Outline

Overview

This unit will introduce students to clinical practice and develops the theme that providing medicines is not a single event but a process. Students will start to develop skills to dispense medicines (including prescription, and compounded medicines), in collaboration with others.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	NURS5076
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ronald Castelino, ronald.castelino@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ronald Castelino, ronald.castelino@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Assessment 3: Exam Case based short answer questions	50%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Assessment 1: Case presentation Medication Review: Case presentation and abstract	25%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2024 at 23:59	15 minutes plus 5 minutes Qs, 250 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Assessment 2: Multiple Choice Quiz online quiz via Canvas	25%	Week 11 Due date: 11 May 2024 at 17:00	1 hour plus 5 mins reading
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Case presentation - medication review: students will select a suitable de-identified patient from their practice who has been prescribed multiple medications. They will present this case to the class and demonstrate their application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles in discussing the issues that need to be considered in a comprehensive medication review. They will identify actual and potential medication-related problems and make appropriate recommendations.
You may use AI tools such as Grammarly, Notion AI, ChatGPT, etc to directly suggest readability improvements to your text in terms of grammar and expression.

Assessment 2: Multiple Choice Quiz – online
Assessment 3: Exam: students will complete a written examination relating to the general principles of drug actions (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) and the therapeutic uses of medications from the therapeutic topics covered throughout the course.

Please note: Each student is required to submit/attend all assessment items in order 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 2014 (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.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
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.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

*Where an assignment is submitted late without an approved extension, a late penalty will apply. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero marks will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Week 02	Study Days 1 & 2 Topics Covered: Drug therapy in Australia, Drug therapy in special populations, adverse drug reactions, case studies in infectious diseases and diabetes.	Block teaching (15 hr)
Week 08	Study Days 3 & 4 Cardiovascular disease, Renal disease, mental health, pain management, case discussions	Block teaching (30 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students undertaking this unit of study are required to attend four on-campus study days which are supplemented with online and group activities. Coursework policy states that if students are absent without leave for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, the Dean may call upon them to show cause why they should not be deemed to have failed that unit of study.
Participation: It is expected that the student will actively engage with the unit of study materials, which directly relate to the learning outcomes, and are designed to assist with successful completion of assignments.
Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.
Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:
- font: use Calibri or Times New Roman in 11 - 12 point
- double line spacing
- margins: 2.5cm each side
- use page numbers
- refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

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

Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach 12th edition) By Joseph
Dipiro

Learning outcomes

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 drug discovery, development and promotion processes in Australia and worldwide
LO2. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general principles of how drugs exert their actions in the human body (pharmacodynamics), a thorough knowledge of the general principles of pharmacokinetics of drugs and the practical application of these principles in advanced nursing practice across the lifespan
LO3. classify drugs into currently accepted categories and recognise similarities in properties within, and differences between categories
LO4. source, understand and critically evaluate relevant evidence-based drug information
LO5. integrate and apply evidence-based pharmacotherapy knowledge to patients with different pathologies in ways that optimise safe medication management.

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 2.1. Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care 2.3. Statement 2.3: Considers quality use of medicines and therapeutic interventions in planning care 3. Standard 3: Prescribes and implements therapeutic interventions 3.1. Statement 3.1: Prescribes indicated non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions 3.2. Statement 3.2: Maintains relationships with people at the centre of care
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 2.1. Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care 3. Standard 3: Prescribes and implements therapeutic interventions 3.1. Statement 3.1: Prescribes indicated non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions 4. Standard 4: Evaluates outcomes and improves practice
	Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 2.1. Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care 2.3. Statement 2.3: Considers quality use of medicines and therapeutic interventions in planning care 3. Standard 3: Prescribes and implements therapeutic interventions 3.1. Statement 3.1: Prescribes indicated non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions
	Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 2.1. Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care 2.4. Statement 2.4: Refers and consults for care decisions to obtain optimal outcomes for the person receiving care 3.1. Statement 3.1: Prescribes indicated non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions
	Nurse practitioner standards for practice - 2.1. Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care 3.1. Statement 3.1: Prescribes indicated non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions 3.3. Statement 3.3: Practices in accordance with federal, state and territorial legislation and professional regulation governing nurse practitioner practice 4. Standard 4: Evaluates outcomes and improves practice

Nurse practitioner standards for practice -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
2.1		Statement 2.1: Translates and integrates evidence into planning care
2.3		Statement 2.3: Considers quality use of medicines and therapeutic interventions in planning care
2.4		Statement 2.4: Refers and consults for care decisions to obtain optimal outcomes for the person receiving care
3.1		Statement 3.1: Prescribes indicated non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions
3.2		Statement 3.2: Maintains relationships with people at the centre of care
3.3		Statement 3.3: Practices in accordance with federal, state and territorial legislation and professional regulation governing nurse practitioner practice

Responding to student feedback

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

All assessments are similar to last year, no changes have been made for this year

Additional information

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, illness, or death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning in this unit of study 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

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5088: Pharmacology for Advanced Practice

Semester 1, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links