units

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Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

print version

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

Monash University

Monash University Handbook 2016 Undergraduate - Units

print version

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Jennifer Short (Parkville); Dr Ong Chin Eng (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit lays a foundation of knowledge about mammalian systems and provides the relationship between pathophysiology and the rational design and use of drugs. Students will be introduced to the concepts underlying the basic biochemistry and molecular biology of the cell, and will then consider in detail the structure and function of the nervous, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems. One or more examples of disease states which are amenable to pharmacotherapy will be discussed in detail for each organ/system. Students will perform a number of tasks, which will help with the development of critical thinking skills.

Topics to be covered will include:

  • introduction to physiology
  • cells,tissues, organs and systems
  • membranes
  • DNA replication, gene transcription and translation
  • introductory biochemistry
  • the nervous system
  • cardiovascular physiology
  • muscle
  • endocrinology.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit, students can be expected to:

  1. Describe the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including RNA transcription / translation processes, energy utilisation, and the role of the major classes of macromolecules;
  2. Explain the function of each major organ / organ system considered within the course, with reference to the structure;
  3. Explain the physiological basis for the most common disease states to affect each organ / organ system considered within the course;
  4. Analyse simple examples of cellular and organ dysfunction, and be able to explain the likely consequences for the function of the system;
  5. Demonstrate the development of written communication skills appropriate for first year students- explain the pathophysiology for one disease state and one drug treatment associated, relating the drug target to the disease state.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour): 50%; mid semester test: 10%; end semester test: 10%; practical/case study assessments: 15%; an elective written assignment task: 10%; and in-class assessment 5%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty six 1-hour lectures (with 12 hours allocated for preparation)
  • Two 1-hour tutorials
  • One 3-hour practical class
  • Four 2.5-hour case based learning sessions
  • Two 1-hour in-semester tests
  • Three introductory sessions (to unit, case studies, practical)
  • Seven 1-hour optional exam preparation and feedback sessions

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Bim Graham (Parkville); Dr Anton V. Dolzhenko (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of organic chemistry, with an emphasis on those aspects that are relevant to understanding the structure, properties and mechanism of action of therapeutic agents.

Topics include:

  • chemical structure bonding and shape
  • introduction to organic chemistry
  • alkanes and cycloalkanes
  • alkenes and alkynes
  • chirality
  • haloalkanes
  • alcohols, ethers and thiols
  • benzene and its derivatives
  • spectroscopy/pharmaceutical analysis

The unit aims:

  1. To provide the specialist background knowledge in organic chemistry necessary to understand Drug Action units in year 2;
  2. To provide essential fundamental background for Drug Delivery and Integrated Therapeutics units in years 2-4.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Apply the key concepts in chemical structure and bonding, including functional groups, to rationalising the shape, properties and reactions of molecules;
  2. Explain the role of molecular shapes and electronic distributions as the basis for drug-receptor interactions;
  3. Be proficient in basic laboratory techniques.

Assessment

Final written examination (3 hours): 60%; mid-semester test: 15%; practical classes: 10%; tutorial classes: 10%, in-class exercises 5%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty five 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour tutorials
  • Two 3-hour lab practicals
  • Three 3-hour computer-based workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Sab Ventura (Parkville); Dr Alan Lee Yiu Wah (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

In this unit, students will learn the anatomy and physiology of various major organ systems. The autonomic control of these organ systems and the role that they play in maintaining health will also be covered. Pathophysiology and epidemiology of the major disorders of these systems will also be covered. This unit will provide a solid core of physiological knowledge to allow students to understand how drugs are able to modify physiological systems to alleviate the symptoms of a number of diseases to be covered in later years.

This unit aims to describe the physiology of the following systems and organs:

  • sensory systems including skin
  • respiratory
  • gastrointestinal including feeding, digestion and absorption
  • liver
  • kidney and excretion
  • temperature regulation
  • reproductive
  • blood and the immune system

Outcomes

After completing this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe the function of the lungs and airways and how these organs are controlled;
  2. Draw a schematic diagram of the kidney, skin and gastrointestinal tract and label the important functional structures within the organs;
  3. Explain the function of the kidney, skin and gastrointestinal tract and the pathophysiology of major disorders of these organs;
  4. Explain the physiological basis for the most common disease states affecting the kidney, skin and gastrointestinal tract;
  5. Analyse simple examples of organ dysfunction, and be able to explain the likely consequences for the function of the system;
  6. Draw a schematic diagram of the reproductive system in both males and females and label the structures involved;
  7. Explain the normal physiological roles played by each of the organs within these systems;
  8. Demonstrate the development of written and oral communication skills appropriate for 1st year students - explain the pathophysiology for one disease state and one associated drug treatment, relating the drug target to the disease state;
  9. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the physiology of various systems throughout the body
  10. Explain complex physiological mechanisms in writing;
  11. Describe how physiological systems interact and are modified in disease conditions;
  12. Work as a team to complete a research task;
  13. Articulate what they know about complex physiological mechanisms orally.

Assessment

In lecture active learning clicker questions 5%, Oral topic presentations 20%, other tutorial/workshop/practicals 5% each of the final assessment; 2 hour final exam 60%; Exam will consist of ~45 multiple choice questions (1 hour) and six questions requiring written answers (1 hour).

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty eight lectures
  • Two 1-hour tutorials
  • One 3-hour oral presentation session
  • Three 3-hour workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Manallack (Parkville); Dr Anton Dolzenko (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and the chemistry of biomolecules, with an emphasis on those aspects that are relevant to understanding the design and mechanism of action of therapeutic agents.

Topics include:

  • amines
  • aldehydes and ketones
  • carboxylic acids and functional derivatives
  • lipids
  • organic polymer chemistry
  • carbohydrates
  • amino acids and proteins
  • nucleic acids
  • perspectives in medicinal chemistry
  • coordination compounds

The unit aims:

  1. To provide the specialist background knowledge in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and the chemistry of biomolecules necessary to understand Drug Action units in year 2;
  2. To provide essential fundamental background for Drug Delivery and Integrated Therapeutics units in years 2-4.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Apply the key concepts in chemical structure and bonding, including functional groups, to rationalising the shape, properties and reactions of molecules;
  2. Explain the role of molecular shapes and electronic distributions as the basis for drug-receptor interactions;
  3. Be proficient in basic laboratory techniques.

Assessment

Final written examination (3 hours): 60%; mid-semester test: 15%; practical classes: 10%; tutorial classes: 10%; in-class exercises 5%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour tutorials
  • Two 3-hour lab practicals
  • Three 3-hour computer based workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Elizabeth Yuriev (Parkville); Dr Thet Thet Htar (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to provide students with a firm understanding of the basic physicochemical principles that underpin the science behind pharmacy as a discipline. This understanding, reinforced by some mathematical principles, sets the foundation for students to build upon in drug delivery units through second semester in first year, and in the second, third and fourth years of the course. The understanding of these principles will also assist students in their understanding in some areas of chemistry, physiology and biology.

Students will develop an:

  1. Understanding of the physicochemical principles that underpin pharmaceutical chemistry and drug delivery;
  2. Ability to undertake calculations concerning the physicochemical properties of pharmaceuticals and aspects of pharmaceutical products;

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Define acidity and basicity constants in the context of species in solution, apply the principles of buffering and acid-base titrations, calculate pH of aqueous solutions, and predict drug characteristics (absorption behaviour and solubility) based on their acid/base properties. Identify the most common organic functional groups that exhibit acidic or basic behaviour in aqueous solutions.

  1. Define and calculate thermodynamic properties, explain laws of thermodynamics and concepts of state functions, and relate thermodynamic concepts to the design and function of pharmaceutical products.

  1. Explain the concepts of phase equilibria, sketch and interpret phase equilibria diagrams, estimate physicochemical properties based on phase equilibria diagrams, and relate these parameters to properties of pharmaceutical products.

  1. Describe kinetics terminology, explain kinetic theories, construct rate laws based on experimental data, manipulate integrated rate laws to calculate concentration, relate reaction rates to temperature, and predict stability of pharmaceutical products in temporal terms.

  1. Conduct mathematical calculations involving manipulation of logarithmic and exponential functions, regression and correlation, and integration of simple algebraic functions.

Assessment

Written examination (3 hours): 60%; workshops and tutorials: 25%; written quiz: 10%; Active learning 5%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures (24 face-to-face lectures + 12 hours active learning)
  • Nine 1-hour tutorials (5 small group and 4 whole class)
  • One 1.5 hour computer lab
  • Two 1 hour workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Natalie Trevaskis (Parkville); Dr Alice Chuah Lay Hong (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to provide students with a firm understanding of the physical chemistry that underpins pharmaceutical solutions and the impact of solution properties on a drug's biopharmaceutical characteristics. In particular, an understanding of the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical solids (drugs and excipients), their transfer into solution form and properties of those solutions from a pharmacy and pharmaceutical science perspective will set the foundation for students to build upon in drug delivery units for solid and solution dose forms through second, third and fourth year of the course. The understanding of these principles will also assist students in their understanding in some areas of chemistry, physiology and biology.

