Outline

Overview

This unit of study integrates pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice content relating to the treatment of respiratory conditions. The unit will cover the pharmaceutical sciences that underpin drug therapies used in managing these conditions; the physiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical features of the conditions; and practice-related aspects from dispensing to professional pharmacy services. Knowledge gained is applied in case-based scenarios, workshops, role plays and work-integrated learning settings, where students have the opportunity to assimilate the learnt information and apply them to optimise the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of patients with these conditions. The work-integrated learning involves a one-week placement in a community pharmacy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
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	Philip Kwok, philip.kwok@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
Written exam ?	Final exam In-person paper exam	50%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Pharmacy placement preceptor assessment Pharmacy placement preceptor assessment	0%	Multiple weeks	2 weeks	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Oral exam Dispensing and counselling	20%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Pharmacy placement portfolio Pharmacy placement portfolio	0%	Multiple weeks	2 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Participation and professionalism Participation during tutorials and dispensing/counselling classes	5%	Multiple weeks	Throughout the semester	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Placement attendance Placement attendance	0%	Multiple weeks	37.5 hours	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Pharmacy placement debrief session Pharmacy placement debrief session	0%	Multiple weeks	1 hour	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Oral exam (formative) Dispensing and counselling	0%	Week 03	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Practical quiz Practical quiz	5%	Week 06	5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Mid-semester test In-person paper test	20%	Week 08 Due date: 25 Sep 2025 at 09:30	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle 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

Final exam: The final exam will cover all materials in the unit and will have multiple choice questions only. You must obtain at least 22.5 out of 45 to pass.

Mid-semester test: The mid-semester test will cover all materials in the unit taught from Week 1 to the week before the mid-semester test. It will have multiple choice questions only.

Oral exam: The oral exam is composed of four cases done over several dispensing/counselling classes. It assesses five competency criteria (history taking, documentation, dispensing, counselling content, and counselling communication) in each of the four cases. You must meet each competency criterion at least twice amongst the four cases to pass.

Practical quiz: The practical quiz will test your understanding of the materials covered in the practical and needs to be completed before the practical.

Participation and professionalism: This component assesses your participation and professionalism in tutorials, dispensing/counselling classes, and practicals.

Pharmacy placement preceptor assessment: The pharmacy placement preceptor assessment evaluates your performance in the pharmacy placement. You must obtain a satisfactory assessment to pass.

Pharmacy placement debrief session: The pharmacy placement debrief session discusses your experience and observations during the pharmacy placement.

Pharmacy placement portfolio: The pharmacy placement portfolio is a report of your observations during the pharmacy placement.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

A failure in any hurdle task will result in a maximum mark of 45 FA for the unit of study.

AI allowed (Portfolio or journal and practical quiz, oral exam)

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 (final exam, in-semester test, placement)

 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 (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 grade	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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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
Multiple weeks	Pharmacy placement in mid-semester break or Week 9	Placement (37.5 hr)
	Pharmacy placement debrief session in Week 9 or Week 10	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Self-directed learning	Independent study (50.5 hr)
Week 01	Unit introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Anatomy of the respiratory system	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Physiology of the respiratory system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Breathlessness	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cough	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dispensing and counselling	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Asthma	Lecture (3 hr)
	Dry powder inhalers	Lecture (2 hr)
	Dispensing and counselling	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Asthma	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Inhaler technique	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cystic fibrosis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Spirometry	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Sleep apnoea	Lecture (1 hr)
	Inhaler technique	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Environmental aspects of respiratory health	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dispensing and counselling	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Silicosis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Respiratory viral infections	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Dispensing and counselling	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Antiviral drugs for respiratory viral infections	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pneumonia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Tuberculosis	Lecture (2 hr)
	Tuberculosis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Dispensing and counselling	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	Respiratory fungal infections	Lecture (1 hr)
	Revision session	Lecture (1 hr)
	Environmental aspects of respiratory health	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend a minimum of 85% of tutorials, placements, and practicals to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study.

If a tutorial, placement, or practical 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 tutorial, placement, or practical will be marked as unprofessional, which is a component of the class participation and professionalism assessment.

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

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. Explain the chemistry and pharmacology that underpin the mechanism of action and activity of medicines used in respiratory conditions.
LO2. Describe the physiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology of respiratory conditions.
LO3. Apply clinical reasoning, knowledge of relevant legislation and ethical principles to identify, assess and address a range of health, ethical and medication-related issues.
LO4. Communicate effectively and appropriately in a culturally-capable manner with patients, families, carers and other health professionals.
LO5. Demonstrate patient-centred care and shared decision making in interactions with patients, families and carers relating to respiratory conditions.
LO6. Demonstrate appropriate skills for interacting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families and carers in a way which fosters cultural awareness and respect.
LO7. Gather, document, assess and manage relevant information appropriately and accurately from patients, families, carers, health care professionals and other sources.
LO8. Propose, and justify the rationale for, the most appropriate pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological treatment(s) tailored for a specific patient and their circumstances, using relevant evidence-based resources.
LO9. Dispense and/or prepare pharmaceutical products for a patient with a respiratory condition in a legal, safe and ethical manner.
LO10. Provide appropriate tailored advice and counselling to a patient with a respiratory condition to ensure the quality use of medicines.
LO11. Identify, assess and resolve potential or actual adverse effects from the use/misuse of legal or illegal medicines.
LO12. Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development through independent learning and continuous reflection.
LO13. Work effectively and cooperatively as a member of a learning and/or working team.
LO14. Uphold the reputation of the pharmacy profession, including practising within relevant legal requirements, professional guidelines and ethical frameworks, and demonstrating appropriate attitudes and values.

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.

Thank you very much for your time in doing the survey and providing feedback. Your comments are helpful for improving the unit. I shall review the structure/content of the unit, pass the relevant comments to the teachers/tutors concerned, and improve the unit accordingly.

Additional information

Clinical placement checks and clearances (including verification of immunisations and Criminal Record Check) – Full verification by the Office of Clinical Education Support required for students to undertake placements. This process involves fulfilment of immunisation requirements which can typically take six months to complete. Students were advised on this at enrolment and no exceptions will be made for students who are not fully verified. See link for more information: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks.html
Working with Children Check
Pharmacy Placement WHS Checklist (available via Canvas)

Site visit guidelines

Contact your preceptor by phone or in-person to introduce yourself and confirm your placement at least one week prior to commencement of placement.

Work, health and safety

Required materials:

Protective lab coat and safety glasses are required for laboratory sessions.

The following equipment is required in addition to the specified texts and references: two spatulas, one small and one large or medium. A marker pen is highly recommended.

While working within the dispensing laboratory, all students must wear a clean white lab coat and wear shoes which completely cover the feet (no sandals or thongs are permitted). No shorts are permitted.

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHAR2922: Respiratory

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links