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 an historical overview of the use of drugs, with an emphasis on the principles underlying the safe and effective use of drugs for the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease. The importance of evidence-based drug therapy is highlighted with an introduction to statistical and epidemiological concepts. The pharmacological properties of drug classes used to treat specific respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders are studied, concentrating on the rationale for their use. Pharmacological approaches to the study of existing and novel compounds will be reinforced in laboratory sessions.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

• explain the major principles underlying the therapeutic use of drugs, including the relevance and assessment of evidence-based medicine
• apply knowledge of the actions of major drug classes to explain their therapeutic applications and potential adverse affects
• demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team
• demonstrate the ability to source, critically evaluate and use literature to construct a scientific argument
• demonstrate the ability to present, analyse and interpret data from pharmacological experiments clearly and concisely in written form.

Assessment

Examination (2-hours): 55%
Essay (2000 words): 15%
Laboratory work and written reports: 15%
Test (1 hour): 15%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Elizabeth Davis

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and three hours of laboratory or self-directed learning/ tutorial per week

Prerequisites

Two of PHA2022, PHY2011, PHY2021, PHY2032 or BMS2031

Co-requisites

PHA3011