This will involve:

  • solutions of electrolytes and non-electrolytes, colligative properties and isotonicity
  • solids and rheology
  • solubility, diffusion, distribution, polymer solutions and solution formulations
  • introduction to solution biopharmaceutics.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Discuss the physicochemical principles that underpin the important processes of pharmaceutical solids dissolving to form a solution. In particular an understanding of dissolution, solubility and distribution are critical in many areas of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science;
  2. Describe the various forms of pharmaceutical solids, both drug forms and other components (excipients) and their role and impact when used to produce solution-based formulations;
  3. Discuss the basic physical chemistry of solutions once formed, including: the terms solution, supersaturation, solubility (ideal and non-ideal), solubility parameter, dissolution, distribution and partitioning, the influence of ionizable functional groups and structure on solution behaviour, the properties of polymers in solution and their rheological aspects and physical chemical concepts of solutions of non-electrolytes and electrolytes;
  4. Undertake calculations concerning the physico-chemical properties of drug solutions including changes in solubility with pH for ionisable compounds; calculate molar conductivities, ionic strength, partial pressures for ideal and non-ideal systems, and express solution concentrations in molarity, molality, mol fraction and equivalents;
  5. Suggest strategies typically used to improve drug solubility, and to outline the theories for prediction of drug solubility from solid state properties;
  6. Discuss the pharmaceutical applications of colligative properties of solutions and undertake calculations including molarity, molality, millimoles, miiliosmoles, gram percent concentrations and isotonic concentrations and isotonicity adjustment of solutions;
  7. Explain how drug transport across biological membranes is influenced by various physicochemical factors, in particular dissolution, ionization and distribution characteristics.
  8. Be proficient in basic laboratory techniques.

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 60%; in-semester assessments 40%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures (27 face-to-face lectures + 9 hours active learning)
  • Four 1-hour tutorials
  • Four 3-hour practical laboratories
  • Two 3-hour workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Johnson George (Parkville); Professor Nathan Chaiyakunapruk (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to provide first year students with the basic foundations required to successfully complete later year units of the Bachelor of Pharmacy course.

The unit aims to:

  • Introduce students to a range of topics relevant to the practice of pharmacy (i.e. The Medicines, The Pharmacist, The Patient, and The Health Care System);
  • Introduce students to human behaviour and important aspects of communication;
  • Develop students' skills in communication and problem solving;
  • Develop students' dispensing skills and knowledge;
  • Develop students' generic skills in critical thinking, communication and problem solving.

Students will undertake self-directed learning, complete self-assessments, present their work and participate in tutorials, all of which will enhance their learning experience.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe the roles of pharmacists, the medicines management pathway, aspects related to medication safety, the practice of pharmacy in community and hospital settings, the basic legal requirements related to pharmacy practice, ageing population and aged care, disability and disability support, medicines use and the Australian health care system;
  2. Describe the use of some commonly prescribed medicines and selected topics associated with different dose forms, routes of administrations and dose adjustments;
  3. Retrieve, interpret and communicate basic information about medicines or health care issues, and apply it to patient-centered care;
  4. Apply (at basic level) patient-centered care in the practice of pharmacy including the use of medicines, recording prescriptions, labeling the medicines and counseling patients;
  5. Describe elements of behavioural psychology that are relevant to the practice of pharmacy, and important elements of communication (e.g. the principles of interpersonal communication, barriers to good communication, listening and responding).

Assessment

Final exam: 60%; Oral presentation: 10%; Mid-semester test: 15%; open book dispensing exam: 15%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty six 1-hour lectures
  • Five 2-hour dispensing tutorials
  • Two 2-hour communication tutorials

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Phillip Bergen (Parkville); Dr Saravanan Muniyandy (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to provide first year students with the basic foundations required to successfully complete later year units of the Bachelor of Pharmacy course.

The unit aims to:

  1. Enhance students' knowledge and understanding of a range of topics relevant to the practice of pharmacy (ie. The Medicines, The Pharmacist, The Patient and The Health Care System);
  2. Develop students' skills in communication and problem solving;
  3. Develop students' dispensing skills and knowledge;
  4. Develop students' ability to apply pharmaceutical calculations in the practice of pharmacy and health care;
  5. Introduce students to primary health care and chronic diseases in populations;
  6. Develop students' generic skills in critical thinking, communication and problem-solving;
  7. Provide students with the basic foundations related to healthy living including mental health and wellbeing.

Students will also undertake self-directed learning and participate in tutorials all of which will enhance their learning experience.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the use of some commonly prescribed medicines, important aspects of primary health care and population health;
  2. Retrieve, interpret and communicate basic information about medicines or health care issues, and apply it to pharmacy practice;
  3. Dispense simple dose forms of medicines;
  4. Perform basic pharmaceutical calculations;
  5. Describe the different pharmacy organisations (including their roles and objectives), ethical practice (at basic level), professionalism, and continuing professional development;
  6. Describe the Australian health care system including the National Medicines Policy, indigenous health, the differences in healthcare needs and services between metropolitan and rural settings;
  7. Discuss the different perspectives on mental health and mental well-being
  8. Examine the similarities and differences between personal and professional behaviour.

Assessment

Online pharmaceutical calculation test (minimum requirement for this component is 80%); 10%; Mid-semester test: 10%: objective structured clinical examination (this is a hurdle requirement) 15%;open book dispensing examination: 10%; end of semester written exam: 55%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty two 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour mindfulness workshops
  • Six 2-hour dispensing tutorials

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Helen Irving (Parkville); Dr Alan Lee Yiu Wah (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

To introduce 2nd year pharmacy students to essential elements of biochemistry and molecular biology. In the process, students will develop their abilities to integrate biochemical information as it relates to both desired and unwanted effects of therapeutics, and appreciate the underlying foundation of biochemistry and molecular biology in the treatment of individual diseases and pathological conditions.

The specific topics that will be addressed are as follows:

  • structure and molecular properties of proteins, sugars and complex carbohydrates, lipids and membranes, and nucleotides and coenzymes
  • information transfer (gene structure and regulation); protein synthesis and its use in molecular biology
  • metabolism; catabolic pathways, synthetic pathways, energy production, control of metabolism

Outcomes

After completing this unit, students will be able to:

  1. To demonstrate their understanding of the basic biochemistry of body constituents by describing (comparing and contrasting) and explaining the structure, function and classification of the major biomolecules and analysing how these can be altered or perturbed in disease states using biochemical and molecular biology procedures;
  2. To demonstrate their understanding of the nature of information transfer and molecular biology methods by describing and explaining aspects of the processes from an enzymatic to biomolecular level and predicting how these can be altered or perturbed in disease states;
  3. To demonstrate their understanding of the principle metabolic pathways and the basis of their regulation and connections by describing their roles and differentiating how they are regulated from a hormonal to enzymatic level at the cellular, organ and whole body levels;
  4. To demonstrate their understanding of integrated biochemical and physiological functions, pathophysiological and biochemical or genetic perturbations as they affect bodily functions by predicting and differentiating how the metabolic pathways are regulated under normal fed, and fasting conditions and diseased conditions such as diabetes mellitus type 1.

Assessment

on-going assessments: 20%; group assignment: 10%; practical/tutorial work:10%; final examination (2.5 hours): 60%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures
  • Five 1-hour tutorials
  • Five 3-hour practicals or workshops

Additional requirements:

  • One 6-hour self-directed computer based assignment

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC1142 Chemistry of biomolecules
PAC1111 Introduction to physiology
PAC1132 Systems physiology

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Sab Ventura (Parkville); Dr Tang Kim San (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

  1. This unit will provide a foundation of fundamental aspects of cell biology, cell physiology and ways that cells communicate with each other in the human body.

  1. This unit will relate the pathophysiology of various diseases and disorders with the use of specific drug classes.

This will involve:

  • introduction to Cell Biology
  • cell biology & signalling
  • stem cells and development
  • cell pathophysiology (cancer)
  • pharmacology
  • autocoids
  • inflammatory responses
  • endocrinology.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Differentiate between the basic molecular-genetic mechanisms by which cells are regulated in a multicellular organism;
  2. Appreciate the fundamental approaches and methods used to study cells;
  3. Describe the special properties inherent to stem cells or specialized cells;
  4. Understand the ways in which cell control is disrupted in diseases such as cancer;
  5. Diagnose a disorder by examination of signs and symptoms;
  6. Relate modifications of physiological and molecular mechanisms to the observed disorder and describe the role of receptor activation and intracellular signalling in normal and abnormal cellular function.

Assessment

In lecture active learning clicker questions 5%, Mid semester MCQ test 10%, Immunotechniques lab report 10%, Adrenergics tutorial 10%, two other tutorial/workshop/practicals 5% each of the final assessment; 2 hour final exam 55%; Exam will consist of ~45 multiple choice questions (1 hour) and six questions requiring written answers (1 hour).

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty 1-hour lectures
  • One 1-hour tutorial
  • One 3-hour tutorial
  • One 3-hour practical class
  • Two 3-hour computer aided learning classes

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

Co-requisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Roland Chung (Parkville); Dr Thet Thet Htar (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to equip students with a foundation of knowledge about the molecular structure of drugs, together with an understanding of the fundamental relationship that exists between the molecular structure of drugs and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. It also seeks to provide students with an appreciation of the drug design process and the methods used to synthesise and establish the structure of drug molecules. The subject provides a firm foundation for the subsequent Basis of Drug Action II unit, as well as the "Integrated Therapeutics" 3rd year subjects, which focus on describing the major classes of drugs and how they function.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Identify functional groups in drug molecules and describe the bonding interactions they may undergo with a target macromolecule;
  2. Define the stereochemistry of chiral compounds and discuss why the shapes of drug molecules are important for biological activity;
  3. Relate the bioavailability and physicochemical properties of a drug molecule to its chemical structure;
  4. Recognise and describe structural modification strategies used to optimise the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a drug;
  5. Apply the concepts of QSAR;
  6. Describe the general synthetic strategies used to synthesise drug leads and their analogues;
  7. Analyse and interpret data to describe chemical structures;
  8. Be proficient in basic chemical laboratory techniques and communicating results in written form.

Assessment

Practical performance and reports, and other assessments: 20%; on-line multiple choice quizzes: 5%; invigilated quiz: 15%; final exam (2.5 hours): 60%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty-nine 1-hour lectures/whole class tutorials
  • Two 3-hour two 6-hour practical laboratories
  • Six hours of independent study per week
  • Twenty five hours of pre-reading and preparation for lectures, quizzes and practical laboratories

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC1121 Bioorganic and medicinal chemistry I
PAC1142 Bioorganic and medicinal chemistry II

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Paul White (Parkville); Dr Ong Chin Eng(Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit builds on the previous unit "Chemical Properties of Drug Molecules" to provide students with an understanding of the basis of drug action - efficacy. The consequences of drug binding to cell-surface receptors and enzymes will be considered at a structural level.

