Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides students with foundational knowledge to support the safe, effective and appropriate use of medicines. It includes the principles of pharmacodynamics (effect of drugs on the body) and pharmacokinetics (impact of body on the drugs). Students will learn and apply concepts and mathematical relationships in workshops to explain activity of medicines in the human body and to guide appropriate dosage regimen selection. They will explore the reasons behind individual variability in response to medicines including the effects of disease, other medicines, demographics and genetics. Students will consider the adverse reactions of medicines (as well as the beneficial ones), and the mechanisms underlying these adverse reactions, their classification, and principles for detection and avoidance. Therapeutics includes learning and applying common methods for assessing evidence of efficacy and safety of different therapeutic options, and hence defining their place in therapy. The principles underpinning evidence-based medicine and levels of evidence will be introduced to help students develop an understanding of how to critically evaluate therapeutic options, including special patient populations such as the young, elderly and those with chronic conditions.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	(BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3 or MEDS1XX1) and (BIOL1009 or BIOL1X07) and PHAR1921 and PHAR1922
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sophie Stocker, sophie.stocker@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Therapeutic Principles Final Examination MCQ and short answer questions covering therapeutics content	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Canvas quiz during workshop	0%	Week 03	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Interpretation of product information Group activity: Poster presentation of product information	15%	Week 06	3-min + 2 min Q&A presentation in class	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Therapeutics Principles Quiz MCQ covering therapeutics content	20%	Week 07	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Pharmacogenomics video Pharmacogenomic video containing pharmacist role plays	15%	Week 11	Maximum 8 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Weekly quizzes Weekly Therapeutics Principles quizzes	10%	Weekly	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = 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

The written exam includes both multiple choice questions and short answer questions and will cover the material in PHAR2912. You must pass the final exam to pass the unit of study.
The Therapeutics quiz includes multiple choice questions and will cover all of the material delivered up to the end of Week 6.
For group Assessments (Interpretation of product information assignment and Pharmacogenomics video) you will be collaborating in groups of 3 to apply therapeutics knowledge and hypothetical patient cases. You will explore resources such as the Therapeutic Good's Administration Product Information and pharmacogenomics databases. You will be presenting your findings in the form of an academic poster (Interpretation of product information) and a recorded video (Pharmacogenomics video).
Weekly quizzes include multiple choice questions and will cover all of the material delivered in the previous week. 10% (10 X 1%) of your grade will make up towards the final marks.

AI tools permitted (Interpretation of product information, Pharmacogenomics video, Early feedback task, Weekly quizzes)

The use of AI tools is optional. 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 tools (Final exam, Therapeutics Principles quiz)

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.

Repeating students: Exemption from components (workshop participation, quizzes) will not be granted.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
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.

