use of complementary and recreational drugs and some of the issues associated with their use.
  • LO3. integrate evidence-based pharmacological knowledge to case studies, involving patients with complex pathologies, in ways which optimises quality use of medicines.
  • LO4. critically evaluate evidence-based drug information sources with respect to their quality and relevance in informing decision making in nursing.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Minor changes have been made based on constructive USS feedback

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice.

You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them. 

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.