This will involve:

  • drug targets
  • receptor activation - efficacy and affinity
  • chemistry of drug-receptor interactions
  • newer / emerging drug classes - particularly "biologicals" - protein therapeutics
  • pharmacology in action - practical application of principles of affinity, efficacy and potency.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. List and describe in detail the categories of proteins with which drugs interact;
  2. List and explain the properties of a drug that determine its affinity, efficacy and potency;
  3. Describe the chemistry of drug-receptor interactions, and explain the properties of drug and receptor that determine binding and efficacy;
  4. Evaluate the interactions between drug and receptor that determine efficacy based on theoretical or empirical information;
  5. Calculate drug affinity, potency and efficacy based on model data, and make comparisons between drugs based on such data;
  6. Describe the mechanisms of action of several classes of emerging therapeutic classes;
  7. Effectively apply the principles of affinity, efficacy and potency to find solutions to problems associated with commonly used drugs;
  8. Based on laboratory experience within this unit, demonstrate a personal understanding of the biological evaluation of drug affinity, efficacy and potency.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hours): 50%; workshop assessment: 30%; assignments: 20%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty 1-hour lectures
  • Two 3-hour tutorials
  • One 3-hour practical class plus one 5-hour assignment
  • One 3-hour problem/based learning session plus one 5-hour assignment
  • Three 1-hour whole class introductions to practical class

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Joseph Nicolazzo (Parkville); Dr Manish Gupta (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit builds upon the fundamental concepts of drug delivery with a major focus on oral drug absorption and pharmacokinetics.

Specifically, the unit aims to:

  • provide an understanding of theoretical concepts and formulation principles of pharmaceutical dosage forms such as tablets and capsules; and
  • introduce students to fundamental concepts in pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics and their impact on drug disposition.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Discuss the formulation principles of tablets and capsules and undertake problems by applying theoretical knowledge in relation to formulation principles;
  2. Discuss the primary physiological factors influencing drug absorption across the small intestine and the effects of altering rate of absorption and extent of absorption on plasma concentration and amount of drug in the body;
  3. Define and calculate pharmacokinetic parameters, including drug clearance, elimination half-life, volume of distribution, fraction unbound, fraction excreted unchanged in urine and steady state plasma concentration after intravenous administrations and multiple dosing;
  4. Distinguish between drugs that exhibit 1 and 2 compartment behaviour and calculate and interpret pharmacokinetic parameters for drugs that obey 1 and 2 compartment kinetics
  5. Discuss hepatic clearance of drugs in terms of intrinsic clearance, protein binding and hepatic blood flow and how this changes for high and low extraction ratio drugs and calculate hepatic extraction ratios
  6. Estimate the absolute and relative bioavailability of drugs given either plasma or urine concentration data.
  7. Describe the characteristics, causes and therapeutic consequences of non-linear pharmacokinetics

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 60%; In-semester assessments 40%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures
  • One 1-hour tutorial
  • Three 3-hour workshops
  • One 3-hour practical

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC1222 Drug delivery I
PAC1132 Systems physiology

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Safeera Hussainy (Parkville); Dr Vivienne Mak (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge, skills and resources to interact with patients and other health care professionals to effect positive therapeutic outcomes. The unit focuses on definition, development and refinement of communication skills for pharmacists in all aspects of professional practice. This professional practice is defined in terms of the expectations and structure of the Australian Health Care System and in context of global approaches to health.

Students will develop an understanding of:

  • effective communication with patients and prescribers; health literacy; the problems of medication non-adherence and means of overcoming them; the role of the pharmacist in patient education.

Students will develop abilities in:

  • the areas of accessing information; written and oral communication (including effective communication in special settings); patient counselling; problem-solving in clinically- oriented situations; and creating, maintaining and utilising individual patient records.

Students will develop an appreciation of concepts in systematic care of patients.

Outcomes

After completing this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Apply specific strategies and resources to enhance communication with patients and other health care professionals;
  2. Communicate with patients and other health care professionals in a considered and systematic way, focussing on best clinical outcomes;
  3. Apply approaches to communication with patients and other health care professionals in special settings and with specific groups of people;
  4. Identify clinical and other health terminology used;
  5. Interpret health terminology for clinical decision-making and for translating into meaningful language for patients.

Assessment

Final exam: 45%; three tutorial assessments: 15% in total; oral exam (objective structured clinical exam, OSCE): 40%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Seven tutorials (one 2-hour, two 2.5 hour and four 3-hour)
  • Twenty seven 1-hour lectures/whole class tutorials (Parkville)

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC1311 Pharmacy, health and society I
PAC1322 Pharmacy, health and society II

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Assoc Professor Simon Bell (Parkville); Dr Vivienne Mak (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit puts the practice of pharmacy and delivery of pharmacy services in a public health context. It emphasises a population perspective for health policy as well as clinical decision-making.

Students will develop an understanding of:

  • Definitions and issues in public health including the socio-environmental determinants of health
  • The role of pharmacy in a public health context
  • The Australian National Medicines Policy and the Quality Use of Medicines Strategy
  • The nature, role and development of health policy.

Students will develop abilities in:

  • Applying population-based evidence to improve clinical decision-making
  • Performing and interpreting the results of statistical tests that are relevant to evidence based practice
  • Applying health economic principles to medicines use
  • Dispensing, including clinical problem-solving
  • Performing pharmaceutical calculations building on previous knowledge.

Students will develop an appreciation of:

  • The roles of other health professionals and their relationship to pharmacy
  • Key issues around medicines promotion and international health.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the broad public health perspectives and framework for providing; therapeutic services and care to patients, and for working with other health care professionals, in both developed and advanced countries;
  2. Describe the role of the expatriate pharmacist including the public health issues that they are likely to address;
  3. Discuss the process for formulating health policy and the impact of various health policies;
  4. Have a working knowledge of harm minimisation/pharmacotherapy substitution services in pharmacy;
  5. Discuss the principles and application of the Quality Use of Medicine Strategy of the National Medicines Policy as well as the development and application of essential medicines lists in general;
  6. Systematically conduct a literature review and a subsequent critical appraisal to answer a clinical enquiry;
  7. Interpret the results of statistical tests when critically appraising the literature to answer a clinical enquiry;
  8. Perform statistical and pharmacoeconomic tests that are frequently used in the reporting of health care research and that underpin evidence based practice;
  9. Define, recognise and using evidence-based principles, deal with medicines promotion;
  10. Apply knowledge of evidence based principles to complementary and alternative medicines;
  11. Dispense medicines and solve clinical problems;
  12. Perform pharmaceutical calculations relevant to the practice of pharmacy.

Assessment

Final exam (3 hour): 50%; evidence-based practice assignment: 20%; Extemporaneous dispensing exam: 10%; Online calculations test: 10%; Mid-semester test: 10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Nineteen 1-hour lectures
  • Two 2.5-hour workshops
  • Six 2-hour practical laboratories

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC1311 Pharmacy, Health and Society I
PAC1322 Pharmacy, Health and Society II

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Manallack (Parkville); Dr Goh Bey Hing (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to disease state management. It will cover concepts that span the range of diseases such as issues related to the management of paediatric and geriatric patients and the use and interpretation of laboratory tests for diagnosis and monitoring.

This unit provides a foundation of basic knowledge required for the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiovascular diseases. It will relate the pathophysiology of these disorders with the rational design and clinical use of drugs. The chemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of medications associated with each area are presented in detail in an integrated fashion.

This will involve:

  • introduction to disease state management
  • epidemiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease
  • chemistry of drugs used in cardiovascular disease
  • pharmacology of drugs used in cardiovascular disease
  • cardiovascular disease state management.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the epidemiology and concepts of disease state management of cardiovascular diseases including the concepts affecting the management of various types of patients (e.g. paediatric and geriatric patients);
  2. Evaluate a patient's laboratory test results to assist with the diagnosis or management of disease;
  3. Describe the normal function of the cardiovascular system and the signs and symptoms likely to be seen in patients with the disorders;
  4. Recognise when referral for medical assessment is required with a particular emphasis on cardinal symptoms;
  5. Relate modifications of physiological and molecular mechanisms to the observed disorder;
  6. Describe the chemistry of the different types of drugs used to treat these disorders and the chemical and biological principals behind the development of a range of drugs used to treat these disorders;
  7. Describe drug and non-drug therapy options for the management of cardiovascular disease and primary and secondary prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease;
  8. Evaluate a patient's disease state, identify any drug therapy problems and recommend appropriate resolutions of those problems;
  9. Formulate a medical management program for specific patients based on their medical, medication and psychosocial histories and laboratory test results;
  10. Apply basic counselling strategies that optimize behavioural change support for patients with chronic conditions.

Assessment

Problem based learning tutorials 15%; Clinical knowledge and skills development 5%; OSCE 20%; Final exam (3 hour) 60%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures
  • One 2-hour practical class
  • Two 3 hour practical classes

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Co-requisites

PAC2182 Basis of drug action II

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Phil Bergen (Parkville); Dr Manish Gupta (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

To introduce 3rd year pharmacy students to essential elements of microbiology and immunology. In the process, students will develop their abilities to integrate microbiological and immunological concepts and apply these to a limited number of applications contained within the unit and as a basis for later work in other subjects within the pharmaceutical sciences.

This will involve the study of:

  • bacteria (general principles and microbial genetics)
  • eukaryotic microbes
  • virology
  • epidemiology
  • immunology
  • microbiological diseases (diseases and host responses).

