Outline

Overview

This unit of study is intended to develop a clear understanding of the role of pharmacists in the care of patients with diabetes mellitus and the knowledge and skills needed to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical care to this growing section of the Australian population. More specifically, the unit seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the regulation of glucose metabolism; aetiology, treatment and monitoring of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management; psychosocial issues in diabetes; management and prevention of co-morbidities and complications and public health approaches to the prevention of diabetes. It aims to develop pharmacists' skills in interpretation of relevant clinical and laboratory tests and patterns of blood glucose; supporting patient self-management through advice on appropriate use of blood glucose meters, insulin pens, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), medication regimen adherence and review, lifestyle changes, management of hypoglycaemia, and sick days. Appropriate pharmacist/patient and inter-professional communication skills will be fostered.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kiplin Patanwala, kiplin.patanwala@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
Practical skill	Module activities Due dates: 08/03/26 22/03/26 12/04/26 26/04/26 10/05/26 24/05/26	40%	Multiple weeks	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective diary Due dates: 15/03/2026 07/06/2026	15%	Multiple weeks	Unlimited	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Webinar 1 Introduction Webinar.	0%	Week 01 Due date: 25 Feb 2026 at 19:00	90 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Webinar 2 Participation Date: TBD	0%	Week 05	90 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Webinar 3 presentations Participation Date: TBD	0%	Week 07	90 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Diabetes devices Written assessment	20%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Webinar 4 Participation Date: TBD	0%	Week 11	90 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Portfolio of Advanced Diabetes Patient Care Patient Interview & Documentation of Diabetes care	25%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	Unlimited	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Webinars: Students are required to prepare for each webinar/online lecture by reading allocated cases, demonstrating evidence of case pre-reading/preparation, and actively contributing to the discussion, and may additionally be required to complete an out‑of‑class quiz as part of their participation. Must pass these assessments to pass the unit.
Module activities: Students are required to read the study guides and complete the activity questions associated with each module. Students must provide appropriate answers and referencing. Must pass these assessments to pass the unit.
Reflective diary: Students are to complete four reflective diary entries across the semester, documenting interactions with patients or other health care professionals in relation to diabetes care.
Diabetes devices: Students are required to submit a written comparison of two different BGL devices and two insulin delivery devices (one disposable, one refillable). This is to be supported by a video demonstration instructing a patient and demonstrating
the conduct of a BGL test using on a blood-glucose meter, and instructing the patient on the use of one insulin delivery device.
Portfolio: Students are required to conduct a detailed patient interview, document pharmaceutical care, and provide a follow-up for at least one patient with diabetes. Must pass this assessment to pass the unit.
AI tools permitted (all assessments):
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 all assessments. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
   ▪   Do not enter confidential, personal, copyrighted or otherwise sensitive information into any AI tool.
   ▪   If you use these tools, you must be aware of their limitations, biases, and propensity for fabrication.
   ▪   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.
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.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 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
Multiple weeks	Reflective Diary	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Ongoing	Portfolio	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Ongoing	Learning independently, including presentation, portfolio and reflective diary.	Self-directed learning (31 hr)
Week 01	Webinar 1 - Introduction	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Diabetes in Australia - Module 1 assignment due	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 04	Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus - Module 2 assignment due	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 05	Webinar 2	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Non-Pharmacological and Psychosocial Management of Diabetes - prepare for communication assignment.	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 07	Webinar 3: Presentations - The Communication Team Assignment	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Pharmacological management including new drugs for Diabetes - Module 4 assignment due	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 09	Diabetes devices assignment due	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 10	Use of devices and Interpretation of relevant tests - Module 5 assignment due	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 10	Pharmacological management including new drugs for Diabetes	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 11	Webinar 4	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	The role of the specialist Diabetes pharmacist - Module 6 assignment due	Self-directed learning (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Computer access requirements: Email and internet access is essential. Students are required to access online learning materials and participate in the online activities.
Referencing: Harvard style, including in text citations.
Attendance: Students are required to attend all webinars, even when they have approved Special Consideration for absence.

If you are unable to attend a webinar, you must contact the unit of study coordinator as soon as possible prior to or after the webinar.

Students should be punctual and notify the unit of study coordinator if they will attend more than 15 minutes after the commencement of the webinar.

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. identify drug-related problems and suggest possible clinical and therapeutic recommendations for individual patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
LO2. develop management plans and prioritise issues
LO3. support patients in self-managing their diabetes, including counselling on lifestyle modification and monitoring their diabetes
LO4. review data regarding the patient’s management of diabetes and other risk factors
LO5. explain how insulin is commenced and adjusted
LO6. utilise and teach patients about various devices designed to aid in the monitoring and administration of medicine
LO7. describe the role of the diabetes educator and how services in the local area can be accessed.

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.

No changes made in 2026

Additional information

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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHAR7123: Diabetes Mellitus

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links