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	Independent Study includes pre-work, reading, group work, videos, post-work and study for quizzes and exams etc	Self-directed learning (158 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to PHAR2912; Introduction to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; Monoexponential pharmacokinetics 1; Monoexponential pharmacokinetics 2; Monoexponential pharmacokinetics 3	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 01	PK calculations, unit conversion, excel	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Multiexponential 1; Intravenous infusions; Multiple dose regimens; Extravascular pharmacokinetics 1 (GI physiology - buccal, stomach, intestines); Oral pharmacokinetics 1	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 02	Infusions & multiple dose regimens	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Oral pharmacokinetics 2; Bioequivalence; Drug distribution 1 (Physiology of blood and overview of tissues - transporter expression, fat/water content); Drug distribution 2 (including protein binding); Introduction to drug clearance	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 03	Calculations MCQ style (review)	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Drug metabolism 1 (Hepatic physiology); Deep dive Phase 1 metabolism; Deep dive Phase 2 metabolism; Metabolite pharmacokinetics; Drug excretion 1 (Renal physiology);	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 04	Absorption and hepatic clearance	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Drug excretion 2 (Renal clearance); Non linear pharmacokinetics; Pharmacodynamics; Pharmacodynamics part 2; Understanding variability in response to medicines	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 05	Renal clearance, non-linear pharmacokinetics & Product Information interpretation	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Drug-interactions - pharmacokinetics; Drug-interactions - pharmacodynamics; Therapeutic Principles Exam Preparation; Medicine adherence	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 06	Present Product Information poster	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Therapeutic Drug Monitoring; Bioanalytical methods: How to determine drug concentrations; Drug screening (urine drug screen, alcohol breath test, POC testing devices, biosensors)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Drug interactions	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Toxicokinetics; Point of care toxicology; Epidemiology of toxicology; Toxicology of snake and spider venom	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 08	Therapeutic drug monitoring	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Introduction to pharmacogenomics; Pharmacogenomics - drug metabolising enzymes - 1; Pharmacogenomics - drug metabolising enzymes - 2; PGx - drug receptors; PGx - drug transporters;	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 09	Toxicology	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Special populations - pregnancy and breastfeeding; Special populations - paediatics; Special populations - geriatrics; Dosing in renal impairment/renal replacement therapy; Critical care physiology & medicine	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 10	Clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Drugs in sport; Therapeutic proteins; ADR 1 - Extent and impact of ADRs, and Type A; ADR 2 - Type B, case studies and ADR reporting; Therapeutic Principles Quiz Review Session	Lecture (5 hr)
	Variability in drug response - special populations	Workshop (2 hr)
	Drug development - Toxicology studies; Drug development - Regulatory strategy; Modelling and simulation in drug development; Drug repurposing/off-target effects driving drug repurposing	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 12	Drug development	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Hospital Conference day	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: In accordance to the Course resolutions on Attendance Requirements, students must attend a minimum of 85% of workshops to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study.

For more information see Canvas site.

If a workshop is missed due to illness or misadventure, students are to submit a special consideration application along with supporting documentation.

Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the commencement of the workshop will be marked as unprofessional, which is a component of the class participation and professionalism assessment. Students swapping a class without prior approval from the UoS co-ordinators will be marked as unprofessional.

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library Reading List link available on Canvas.

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. Describe pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic principles and interpret pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic information.
LO2. Calculate relevant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters using appropriate equations.
LO3. Explain how genetic variations can influence the response to medicines and contribute to variability in response between individuals.
LO4. Explain basic reasons for variability in response to medicines in different individuals, including the effects of disease, demographics, genetics and other medicines.
LO5. Apply appropriate numeracy skills to solve pharmaceutical problems.
LO6. Apply knowledge of therapeutic principles to solve and manage pharmaceutical and clinical problems, including those relating to the metabolism and degradation of drugs.
LO7. Apply knowledge of therapeutic principles to communicate and provide appropriate information to patients and other health professionals.
LO8. Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development through independent learning and continuous reflection.

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
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.1. implementing appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.1. implementing appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problemsolving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 3.1. implementing appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problemsolving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 1.6. adopting a proactive and reflective approach to maintaining and developing their own professional competence and expertise in order to remain fit-to-practise 4.1. engaging in regular and systematic reflection to enhance professional learning and practice 4.2. identifying and acknowledging professional limitations and seeking appropriate support where necessary, including additional professional education and/or referral of patients to other health care professionals Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 1.6. demonstrating a proactive and reflective approach to developing their own professional competence and expertise 1.8. accepting personal responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions in simulated and/or work-integrated learning environments 4.1. undertaking regular reflection as a means of enhancing learning and practice 4.2. demonstrating awareness of professional limitations and adopting appropriate strategies where necessary, including additional professional education and/or referral of patients to other health care professionals

Responding to student feedback

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

Students in 2024 thought that the workshops and assignments really helped to understand and apply the concepts covered in the lectures. In 2025 we will further enhance the interactivity of all the workshops. Overall, the course was assessed as well organised, with content considered relevant/necessary to be able to practice as a pharmacist. Additionally, for 2026, we will further make lectures more interactive and where relevant contain further case scenarios to highlight applicability, and to provide ample practice questions and respond to student questions in a timely manner.

Additional information

N/A

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

N/A

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.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

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

PHAR2912: Therapeutic Principles

Semester 1, 2026 [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

Alignment with Competency standards

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