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate fundamental concepts in microbiology and associated immunology including basic technologies, classification of microorganisms, principles of microbial genetics, and immunological processes;
  2. evaluate and differentiate basic microbiological laboratory techniques and how to apply these to the identification of different types of pathogenic microorganisms;
  3. demonstrate an appreciation of factors involved in contamination control and control of infectious diseases;
  4. illustrate the ecological role of microorganisms and analyse interactions between microorganisms and the host including interactions with humans and the principles of immunology and epidemiology.

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 60%; mid-semester tests: 20%; on-going practicals and assignments: 20%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures
  • Two 1 hour mid-semester tests
  • Two 1-hour tutorials (whole class feedback sessions)
  • Five 2-hour practicals

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC2151 Biochemistry and molecular biology

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Suzanne Caliph (Parkville); Dr Saravanan Muniyandy (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

The overall aim of this unit is to introduce 3rd year pharmacy students to the key concepts associated with clinical pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and disposition, and therapeutic drug monitoring and how these may impact on patient therapeutic dosage regimens in various disease states, conditions and with concomitant medication. Additionally, students will build upon their knowledge on surface properties and formulation of heterogenous systems, including dispersions, semi-solids, aerosols and modified release products.

This will involve the study of:

  • effect of metabolism, drug transporters and disease on pharmacokinetics
  • drug interactions
  • management of poisons
  • therapeutic drug monitoring
  • solid in liquid dispersions
  • aerosols and foams
  • semi-solids, suppositories and pessaries
  • modified release formulations

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe steady state plasma concentration and factors affecting steady state plasma concentration; calculate steady state concentrations after a particular dose and dosing interval;
  2. Describe common routes of drug metabolism and drug transport and predict changes in pharmacokinetics associated with inter-individual variability;
  3. Explain how drug transporters present in the small intestine, liver, kidney and blood-brain barrier may impact on disposition of drugs and potential drug-drug interactions;
  4. Evaluate and predict how pharmacokinetics may alter in various disease states and patient groups (pregnancy, obesity, geriatrics, paediatrics);
  5. Generate a drug regimen based on therapeutic drug monitoring principles;
  6. Discuss particular examples where drug-drug interactions impact on pharmacokinetics and patient therapy;
  7. Explain and exemplify formulation principles of solid in liquid dispersions, aerosol systems, semisolids and modified release drug delivery systems.

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 60%; In-semester assessments 40%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty three 1-hour lectures
  • Four 3-hour workshops
  • One 3 hours online practical

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC2232 Drug delivery and disposition

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Darren Creek (Parkville); Dr Nafees Ahemad (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to equip students with fundamental and applied knowledge required to understand and assess pharmaceutical pre-formulation, formulation, sterilization and packaging of parenteral products, with special emphasis on drug product stability, including the kinetics and mechanisms of drug degradation and functional group reactivity. The unit is also designed to provide students with an understanding of aseptic processing, disinfection and preservation.

This will involve the study of:

  • preformulation/formulation/ containers and closures
  • drug stability
  • contamination control and sterilisation
  • biotechnology products

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Estimate rate constants, half-lives and shelf-lives for drug substances and products; Interpret pH-rate profiles for typical drugs and understand the main physicochemical properties that control chemical reaction rates;
  2. Understand organic chemical reaction mechanisms for degradation of common drug functional groups; apply this knowledge to stabilization of drugs that are susceptible to hydrolysis, oxidation and photochemical degradation;
  3. Understand basic features of drug inactivation by physical means;
  4. Provide a summary of the necessary preformulation tools for new drug characterisation;
  5. Given information on the bulk, physicochemical and stability properties of a drug, provide a clear strategy for the choice and development of a formulation of that drug;
  6. Discuss the formulation of injections, including the purpose of all excipients used, and the general processes for the manufacture of injections including reconstitutable injections;
  7. Discuss issues in the use of glass, plastic and rubber packaging materials;
  8. Discuss contamination control and aseptic processing of sterile pharmaceuticals;
  9. Describe sterilization processes, validation, sterility assurance and end product sterility testing;
  10. Discuss microbial stability issues of pharmaceuticals and principles and practices of disinfection and preservation;
  11. Appreciate the spectrum of disciplines involved in pharmaceutical biotechnology products.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; workshop assessments: 30%; in semester testing 10%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty five 1-hour lectures
  • Four 3-hour workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Johnson George (Parkville); Mr Tahir Mehmood Khan (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit builds on the knowledge and understanding of a range of topics which are relevant to the practice of pharmacy.

Students will be introduced to the concepts underlying pharmacy management, harm reduction, pharmacy legislation, management of poisoning and overdose, the principles of medication safety and accurate dispensing under time pressure.

Students will submit assignments, participate in tutorials and practicals, and undertake some self-directed learning, all of which will enhance their learning experience.

This will involve the study of:

  • pharmacy management
  • pharmacy legislation
  • medication safety
  • harm reduction
  • poisoning and overdose
  • accurate dispensing

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the principles of management in the context of pharmacy practice with a focus on personal management skills and human resources management;
  2. Discuss the legal requirements for best pharmacy practice and apply these principles in various practice situations;
  3. Discuss the principles and procedures of medication safety initiatives in hospitals;
  4. Describe the principles of harm reduction, its importance in the social context and the role of pharmacists;
  5. Discuss the principles and procedures underlying the management of poisoning and overdose; and
  6. Dispense multiple prescriptions, including extemporaneous products, with accuracy under time pressure.

Assessment

Parkville Campus: Final exam (2 hour): 60%; management assignment: 10%; legislation quiz: 20%; harm minimization quiz: 10%.
Malaysia Campus: Final exam (2 hour): 60%; management assignment: 10%; legislation quiz: 10%; legislation assignment: 10%; harm minimization quiz: 10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty nine 1-hour lectures
  • Two 1-hour tutorials
  • One 1.5-hour assessment
  • Two 2-hour practicals
  • One 3-hour tutorial/assessment

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC2331 Pharmacists as communicators
PAC2342 Pharmacy in a public health context

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Johnson George (Parkville); Dr Shaun Lee Wen Huey (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

In this unit students will acquire or further develop knowledge relating to the:

  • Ethical principles in relation to the practice of pharmacy.

In this unit students will develop an appreciation of:

  • The competency standards for the practice of pharmacy in Australia
  • The Australian healthcare system
  • Alternative therapies available in Australia
  • The practice of pharmacy in hospital and rural settings
  • Drug information services.

In this unit students will develop an understanding of;

  • Aged care services
  • The principles of multiple-medication management and the skills for performing multiple medication management reviews.

In this unit students will further develop abilities in:

  • Performing pharmaceutical calculations
  • Dispensing multiple prescriptions with 100% accuracy in different settings using commercial dispensing programs
  • Providing reliable drug information to health professionals and consumers and
  • Undertaking comprehensive medication reviews in different practice settings.

This will involve the study of:

  • ethics in Pharmacy Practice
  • competency and standards
  • the Australian healthcare system
  • aged care services
  • multiple medication management
  • hospital practice
  • drug information services
  • IV lines
  • rural practice
  • alternative therapies

As part of this unit students will submit assignments, participate in tutorials, attend practicals, and undertake some self-directed learning, all of which will enhance their learning experience.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the student should be able to:

  1. Describe the role of the pharmacist in patient care, the ethical codes that guide the profession of pharmacy and apply those in a practice setting;
  2. Describe the Australian health care system, alternative therapies, competency and practice standards documents, and aged care services;
  3. Apply the principles of multiple medication management and problem solving skills to clinical situations in various practice settings;
  4. Describe the practice of pharmacy in hospital and rural settings;
  5. Describe the principles and procedures in the provision of drug information;
  6. Perform pharmaceutical calculations relevant to the practice of pharmacy;
  7. Prepare and dispense extemporaneous preparations and dispense proprietary products with 100% accuracy in different practice settings using commercial dispensing programs;
  8. Provide reliable and unbiased drug information to health professionals and consumers;
  9. Undertake comprehensive medication reviews in different practice settings;
  10. Communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hours): 50%; Open Book Practical Examination (2 hours): 30%; Medication Management Assignment: 10%; Calculations Quiz (1 hour) - 10%.

Hurdle: Pharmaceutical calculations (minimum 80% required to pass the unit)

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty-five 1-hour lectures
  • One 2-hour tutorial
  • Five 2-hour practicals

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC2331 Pharmacists as communicators
PAC2342 Pharmacy in a public health context

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Dan Malone (Parkville); Dr Lee Chooi Yeng (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides a foundation of basic knowledge required for the diagnosis and management of patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. This unit will relate the pathophysiology of these disorders with the rational design and clinical use of drugs. The chemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of medications associated with each area are presented in detail in an integrated fashion.

This will involve the study of:

  • pathophysiology of respiratory diseases
  • chemistry of drugs used in respiratory diseases
  • pharmacology of drugs used in respiratory diseases
  • respiratory disease state management
  • pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases
  • chemistry of drugs used in gastrointestinal diseases
  • pharmacology of drugs used in gastrointestinal diseases
  • gastrointestinal disease state management.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the epidemiology and concepts of disease state management of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases;
  2. Describe the normal function of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and the signs and symptoms likely to be seen in patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders;
  3. Appraise when referral for medical assessment is required, with a particular emphasis on symptoms indicative of referral;
  4. Reflect on their primary care response to symptoms, communication and counselling skills with respect to the supply of non-prescription medicines used for respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases;
  5. Describe the chemistry of the different types of drugs used to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders and the chemical and biological principals behind the development of a range of drugs used to treat these disorders;
  6. Examine the mechanism of action of drugs used in treatment of gastrointestinal disease, and appreciate how this leads to the treatment of disease, as well as side effects produced;
  7. Demonstrate how drug and non-drug therapy options for the management of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases contribute to primary and secondary prevention strategies for respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases;
  8. Evaluate a patient's respiratory and/or gastrointestinal disease state, identify any drug therapy problems and recommend appropriate resolutions of those problems.

