Outline

Overview

We all know someone who is being treated with medicines for a major medical condition. So how do drugs work to treat or prevent medical conditions now and in the future? In this unit of study, you will examine these questions relating to six of the main medical challenges affecting the human body and discuss where improvements in treatment are needed. You will explore a range of pharmacotherapeutic options currently available and in development. You will have the opportunity to research and apply your knowledge and understanding to unresolved health-related problems through laboratory- and problem-based tutorials, and explore molecular mechanisms through 3D printing experiments and visualisation tools. By undertaking this unit you will develop your disciplinary expertise in pharmacology and further your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, digital literacy, teamwork and interdisciplinary effectiveness. This unit of study is highly recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine and allied health professions (e.g. nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry) and medical research pathways.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	An average mark of 70 or above in [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01)] and (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PCOL2012 or PCOL2022 or PCOL2555
Assumed knowledge ?	Fundamentals of pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and molecular pharmacology, for example, as taught in PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002 or (BMED2401 and BMED2405)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tina Hinton, tina.hinton@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Early feedback task	0%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	15 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Case 1 Oral Presentation Oral presentation	5%	Week 03	5 minute oral presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Case 1 Research Article Written task	10%	Week 03 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 23:59	1 page not including references	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Module 1 Quiz: CVS & Recreational Drugs Multiple choice questions (MCQs) completed in scheduled lecture time.	10%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Sep 2025 at 10:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Beta Blockers Experimental Design assessment Experimental design task completed in scheduled class time.	15%	Week 05	750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Module 2 Quiz: Immunity, inflammation & Infection Multiple choice questions (MCQs) completed in scheduled lecture time.	10%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2025 at 10:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report: Drugs and peristalsis Drugs and Peristalsis laboratory report	20%	Week 11 Due date: 26 Jul 2025 at 15:12	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Handover Presentation (Case 2) Oral presentation - handover case to another pharmacologist	15%	Week 11	10 minute	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	3D Printing reflective presentation Reflective oral presentation	5%	Week 12	5 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Module 3 Quiz: Endocrine Multiple choice questions (MCQs) completed in scheduled lecture time.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2025 at 10:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

Early feedback task: 10 item MCQ quiz to be completed in 15 minutes on Canvas.

Module quizzes: Three module quizzes, consisting of 20 MCQs to be completed in 30 minutes. Quizzes are held during scheduled lecture times in weeks 5, 9 and 13.

Research article: Written research report on a chosen topic relating to Case 1 enquiry-based learning scenario.

Research presentation: Oral presentation on a chosen topic relating to Case 1 enquiry-based learning scenario.

Beta-blockers experimental design assessment: Group experimental design task of up to 750 words based on Beta-Blockers practical. This assessment will be undertaken during scheduled workshop time.

Drugs and Peristalsis lab report: Individual laboratory report of 1000 words based on Drugs and Peristalsis practical.

Handover presentation: Oral presentation of Case 2 enquiry-based learning scenario Each student will present Case 2 as an oral presentation (5 minutes per presenter) that will serve as a “handover” of the case to another pharmacologist.

3D printing reflective oral presentation: Reflective oral presentation based on 3D printing workshop.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

To successfully complete this Unit of Study you must demonstrate a threshold (pass) standard of attainment of the Unit of Study learning outcomes as measured by performance on the Unit of Study summative assessments. Students who do not reach a threshold standard of proficiency of the Learning Outcomes will receive a maximum mark of 49 FA. Failure to participate in any one or more of the in-semester assessment tasks or the end of semester theory examination may result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.

AI allowed

You are permitted to use automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate your learning and completion of this assignment. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Do not enter confidential, personal, copyrighted or otherwise sensitive information into any AI tool.
Do not rely on the accuracy of outputs. You remain responsible for your work. This means you must independently verify and edit AI-generated content to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and suitability of the output.
If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of 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 reference and acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

You are advised to keep copies of the prompts you provided and AI outputs as evidence of your research and writing process. This allows you to produce an accurate acknowledgement of AI use when you submit your work. This can be requested by the unit coordinator if there is any uncertainty about the originality of your work.

