Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit will provide an understanding of the pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy and management of various endocrine conditions and renal disease. Specifically, the unit will cover the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenocortical dysfunction, diabetes, men's and women's health and acute, chronic and drug-induced renal disease. Students will perform a number of tasks which will foster the development of critical thinking and oral and written communication skills.
Drug therapy principles for the aforementioned conditions and patient groups will be emphasised enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to provide clinical pharmacy services within these areas.

Objectives

This unit aims to provide the foundations for understanding the main endocrine (hormone) systems in man, diseases of the endocrine system and pharmacotherapies that act through these systems. It will
also provide the basic knowledge required for the diagnosis and management of patients with renal disease.

• The chemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of medications associated with each area will be presented in detail in an integrated fashion.
• The signs and symptoms associated with these conditions
• The chemistry of the different classes of drugs used in the management of these disorders.
• The concepts of structure-activity relationships for the drugs used in the management of these disorders.
• The pharmacology of the drugs used in the management of these disorders.
• The signs and symptoms, emphasising cardinal symptoms, of many conditions associated with these areas.
• The management of thyroid disease, diabetes and men's and women's health issues including drug and non-drug therapies.
• Management of renal disease including drug and non-drug therapies
• Current best practice for the management of these conditions with emphasis on the role of the pharmacist.
• Individual differences which may occur in these disorders and how they can be managed.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Betty Exintaris

Contact hours

72 hours of formal study per semester

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://muso.monash.edu.au/webct/entryPage.dowebct