Assessment

Final exam (3 hour): 60%; on-going assessments: 40%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • The equivalent of thirty six 1-hour lectures
  • Three 3-hour tutorials

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC2412 Integrated therapeutics: Introduction and cardiovascular
PAC2182 Basis of drug action II

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Phil Bergen (Parkville); Mr Tahir Mehmood Khan (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

The aim of this unit is to provide an introduction to disease state management and concepts common to a range of disease states and to provide an integrated foundation of basic knowledge of the chemistry, pharmacology and therapeutics required for the diagnosis and management of patients with infectious diseases. This unit also aims to develop students' generic skills in critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, leadership and working in teams.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  • Describe the epidemiology of a range of infectious diseases;
  • Discuss the chemistry, classification, functions and pharmaceutical aspects of a range of antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-parasitic agents;
  • Explain the pathophysiology of infectious diseases ;
  • Describe the mechanism of action of various classes of antimicrobials agents;
  • Describe the structure-activity relationships and mechanism of action of anti-infective agents;
  • Describe the signs and symptoms likely to be seen in patients with the disorders;
  • Diagnose minor infections by consideration of signs and symptoms, recommend suitable treatment options and counsel the patient;
  • Recognise when referral for medical assessment is required with a particular emphasis on cardinal symptoms;
  • Discuss the role of antimicrobials and their uses for various disease states;
  • Describe the problems of infectious disease world-wide and the major problems of resistance;
  • Identify the possibility of interactions between certain antimicrobials and other drugs and conditions;
  • Communicate with the patients and liaising with other health care professionals to monitor patient care;
  • Formulate a medical management program for a specific patient based on a diagnosis;
  • Identify any drug therapy problems and recommend appropriate resolutions of those problems;
  • Work in a team to achieve a common goal.

Assessment

Problem based learning exercises and assignment: 25%; mid-semester tests 15%; written examination: 35%; objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) 25%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures
  • One 3-hour tutorials

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC2412 Integrated Therapeutics: Introduction and cardiovascular
PAC3191 Microbiology and immunology

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Erica Sloan (Parkville); Prof. Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk (Malaysia)

Quota applies

This unit is quota restricted. Selection is on a first-in, first enrolled basis. For more information see http://www.pharm.monash.edu.au/students/undergrad/courses/pharmacyelectives.html

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

The unit provides students with an experience in current aspects of research within the faculty and will provide students with an appreciation of the fundamentals of research philosophy and methodology.

Students will undertake a literature research project addressing an issue/problem in the pharmaceutical sciences or pharmacy practice areas. (Please note: There is no guarantee that students will be placed in their preferred research area as places are limited.)

This unit will expand the student's knowledge of research and enhance skills in information literacy, scientific writing and research. The unit is compatible with Monash University's goals for research lead teaching.

Outcomes

The aim of this unit is to provide students the opportunity to gain further skills in research and problem solving, and an understanding of current research activities within the faculty. The unit is designed for the student who wishes to enhance these skills for a career in pharmacy or who might wish to pursue further study in research orientated postgraduate programs.

Specific learning outcomes are to

  1. Critically engage with pharmaceutical research and practice literature, to identify appropriate processes and products for evaluating research results.
  2. Critically define the approach to investigating and evaluating the research literature relating to the identified problem, and their contribution towards completing the group compiled research report.
  3. Conduct detailed examination of comprehensive quantitative and qualitative research studies, evaluating the impact of these studies towards the solution of issues and challenges identified in pharmaceutical sciences and practice.

Students will develop these skills by

  1. Participating in mentored group meetings and online discussions to analyse research questions and prepare a plan for investigating literature relevant to the question,
  2. Ongoing reflective questioning of process and product within a group-facilitated working environment, including progressive self-evaluation of contribution to the process and product of group work.
  3. Examination of research literature to determine breadth and depth of research literature examined, bias of interpretation, status of research conducted, identification of weaknesses and strengths of research studies and significance of data and conclusions.

Assessment

Group meeting reports from weeks 2, 4 and 10: 15% (3 x 5%)
Research plan due week 4: 10%
Report draft due week 6: 10%
Final report due week 12: 45%
Reflection due week 12: 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Six 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour tutorials

Additional requirements:

  • Sixty hours of directed project work

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Darren Creek (Parkville)

Quota applies

This unit is quota restricted. Selection is merit-based and students must apply for the unit. For more information please see http://www.pharm.monash.edu.au/students/undergrad/pac3522research-project.html

Offered

Malaysia

  • Summer semester A 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Summer semester A 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with a preliminary training in research in pharmaceutical science or pharmacy practice within the faculty as well as provide the knowledge of research philosophy and approaches.

Students will participate in a hands-on research project within the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (MIPS) or the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS) under the supervision of an academic staff member. The project will enhance students' skills in all aspects of research.

Outcomes

The aim of this unit is to provide students the opportunity to gain skills in research and an understanding of current research activities within the faculty. The unit is designed for the student who may wish to pursue further study in research-orientated postgraduate programs.

The elective aims to:

  • provide students with experience in an area of research
  • provide students with an insight into future opportunities in the area of research
  • encourage and attract high quality students interested in pursuing a career in research, the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry or academia.

At the end of this elective, students will be expected to have developed:

  1. An understanding of some recent advances in research in pharmaceutical science or pharmacy practice and the literature within their area of research;
  2. An appreciation of the need to define a hypothesis, design an approach to test the hypothesis, plan the experiments, undertake the experiments, analyse and interpret the data and write a research report;
  3. An appreciation of basic research philosophies and approaches.

Assessment

Written report: 50%; Supervisor mark: 50%, comprising 10% for each of: initiative; technical capability; attention to detail; teamwork; project understanding.

Workload requirements

Students will participate in a small number of lectures and undertake a research project equivalent to 72 hours of learning. The research project will be 4 weeks in duration and will take place in either November/December or January/February prior to fourth year.

Workload requirements:

  • Six hours of lectures
  • One hundred and thirty eight hours of research project (approx. 4 weeks)

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC3191
PAC3241
PAC3351
PAC3421
All third year units except the elective unit (students take this unit in the summer break between third and fourth year)

Co-requisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Johnson George

Quota applies

This unit is quota restricted. Selection is on a first-in, first enrolled basis. For more information see http://www.pharm.monash.edu.au/students/undergrad/courses/pharmacyelectives.html

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Many pharmacy graduates will be employed in positions where they will need to lead or supervise others or be leaders in introduction of new professional pharmacy services. An understanding of the principles of leadership and how to manage and implement change will therefore be important to effective professional practice. Students will develop and practice these skills through a range of team-based and individual activities and a group project.

Outcomes

The aim of this unit is to provide an introduction to leadership principles and concepts of change management in the context of pharmacy practice. It will differentiate leadership from management and will consider the basic theories of leadership and team-building. Students will develop skills in identifying opportunities for change, implementing and evaluating change in an evidence-based manner.

This unit also aims to develop students' generic skills in critical thinking, communication and problem-solving.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe the concepts of good leadership;
  2. Identify their personal leadership characteristics;
  3. Describe the principles associated with change management;
  4. Work in a team;
  5. Lead a team.

Assessment

Project Plan: 20%; Personal reflection on personal contribution to team and change management: 10%; Group assignment: 30%; Project report: 40%

Peer-assessment will be used to assess team-work and leadership skills.
Assignments will be used to provide an assessment of the ability to apply leadership skills, the development of teams and the change management process.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Eight 3-hour tutorials
  • Three 2-hour workshops

Additional requirements:

  • Sixty hours group activities/team meetings

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Sabrina Anne Jacob

Quota applies

This unit is quota restricted.

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

The Community Engagement (CE) is a community-based project that offers our students an unrivalled opportunity to understand issues of social justice and equity and relate these to the practice of pharmacy. Empathy in this area is an essential part of good pharmacy practice. Through the completion of a community placement, our students have the opportunity to observe the outstanding human skills of multi-disciplinary teams in a community setting and be actively involved in the work of the host agency. Through the project, students have a specific opportunity to explore community responses to social justice issues; reflect upon their own attitudes and behaviours; and relate these to an evolving understanding of the relationship between medicine, pharmacy, healthcare professionalism and social justice. The project requires students to consider their own knowledge, values and skills in relation to the impact of political, social, and economic determinants on people's lives. It will allow students to better understand the use of contemporary approaches in service delivery, and it will also serve as an opportunity to explore alternative strategies to health and well-being of their patients in their future practice.

The project provides students with an opportunity to gain a unique learning experience off-campus, based within a community organisation involved in the provision of clinical, health and social care to needy individuals (see Appendix A for list of organisations). Practical involvement with their community-based placements provide an opportunity for students to understand what these organisations do, why they need to do so and how they serve individuals, families and communities. This community-centred approach will allow pharmacy students to experience health and social care issues at a grassroots level.

Students will undertake a group project in their community placement under guidance of academic convenors (AA) from Monash University and field educator (FE) from the organisations involved. Both AA and FE will provide support, guidance and manage academic progress of the students' projects They will also assist students during the planning and implementation of the projects. The students will also develop skills in communicating their project work orally, visually, and in written form to fellow students, faculty, and community groups or organisations with whom they will be working. The knowledge and skills gained through the lectures and workshops, as well as through readings will be applied in the real world during the conduct of these projects.

Outcomes

This unit aims to help the students develop as professionals and as individuals and their understanding of the distribution and determinants of health. It also aims to facilitate the acquiring of knowledge about the effects of being disadvantaged on health and the development of skills while working in the community.

