PHA2022

Drugs and society ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Elizabeth Davis

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: Introduction to pharmacological principles underlying the action of drugs, drug absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism. Specific examples of drugs used for therapeutic and social reasons; social issues of drug use; how drugs are discovered and taken from the bench to the marketplace.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will have: gained knowledge of the history of drug use and abuse; developed a broad understanding of how drugs affect the body and how the body affects drugs; developed an understanding of how drugs affect neurotransmission processes; developed a conceptual framework in which to consider the various ways drugs are used in society; developed a basic understanding of drugs of abuse and how tolerance and dependence to drugs develops; developed some knowledge of where drugs come from; their development; how drugs are regulated and how new drugs are brought onto the market; gained some understanding of how drugs produce toxic effects; toxins present in venomous creatures and plants; drug toxicity in the environment; principles of selective toxicity; developed skills to critically evaluate the scientific literature in the area of pharmacology; gained some understanding in designing, performing and evaluating experiments to determine the mode of action of drugs; developed skills in obtaining and using scientific information to write and present reports and essays.

Assessment: Written examination: 40% + Test: 15% + Written assignment (2000 words): 15% + Laboratory work: 15% + Student debate: 15%

Contact Hours: Three 1-hour lectures per week and three hours of laboratory or self-directed learning/ tutorial per week

Prerequisites: BIO1011, BIO1022 or BMS1021 + Recommended: PHY2011 and/or BCH2011 or BMS2031