PHA3021

Drugs in health and disease

(SCI)

Associate Professor Margot Story

6 points + Four 1-hour lectures and one 6-hour practical or one 3-hour case-history-based group discussion session per week + Independent study at least 5-hours per week + Weeks 7-12 First Semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: two of PHA2022, PHY2011, PHY2021 or PHY2032 + Highly recommended: PHA2022, PHY2011 and PHY2021 + Corequisite: PHA3011

Synopsis: Introduction: historical overview of the use of drugs to treat disease. Principles underlying the safe and effective use of drugs for the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease. Pharmacological properties of drug classes used to treat respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and some endocrine disorders. Evidence-based drug therapy: the importance of statistical and epidemiological concepts. Pharmacological approaches to the study of existing and novel compounds will be reinforced in laboratory sessions. Small case-history-based discussion sessions will provide a vehicle for students to take an active role in their own learning.

Assessment: Examination (2-hours) 60% + Essay (1000 words) 20% + Laboratory work and written reports (six 500-word reports) 20%