At the end of the placement, the students should demonstrate an understanding of; or develop skills in:

  • the way the organisation works
  • professional relationships within and external to the organisation
  • the users of the services provided by the agencies and the issues encountered
  • the relationships between the service providers and the clients/communities served
  • the impact of political, economic and social policies on the organisation, staff professional practice and service users
  • communication, ethical awareness, socio-cultural understanding; professional behaviour with diverse populations.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  • Understand the "whole person", and in particular the social and economic context of health and illness
  • Appreciate the interplay of medical, scientific, social, cultural, political, economic and ethical factors in health promotion
  • Develop knowledge of barriers faced by people in accessing services, their relevance to medicine and individuals health
  • Develop an understanding of social and public policy and how it impacts on individuals health
  • Develop an appreciation of how and why community organisations deliver their services
  • Develop skills in communicating placement experience to an audience by different methods (oral and written presentations).

Assessment

Successful completion of this unit requires students to complete all phases of the project. This includes formulating a personal learning plan (a plan describing the placement goals and how these are achieved), completing their placement, carrying out the agency activity (group project), and finally presenting their projects. They must also complete a peer assessment (assessment of group dynamics and contribution of individual members towards project completion) and receive favorable assessments from the field educator (FE's assessment) and the academic advisor (AA's assessment).
The breakdown for the assessment components for the unit is as follows: personal learning plan: 10%; project report: 40%; project presentation: 30%; and academic advisor's assessment 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Six 1-hour lectures
  • Four 1-hour tutorials

Additional requirements:

  • Seven 8-hour placements

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Suzanne Caliph (Parkville); Dr Alice Chuah Lay Hong (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with a detailed understanding of the specific biopharmaceutical and formulation considerations for non-oral drug delivery routes, including transdermal, pulmonary, nasal, buccal, rectal, vaginal, ocular, intramuscular and subcutaneous. The unit will also address advanced oral drug delivery technologies and targeted drug delivery systems.

The unit will provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge of pharmaceutics and further develop skills in evaluating scientific literature and preparing professional written reports.

The unit will explain the drug development process for novel therapeutic agents and generic drugs. These processes will be illustrated through the presentation of several case studies. Case studies will also be presented to highlight the importance of good manufacturing practices and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry.

Outcomes

This aim of this unit is to expand the student's knowledge of biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics and formulation considerations for a range of non-oral drug delivery routes, advanced oral drug delivery technologies and targeted drug delivery systems.

The unit will also provide students with an overview of the drug development process from pre-clinical stages through to product registration. Additionally, this unit aims to develop students' generic skills in evaluation of scientific literature, critical thinking, problem-solving, report writing, leadership and working in teams.

In this unit students will develop an appreciation of:

  1. The role of the Therapeutic Goods Administration and its responsibilities in ensuring the safe, efficacy, and quality of medicines available in Australia;
  2. The process of clinical drug development ;
  3. The importance of Good Manufacturing Practices in the pharmaceutical industry.

In this unit, students will develop an understanding of:

  1. The biopharmaceutical barriers to effective drug delivery various routes of drug delivery;
  2. The formulation approaches that can be employed to overcome the biopharmaceutical barriers to effective drug delivery via various routes of drug delivery;
  3. The advantages and disadvantages of various routes of delivery;
  4. Situations when one route of delivery is preferred over another route of drug delivery;
  5. The need for a quality system in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals;
  6. The process for drug registration for a generic formulation compared to a novel therapeutic drug;
  7. Phase I, II and III clinical trials.

In this unit students will develop skills in:

  1. Analysis of pharmaceutical formulations and identification of key excipients;
  2. Locating and evaluating scientific literature on pharmaceutical drug formulations;
  3. Working effectively in teams;
  4. Time management and meeting deadlines;
  5. Writing scientific reports that reflect an understanding of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical rationale behind a specific pharmaceutical formulation;
  6. Preparing high quality, well formatted and presented written documents.

Upon completion of this unit students will be able to:

  • Describe the biopharmaceutical barriers to effective drug delivery various routes of drug delivery
  • Discuss the formulation approaches that can be employed to overcome the biopharmaceutical barriers to effective drug delivery via various routes of drug delivery
  • Analyse pharmaceutical formulations and identify key excipients and describe the potential functions of the excipients in the formulation
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of various routes of delivery
  • Identify situations when one route of delivery is preferential to another route of delivery for a drug
  • Discuss the need for a quality system in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and the role of Good Manufacturing Practices
  • Explain why the process for drug registration for a generic formulation can be different to a novel therapeutic drug
  • Summarise the purpose of Phase I, II and III clinical trials
  • Describe the role of the TGA and its responsibilities in ensuring the safe, efficacy, and quality of medicines available in Australia
  • Explain the process of clinical drug development
  • Propose a rationale behind a specific pharmaceutical formulation
  • Prepare a high quality, well formatted and presented written document.

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour):60%; within semester assessment 30%, which consists of individual and group assignment work, online quizzes 10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty 1-hour lectures
  • Two 3-hour workshops
  • Twenty hours of individual and group project
  • Twenty four hours of self-study topics

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Professor Carl Kirkpatrick (Parkville); Mr Benny Efendie (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

To enhance students' knowledge and understanding of a range of topics relevant to the practice of pharmacy; to further develop skills in communication and problem solving; and to provide the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills under supervision in various practice settings through the Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Program.

Outcomes

Students will develop practice skills in a range of settings by applying the knowledge and understanding they have gleaned from other units within the course.
Specific learning outcomes for each PEP type are listed in the relevant student PEP manual.

Assessment

This unit will be assessed as satisfying faculty requirements (SFR), which comprises for each of four PEPs:
Satisfactory completion of the PEP, including attendance at the briefing, full attendance at the placement site and attendance at the debrief;
Assessment by preceptors, in discussion with the student, using purpose-designed standard feedback forms;
A student evaluation of each PEP; and
A reflective report on a specified topic for reach PEP.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Four 1-hour briefings prior to placement (4/5 of class, for each placement, in lecture theatre)
  • Four 1-hour small group debriefing sessions following placement

Additional requirements:

  • 420 hours of placements (4 x 3 weeks x 5 days x 8 hours)

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PAC3351
PAC3362.
Students must take PAC4371 in their final year of study and must only be enrolled in fourth year units to ensure there are no clashes with placements.

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Suzanne Caliph (Parkville); Mr Muhammad Abdul Hadi (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

The aim of this unit is to further prepare students for practice as pharmacists.
This unit builds particularly on the third year units of the Pharmacy Practice stream (PAC3351, PAC3362) and the Professional Experience Placement program (PAC4371).

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Appreciate the leadership role of the pharmacist;
  2. Plan life-long learning in the context required by the Pharmacy Board of Australia for registration purposes;
  3. Dispense legally and accurately, including being proficient in pharmaceutical calculations;
  4. Describe various extended roles of pharmacists.

Assessment

Final examination 45%; assignments 25%; Open book practical examination 30% (includes hurdle pharmaceutical calculations quiz 10%).

Workload requirements

48 contact hours and 24 hours of self-directed learning

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Suzanne Caliph (Parkville)

Prerequisites

PAC3351
PAC3362
PAC4371
(Note: the result for PAC4371 may be WH but students must have completed at least three Practical Experience Placements.)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Betty Exintaris (Parkville); Dr Nafees Ahemad (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

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.

Outcomes

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.

Assessment

Quizzes (4X5%) 20%; Debates 10%; Tutorials (X2)10%; Final exam 60%

Workload requirements

72 hours of formal study per semester (36 hours of lectures, 4 hours of tutorials, 2 hours of debates, 2 hours of quizzes and 28 hours of self-directed learning).

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Betty Exintaris (Parkville); Mr David Chong (Malaysia)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Manallack (Parkville); Dr Shaun Lee Wen Huey (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to provide the foundations for the:

  • Management of dermatological conditions to ensure optimal treatment for patients.
  • Management of pain arising from a variety of sources and to ensure optimal treatment for patients
  • Management of musculoskeletal disorders - rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis arthritis and gout.

The unit also integrates detailed information concerning chemistry and pharmacology with the clinical aspects of medications associated with dermatology, pain management and various musculoskeletal disorders.

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

Students will perform a number of tasks that will help foster the development of critical thinking and oral and written communication skills, leadership and teamwork.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Understand the pathophysiology of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
  2. Describe skin structure and skin pathology;
  3. Exemplify the chemistry of the different classes of drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
  4. Understand the concepts of structure-activity relationships for the drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
  5. Explain the pharmacology of the drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
  6. Describe how pain is detected and explain the pathways that transmit pain signals to the brain;
  7. Indicate what is current best practice for the management of dermatological disorders, as well as pain and musculoskeletal conditions (including drug and non-drug therapies), with an emphasis on the role of the pharmacist.
  8. Recognize the usual symptoms of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions seen in the pharmacy and be able to determine when the patient requires referral to a medical practitioner.
  9. Evaluate and critically analyse simulated patient information together with any associated treatment regimes, to develop appropriate recommendations for therapy to optimise health outcomes.

Assessment

Final exam: 60%; mid-semester tests (online): 10%; problem-based exercises: 30%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty 1-hour lectures
  • One 2-hour workshop

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Professor Colin Pouton (Parkville); Dr Ng Khuen Yen (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to lay a foundation of knowledge about diseases and disorders in neurology and oncology and to provide the relationship between pathophysiology and the rational design and use of drugs in the management of conditions of this type.

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.

Specifically the unit will cover epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke and a range of common malignancies such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, bowel cancer, skin cancer, leukaemia, lung cancer, etc.

It will also deal with principles of palliative care and management of patients at the end of life.

Students will perform a number of tasks which will help with the development of critical thinking skills and oral and/or written communication skills.

Outcomes

  1. This unit aims to lay a foundation of knowledge about diseases and disorders in neurology and oncology and to provide the relationship between pathophysiology and the rational design and use of drugs in the management of conditions of this type.
  2. The chemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of medications associated with each area are presented in detail in an integrated fashion.
  3. 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.
  4. Specifically the unit will cover epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke and a range of common malignancies such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, bowel cancer, skin cancer, leukaemia, lung cancer, etc. It will also deal with principles of palliative care and management of patients at the end of life.
  5. Students will perform a number of tasks which will help with the development of critical thinking skills and oral and written communication skills.

