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Unit of study_

PCOL2605: Pharmacology for Pharmacy

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study provides a basic understanding of drug actions related to physiological and pathological functions. It covers areas of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, the autonomic nervous system, pain management, complementary medicines, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and the pharmacological treatment of various disease states affecting the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system and the renal system.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PCOL2605
Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
(CHEM1611 or CHEM11X2 or CHEM19X2 or CHEM1904) and (CHEM1612 or CHEM11X1 or CHEM19X1 or CHEM1903) and (BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX8) and (BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1).
Corequisites
? 
PHSI2601
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Rania Salama, rania.salama@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment Eye practical laboratory report
Laboratory report
10% - n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO3
Assignment group assignment Diuretics practical laboratory report
Laboratory report
10% - n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO7 LO8 LO9
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam hurdle task Final online exam
MCQs 90 min exam + 10 min reading time
55% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Small test Mid-semester quiz
MCQs
15% Week 08 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment group assignment Enquiry based learning assessment
Written task
10% Week 12 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

 

Assessment Task1

% of total mark

 

Due3

 

Submission

Core Learning Outcomes

Assessment Category (for Special

Consideration)

Assessment Type

(for Special Consideration)

 

Eye practical group lab report

 

 

10%

Two semester weeks from practical

(i.e. weeks 5-7)

 

 

Canvas

 

1, 3, 7, 8,

9

 

 

Group work

 

 

Assignment

Mid- semester quiz (Individual)

 

15%

Week 8

Canvas Quiz

 

1, 2, 3

 

In-class assessments

Tutorial quiz or small test

 

Diuretics practical group lab report

 

 

10%

Two semester weeks from practical

(i.e. weeks 8-

10)

 

 

Canvas

 

 

1, 3, 7, 8,

9

 

 

Group work

 

 

Assignment

Enquiry based learning group

assignment

 

10%

Week 12

 

Canvas

 

1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8,

9,

 

Group work

 

Assignment

 

Final Examination2

 

55%

Semester 2 examination period

 

Centrally timetabled-online

 

1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 8

 

Exam

 

Final Exam

1You must participate in all assessment tasks and the end of semester theory examination: failure to participate in any one or more of these will result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.

2You must obtain a grade of ‘Pass’ in this assessment to satisfy the requirements for this unit of study. If you do not pass this assessment, the maximum final grade you can obtain will be 45 (F), regardless of the total raw mark you obtain for the unit of study.

3Check exact due dates and detailed assessment instructions on Canvas site.

 

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

The University uses standards-based criteria for assessment, such that marking standards and grade descriptors are used to assess your demonstration of learning outcomes on set assessments. 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

Descriptors

Explanation / Interpretation

High distinction 
(85-100)

Work of exceptional
standard

Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.

Distinction
(75-84)

Work of superior
standard
Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.

Credit
(65-74)

Competent work
demonstrating potential
for higher study

Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.

Pass
(50-64)

Work of acceptable
standard

Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.

Fail
(<50)

Work not of acceptable
standard

Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Unit of study outline Lecture (1 hr)  
Pharmacodynamics 1 Lecture (1 hr)  
Pharmacodynamics 2 Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 02 Pharmacokinetics 1 Lecture (1 hr)  
Pharmacokinetics 2 Lecture (1 hr)  
Introduction to the autonomic nervous system Lecture (1 hr)  
Orientation Practical (6 hr)  
Week 03 Cholinergic drugs Lecture (1 hr)  
Adrenergic drugs 1 Lecture (1 hr)  
Adrenergic drugs 2 Lecture (1 hr)  
Eye Practical (8 hr)  
Week 04 Histamine and antihistamines Lecture (1 hr)  
Respiratory drugs Lecture (1 hr)  
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system Lecture (1 hr)  
Eye Practical (8 hr)  
Week 05 Hypertension 1 - lifestyle changes and treatment Lecture (1 hr)  
Hypertension 2 - drug treatment Lecture (1 hr)  
Diuretics Lecture (1 hr)  
Eye Practical (8 hr)  
Week 06 Heart failure Lecture (1 hr)  
Dyslipidaemia 1 - lifestyle and drug treatment Lecture (1 hr)  
Dyslipidaemia 2 - drug treatment Lecture (1 hr)  
Diuretics Practical (8 hr)  
Week 07 Angina Lecture (1 hr)  
Atrial fibrillation and anticoagulants Lecture (1 hr)  
Cardiac dysrhythmias Lecture (1 hr)  
Diuretics Practical (8 hr)  
Week 08 Reflux and peptic ulcer Lecture (1 hr)  
Review session Lecture (1 hr)  
Diuretics Practical (8 hr)  
Week 09 Adverse drug reactions and drug interactions 1 Lecture (1 hr)  
Adverse drug reactions and drug interactions 2 Lecture (1 hr)  
Adverse drug reactions and drug interactions 3 Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 10 EBL introduction and mid-semester quiz feedback Lecture (1 hr)  
Introduction to central nervous system drugs Lecture (1 hr)  
Dopaminergic and serotonergic drugs Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 11 Mood disorders and antidepressants Lecture (1 hr)  
Pain and opioid analgesics Lecture (1 hr)  
NSAIDS and paracetamol Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 12 Complementary medicines 1 Lecture (1 hr)  
Complementary medicines 2 Lecture (1 hr)  
Recreational drugs 1 Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 13 Recreational drugs 2 Lecture (1 hr)  
Drugs in sport Lecture (1 hr)  
EBL case review Lecture (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states: 
55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.
 
The Faculty of Science resolutions states:
9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

Attendance: Recorded attendance at practical classes is compulsory for successful completion of PCOL2605. If you are absent from a practical class you are required to submit an application for Special Consideration. If you are unable to attend your timetabled practical class, contact the unit of study coordinator as soon as possible as it may be possible for you to attend an alternative session.

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.

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. Understand the mechanisms by which drugs exert their effects
  • LO2. Explain the basic principles of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion
  • LO3. Discuss the mechanism of action and therapeutic use of the major drug groups which affect the autonomic and central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system and the renal system
  • LO4. Understand and recognise the different types of adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions, and the mechanisms by which they may occur
  • LO5. Outline how complementary medicines are approved for marketing and their place in therapy
  • LO6. Recall examples of recreational drugs and their mechanisms of action
  • LO7. Examine scientific evidence, both quantitative and qualitative; and communicate evidence based conclusions
  • LO8. Demonstrate the ability to learn independently and take responsibility for your own learning
  • LO9. Work effectively and cooperatively as a member of a team.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

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.