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 provides the basic knowledge required for the management of patients with a range of common mental health disorders. The chemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of medications associated with each area are presented in detail in an integrated fashion.

Drug therapy principles for particular conditions and patient groups will be emphasised enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to provide clinical pharmacy services within these areas.

In particular, this unit will teach the chemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications of drugs used to treat mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, dementia/delirium, insomnia, schizophrenia and child and adolescent mental health disorders.

Students will perform a number of tasks which will foster the development of critical thinking and oral and written communication skills.

Objectives

1. The anatomy and terminology of the central nervous system
2. The pathophysiology of a range of common psychiatric disorders
3. The chemistry of medications used in the management of psychiatric disorders
4. The concepts of structure activity relationshsip for the drugs used in the managemernt of psychiatric disorders
5. The pharmacology of the drugs used in the management of psychiatric disorders
6. The chemistry and pharmacology of drugs of abuse
7. The signs and symptoms, emphasising cardinal symptoms, of common psychiatric disorders.
8. Diagnosing and differentiating psychiatric disorders.
9. Management of psychiatric disorders including drug and non-drug therapies
10. Current best practice for the medical management of these conditions with emphasis on the role of the pharmacist.
11. Individual differences which may occur in these disorders and how they can be managed.

Assessment

Tutorial: 5%; Workshops: 20%; In-semester assessment: 5%; and Final Exam: 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Dan Malone

Contact hours

72 hours of formal study per semester
36 Lectures per semester: 3 x1 hour per week (av)
Tutorials, workshops and problem based learning exercises: 27 hours
Assignment: 6 hours
In semester Tests 2 x 45 min: 3 hours

Prerequisites

PAC1111 Introduction to Physiology
PAC1132 Systems Physiology
PAC2171 Basis of Drug Action I
PAC2172 Basis of Drug Action II

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

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