Assessment

Final exam (3 hour): 60%; in-semester MCQ or short answer tests: 20%; practical assessments (case-based exercises): 20%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures or equivalent, delivered face to face or online
  • Directed tasks in the form of online group exercises (equivalent to two 6-hour exercises)

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Dan Malone (Parkville); Dr Sabrina Anne Jacob (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit covers the principles of the:

  • Management of mental health disorders to ensure optimal treatment for patients
  • Chemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of medications used for mental health disorders. These as well as pathophysiology of mental health disorders are presented in an integrated fashion
  • Necessary skills required for the provision of pharmacy services in mental health

Outcomes

At the end of this unit, student will be able to:

  1. Appreciate how dysfunction of the central nervous system results in mental health disorders.
  2. Describe the pathophysiology of a range of common mental health disorders.
  3. Understand the chemistry of medications used in the management of mental health disorders.
  4. Examine how structure activity relationships for drugs relate to the management of mental health disorders.
  5. Examine how the pharmacology of the drugs relates to the management of mental health disorders.
  6. Predict how drugs of abuse can affect mental health.
  7. Make preliminary diagnoses and differentiation of mental health disorders, and determine when a patient requires referral to a medical practitioner.
  8. Recommend how to manage mental health disorders including drug and non-drug therapies.
  9. Appreciate what is current best practice for the management of mental health disorders, with an emphasis on the role of the pharmacist.
  10. Evaluate and critically analyse simulated patient information, with any associated treatment regimes, to develop appropriate recommendations for therapy to optimise health outcomes.

Assessment

Final exam: 60%; in-semester assessment: 40%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty three 1-hour lectures
  • Two 3-hour tutorials
  • One 1.5-hour tutorial
  • Two .75 semester tests

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Suzanne Caliph (Parkville); Mr Benny Efendie (Malaysia)

Offered

Malaysia

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the BPharm course

This unit is predominantly conducted through group project work to provide the necessary skills for Continued Profession Development, improve oral and written communication and literature search and evaluation skills. It includes an online discussion group to manage complex patient issues and to familiarise students with the teaching methods utilised in the Monash Intern Training Program. Students will perform a number of tasks which will help with the development and assessment of communication skills, critical thinking skills and develop their skills in decision-making and case-presentation.

The unit comprises three activities:

  • Activity 1: Literature review of assigned topics. This will include a literature review and presentation completed in small groups.
  • Activity 2: Complex patient care. This will consist of one 3 week moderated discussion group blocks.
  • Activity 3: Integrated Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Retrieve and evaluate information on a range of topics;
  2. Present information relating to a topic in a coherent manner;
  3. Work in a team to achieve a common goal;
  4. Communicate effectively to peers, both in oral and written form;
  5. Describe issues related to the management of patients with multiple diseases/acute illnesses;
  6. Evaluate individual patients' disease state management for multiple diseases;
  7. Determine appropriate therapeutic goals for a patient with multiple disease states and/or acute illnesses;
  8. Determine an appropriate monitoring program to allow assessment of management goals;
  9. Identify and analyse therapeutic management problems in patients with multiple disease states and determine appropriate monitoring regimens and management options that demonstrate the principles of evidence-based practice and quality use of medicines;
  10. Formulate an appropriate management plan for a patient based on the use drug and non-drug therapies;
  11. Conduct a Medication Management review for patients with multiple medication management;
  12. Identify solutions to a range of therapeutic issues in patients with multiple management problems;
  13. Describe the role of the pharmacist in the multidisciplinary team;
  14. Recognise when referral for medical assessment is required with a particular emphasis on cardinal symptoms;
  15. Evaluate a patient's laboratory test results to assist with the diagnosis or management of disease;
  16. Evaluate a patient's disease state and the use of appropriate medications;
  17. Identify any drug therapy problems and recommend appropriate resolutions of those problems;
  18. Formulate a medical management program for specific patients based on their medical, medication and psychosocial histories and laboratory test results.
  19. Communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals.

Assessment

Activity 1: Literature Review of allocated topic 20%
Activity 2: Complex patient discussion group 10%
Activity 3: Integrated Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) 40%%
End of semester (closed-book) Examination 30%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Two 1-hour workshop
  • One 2-hour tutorial

Additional requirements:

  • Three weeks of moderated discussion groups (approximately 2-3 hours/week)
  • Forty hours group project work
  • Ten hours Group presentations

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

Co-requisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Jennifer Short

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previously coded PSC1081

Synopsis

This unit lays a foundation of knowledge about mammalian systems and provides the relationship between pathophysiology and the rational design and use of drugs. Students will be introduced to the physiological basis of disease. Each organ and system will be considered, and one or more examples of disease states which are amenable to pharmacotherapy will be discussed in detail. The course aims to provide a basic understanding of the functions of organs and systems such as the nervous, cardiovascular and endocrinological systems; however, an equal emphasis will be placed on one of the key components of drug discovery, the choice of therapeutic target based on a thorough understanding of the disease process. The principle aim of this subject is to provide students with an understanding of basic biological principles and how these can be applied in pharmaceutical sciences as a basis for later work in other subjects within the course.

Topics to be covered include:

  • cells, tissues, organs and systems
  • membranes
  • DNA replication, gene transcription and translation
  • the nervous system
  • cardiovascular physiology
  • endocrinology

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the structure of each major organ / organ system considered within the course;
  2. Explain the function of each major organ / organ system considered within the course;
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the physiological basis for the most common disease states to affect each organ / organ system considered within the course;
  4. Provide a detailed explanation of the rationale for the use of at least one drug therapy for each organ / organ system considered within the course, relating the drug target to the disease state;
  5. Research a topic in the area of physiology, and present the findings of such research to peers at an appropriate scientific level.

Assessment

Final examination (2 hours): 50%; revision quizzes: 10%; physiological research project: oral presentation 10%; written essay 10%; practical/PBL classes: 15%, and in-class assessment 5%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty hours of lectures (with ten hours allocated for preparation)
  • Three hours of oral presentations
  • Six hours of practicals
  • Three hours of problem based learning
  • Two hours of tutorials
  • Five hours of introductory sessions (to unit, practical classes, PBL, etc.)
  • Six hours of optional examination preparation and feedback sessions

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Betty Exintaris

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previously coded PSC1082

Synopsis

This unit builds and extends on concepts learnt in PSC1012 Physiology I (prior to 2012 coded PSC1081). Whole body systems will be considered, and examples of disease states which are amenable to pharmacotherapy will be discussed in detail. The subject aims to provide an overview of the functions of the respiratory, digestive and urinogenital systems; an equal emphasis will be placed on one of the key components of drug discovery and the choice of therapeutic target based on a thorough understanding of the disease process.

This will involve the study of:

  • special senses
  • respiratory system
  • urogenital system
  • digestive system
  • focus on disease.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the structure of each major organ / organ system considered within the course;
  2. Explain the function of each major organ / organ system considered within the course;
  3. Explain the physiological basis for the most common disease states to affect each organ / organ system considered within the course;
  4. Provide a detailed explanation of the rationale for the use of at least one drug therapy for each organ / organ system considered within the course, relating the drug target to the disease state;
  5. Analyse simple examples organ dysfunction, and be able to explain the likely consequences for the function of the system.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; online quiz: 10%; oral presentation: 10%; practical work: 20%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • Four x 1- hour introductory practicals
  • Four x 3-hour practicals

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Bim Graham

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of organic chemistry, with an emphasis on those aspects that are relevant to understanding the structure, properties and mechanism of action of therapeutic agents.

Topics include:

  • chemical structure, bonding and shape
  • introduction to organic chemistry
  • alkanes and cycloalkanes
  • alkenes and alkynes
  • chirality
  • haloalkanes
  • alcohols, ethers and thiols
  • benzene and its derivatives
  • spectroscopy/pharmaceutical analysis

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Apply the key concepts in chemical structure and bonding, including functional groups, to rationalising the shape, properties and reactions of molecules;
  2. Explain the role of molecular shapes and electronic distributions as the basis for drug-receptor interactions;
  3. Be proficient in basic laboratory techniques.

Assessment

Final written examination (3 hours): 60%; mid-semester test: 10%; practical classes: 15%; tutorial classes: 10%; in-class exercises: 5%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty five 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour tutorials
  • Five 3-hour lab practicals
  • Three 3-hour computer-based workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Manallack

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and the chemistry of biomolecules, with an emphasis on those aspects that are relevant to understanding the design and mechanism of action of therapeutic agents.

Topics include:

  • amines
  • aldehydes and ketones
  • carboxylic acids and functional derivatives
  • lipids
  • organic polymer chemistry
  • carbohydrates
  • amino acids and proteins
  • nucleic acids
  • perspectives in medicinal chemistry
  • coordination compounds

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Apply the key concepts in chemical structure and bonding, including functional groups, to rationalising the shape, properties and reactions of molecules;
  2. Explain the role of molecular shapes and electronic distributions as the basis for drug-receptor interactions;
  3. Be proficient in basic laboratory techniques.

Assessment

Final written examination (3 hours): 60%; mid-semester test: 10%; practical classes: 15%; tutorial classes: 10%; in-class exercises 5%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour tutorials
  • Five 3-hour lab practicals
  • Three 3-hour computer-based workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Elizabeth Yuriev

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previously coded PSC1071

Synopsis

This unit provides a basic understanding of physical chemistry and together with Physical Chemistry II (PSC1032) provides the conceptual and intellectual foundation for further studies in pharmaceutical science units in 2nd and 3rd year.