No use of AI

The use of automated writing tools and generative artificial intelligence is prohibited in this assessment. You are not allowed to use AI or any other software to create information or answers, to alter your own original writing, or to generate or modify text from other sources. This includes translation software, editing/paraphrasing software and other generative artificial intelligence tools.

Unapproved use is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and may result in penalties, which can include a fail for the assessment.

Assessment criteria

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

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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awarded mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100. Non-submission of peer assessment will result in a factor of zero being applied to the non-submitted group work mark.

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.

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
Ongoing	Self-directed learning	Independent study (65 hr)
Week 01	Overview of CV physiology/pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Angina & heart failure pathophysiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lab Orientation	Practical (2 hr)
	Case 1A Workshop 1	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Antihypertensives	Forum (1 hr)
	Diuretics and baby aspirin	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular Fundamentals	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to the central nervous system pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Recreational drugs 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Case 1B Workshop 2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Recreational drugs 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of cocaine induced myocardial infarction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Beta Blockers	Practical (4 hr)
Week 05	Module 1 Quiz	Lecture (1 hr)
	Overview of immunology and inflammation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Beta Blockers experimental design assessment	Practical (2 hr)
	Case 2A Workshop 3	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Crohns disease: pathogenesis + drug treatments 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Crohns disease: pathogenesis + drug treatments 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Pathophysiology of asthma & treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of allergy & treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Working on handover presentation	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Gastrointestinal pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Infection 1 - Antiviral	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Infection 2 - Antibiotic & Antifungal	Lecture (1 hr)
	Module 2 Quiz	Lecture (1 hr)
	Drugs and Peristalsis	Practical (4 hr)
Week 10	Antipsychotics & metabolic/endocrine effects	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of diabetes & treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Drugs and Peristalsis lab review	Practical (2 hr)
	3D Printing workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Pathophysiology of lipid disorder & treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of PCOS	Lecture (1 hr)
	Case 2 Group Handover Presentations	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Treatment of PCOS 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Hormonal Contraceptives	Lecture (1 hr)
	3D Printing workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Drug interactions and drug safety in pregnancy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Module 3 Quiz	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.

Thus, attendance at a minimum of 80% of all timetabled classes is compulsory for successful completion of the course. Attendance will be recorded. If you do not show sufficient cause for absence from any part of the course you may not be allowed to sit the final examination. Absences from scheduled practical, workshop or tutorial sessions must be supported by appropriate documentation (also see Guidelines for Special Consideration/Arrangements for important information relating to absence from scheduled classes). It may be possible to attend a different practical or tutorial session by special arrangement with the UoS coordinator.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Ritter J.M. et al., (2020) Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology, 9th edn. (Elsevier)
Neal M.J., (2020) Pharmacology at a Glance, 9th edn (WILEY Blackwell)

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. describe the physiological and pathophysiological processes involved in a range of significant diseases and disorders in society
LO2. explain the mechanisms of action, effectiveness and safety of many classes of medicinal drugs used to treat: cardiovascular, respiratory, infection, gastrointestinal diseases, and endocrine disorders (diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS))
LO3. explore the ethical questions and unresolved issues in pharmacotherapeutic approaches to a range of significant diseases and disorders
LO4. evaluate the strength of evidence for claims around pharmacotherapies for a range of significant diseases and disorders
LO5. integrate pharmacological knowledge with knowledge in other disciplinary areas of biomedical sciences
LO6. describe the essential components of experimental design and be able to analyse, interpret and critique data arising from laboratory experiments
LO7. use a variety of sources of information and technologies for research purposes and critically evaluate the information for reliability and relevance
LO8. communicate effectively via written articles, informal discussion and oral presentations
LO9. work collaboratively and effectively with peers in group learning activities and assessments
LO10. demonstrate capacity for reflection on matters related to learning, personal and social responsibility, professional integrity and the value of pharmacology in society

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Alterations to assessment delivery have been made in 2025 in alignment with new assessment policies.

Additional information

More information related to this unit can be found on Canvas.

Lt (Lab tutor) is an online learning platform for Pharmacology courses and is used to support labs and workshops in PCOL2022. Lt is delivered using kuraCloud, a cloud-based, eLearning technology. All students in PCOL2022 are provided access to Lt lessons using kuraCloud.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

Work, health and safety requirements

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PCOL2922: Clinical Applications of Pharmacology (Adv.)

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links