PHA2022 - Drugs and society

Leader(s): Dr Elizabeth Davis

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to the pharmacological principles underlying drug action, as well as drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Specific examples of drugs used for therapeutic and social reasons are discussed with an emphasis on the social issues associated with drug availability and use. How new drugs are discovered and the processes by which they are taken from the bench to the marketplace are discussed.

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