Students will develop an:

  1. Understanding of the physicochemical principles that underpin pharmaceutical chemistry, drug design and formulation design;
  2. Ability to undertake calculations concerning the physicochemical properties of pharmaceuticals and aspects of pharmaceutical products;
  3. Ability to measure some fundamental properties of pharmaceutical materials through practical exercises;

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Define acidity and basicity constants in the context of species in solution, apply the principles of buffering and acid-base titrations, calculate pH of aqueous solutions, and predict drug characteristics (absorption behaviour and solubility) based on their acid/base properties. Identify the most common organic functional groups that exhibit acidic or basic behaviour in aqueous solutions.
  2. Define and calculate thermodynamic properties, explain laws of thermodynamics and concepts of state functions, and relate thermodynamic concepts to the design and function of pharmaceutical products.
  3. Explain the concepts of phase equilibria, sketch and interpret phase equilibria diagrams, estimate physicochemical properties based on phase equilibria diagrams, and relate these parameters to properties of pharmaceutical products.
  4. Describe kinetics terminology, explain kinetic theories, construct rate laws based on experimental data, manipulate integrated rate laws to calculate concentration, relate reaction rates to temperature, and predict stability of pharmaceutical products in temporal terms.
  5. Conduct mathematical calculations involving manipulation of logarithmic and exponential functions, regression and correlation, and integration of simple algebraic functions.
  6. Practice basic laboratory techniques, and relate experimental results to theoretical concepts.

Assessment

Written examination (3 hours): 60%; practical test: 10%; practical classes: 10%; tutorial classes: 5%; written quiz: 10%; Active Learning: 5%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures (24 face-to-face lectures + 12 hours active learning)
  • Ten 1-hour tutorials (6 small-group and 4 whole class)
  • One 1.5-hour computer lab
  • Ten 3-hour practical laboratories

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prohibitions

PSC1071

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Charlie Dong

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previously coded PSC1072

Synopsis

Solutions, self-assembled systems, multiphase liquid systems and the properties of solids that yield pharmaceutical solutions are key to the performance and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. This unit aims to build on PSC1031 Physical Chemistry I to provide students with a firm understanding of the physical chemistry that underpins the properties and dissolution of pharmaceutical solids and additives to form solutions. In particular an understanding of the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical solids (drugs and excipients), their transfer into solution form and properties of those solutions from a pharmaceutical science perspective will set the foundation for students to understand the impact of these properties and concepts in pharmaceutical and other formulated products. The key concepts are related directly to aspects of a suite of representative pharmaceutical products allowing the students to put the concepts into a relevant context. The understanding of these principles will also assist students in their understanding in some areas of chemistry, physiology and biology.

This will involve:

  • physical chemistry of solutions
  • solids, semisolids and solubility
  • interfacially active molecules and their use in formulation
  • acid-base functional groups

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be expected to:

  1. Analyse the physicochemical principles that underpin the important processes of pharmaceutical solids dissolving to form a solution. Describe, predict and calculate dissolution, solubility and distribution;
  2. Predict and calculate the influence of functional groups and structure on solution behaviour, including colligative properties and conductivity;
  3. Explain and predict the behaviour of surface-active agents at interfaces and in solution, and explain how micelles can improve drug solubilization;
  4. Describe the physicochemical principles behind the formulation of liquid products, including one and two phase liquid systems, prepare and evaluate basic liquid formulations for pharmaceutical applications.
  5. Describe and analyse the properties of pharmaceutical solids and semisolids, such as crystallinity, melting point, and predict their impact on solubility, stability and bioavailability;
  6. Describe rheological concepts and discriminate between different rheological properties for fluids;
  7. Define the role and effect of components (excipients) used to produce solution based dose forms in the pharmacy field and evaluate individual excipients, based on their physicochemical properties, in the context of the pharmaceutical product or formulation;
  8. Measure fundamental solution properties through practical exercises and relate experimental results to theoretical concepts in the unit and from PSC1031.

Assessment

Final exam (3 hour) 50%; active learning (in-class and online) 10%; tutorial, practical and workshops 10%; in-semester tests 10%; practical test 5%; group written assignment 15%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures (27 face-to-face lectures + 9 hours active learning)
  • Three 1-hour tutorials
  • Five 3-hour workshops
  • Three 3-hour practical laboratories

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Paul White and co-coordinator Dr Angus Johnston

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will acquire basic skills in applying and interpreting the scientific method of inquiry, and interpreting scientific data. Students will: i) evaluate scientific literature; and, ii) plan, conduct and interpret a simple scientific experiment. A knowledge of hypothesis testing, ethical principles of scientific practice, examples of poor and elite pharmaceutical science, and the skills to perform inferential statistics will be developed.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain the principles of scientific inquiry
  2. Identify safe and ethical practices in scientific research
  3. Develop a conceptual model for scientific inquiry and evaluate two real-world examples using this model
  4. Plan and conduct a simple scientific experiment using a learner defined conceptual model of hypothesis testing
  5. Identify and employ an appropriate statistical test for the empirically obtained data
  6. Re-evaluate a tested hypothesis on the basis of the research findings.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour): 50%; Assignments 45%; in-class assessment 5%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • A minimum of twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • A minimum of nine hours of tutorials

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Ben Capuano

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit is designed to introduce the students to the major fields of the applied sciences in which pharmaceutical scientists specialise. The relationships between the different disciplines and their distinct roles in drug discovery and development will be demonstrated. Participants are introduced to the following areas as they apply to the chemistry, biology and formulation of medicines and related products:

  • medicinal chemistry
  • drug discovery biology
  • formulation science

Students will also have the opportunity to attend specialised seminars on pharmaceutical science research.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain to peers how drugs have been discovered in the past and how molecular biological methods have revolutionised the science of drug discovery;
  2. Understand and describe how molecular, cellular, tissue and in vivo biological assays each play a role in drug discovery;
  3. Apply the principles involved in chemical synthesis of drugs;
  4. Apply the principles of chemical structure-based drug design;
  5. Evaluate physicochemical characteristics of lead compounds in drug discovery;
  6. Apply the principles in the processes of lead optimization;
  7. Apply basic formulation concepts to the underlying requirements for formulating products with different types of product including; powders (including solid compacts), solids, semi-solids and liquids including suspensions and emulsions;
  8. Find and synthesise relevant information to explain the formulation and testing of a chosen product
  9. Design an oral presentation to communicate their overall scientific findings
  10. Write a press release that distils the combined semester findings to illustrate the relationship between the 3 disciplines to design, discover and develop a medicine

Assessment

Active learning project presentation: 90% (30% per field covered) ; written press release one page report: 10%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty-seven one hour lectures
  • Six three hour presentation sessions
  • Two one hour computer labs
  • Three three hour introduction to discipline research sessions incorporating lab tours
  • Two one hour tutorials
  • Three fifteen minute interviews

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Helen Irving

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to introduce students to essential elements of biochemical pharmacology. Participants in this unit will learn how membranes and proteins are involved in relaying extracellular signals from outside the cell to within the cell where specific outcomes are generated to activate cellular responses. The topics covered include membrane and protein biochemistry focusing on their roles in signal transduction, receptor families and different types of signalling pathways employed to relay extracellular information within the cell. The subject provides an essential foundation for understanding biochemical pharmacology and its use in biological research and the pharmaceutical industry.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of how the structure of lipids and proteins influence their function particularly in relation to membranes and receptors, transporters, ion channels and enzymes;
  2. Analyse experimental results involving enzymes and receptor activation;
  3. Explain the processes of intracellular signaling pathways activated by receptor ligands;
  4. Compare and contrast different signaling pathways used by cells to respond to external signals;
  5. Design experiments to test the activation of specific signaling pathways;
  6. Analyse experiments and experimental techniques that are used in the study of biochemical pharmacology.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour) 60%; practicals/workshops 15%; mid-semester test 10%; various quizzes 5% and assignment(s) 10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • Four 1-hour tutorials
  • Four 4-hour workshops
  • Four 4-hour practicals
  • Twelve hours directed (active) learning

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr John Haynes

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Prior to 2013 unit was PSC2062 Pharmacology

Synopsis

The aim of this unit is to introduce second year Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science students to the essential elements of molecular pharmacology. Specifically this unit will introduce students to the pharmacological principles of drug action. It includes descriptions of agonist and antagonist activities, analysis of agonist-effect relationships and the intracellular processes by which endogenous and exogenously applied compounds elicit effects. Students will receive a series of lectures covering in-depth aspects of receptor pharmacology.

These lectures will also cover in detail the pharmacological regulation of cellular calcium and the role calcium plays in cell function and survival. At the completion of this unit students will have been provided the opportunity to understand drug receptor interactions from the pharmacologists point of view. This unit will equip students for third year Pharmaceutical Biology.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Identify how pharmacologically active chemicals can affect living systems through interactions with receptors;
  2. Show how receptor activity can itself be modulated / modified / terminated by ligand binding;
  3. Describe how modulation of receptor function enables the autonomic nervous system to regulate specific bodily functions;
  4. Suggest possible cellular outcomes following multiple signalling inputs.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour) 60%
Mid-semester test 15%
Completion of self-directed learning topic 5%
Practical class component 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four lectures
  • Six 5-hour pracs
  • Two 3- hour tutorials
  • Twelve hours of directed (active) learning

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Prof. Peter Scammells

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Structural Organic Chemistry lays a foundation of knowledge about the structure and reactivity of the key functional groups found in pharmaceutical compounds. These general topics are relevant to drug design, the synthesis of bioactive molecules, drug-target interactions and drug formulation.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will develop:

  1. A detailed knowledge of the structure of common functional groups contained in pharmaceuticals;
  2. A detailed knowledge of the properties of functional groups, with a particular focus on steric, electronic and acid/base properties relevant to drug discovery and formulation;
  3. An understanding of the reactivity of these functional groups;
  4. An understanding of basic reaction mechanisms, kinetics and thermodynamics;
  5. The practical ability to
    1. perform a basic chemical reaction
    2. purify the product(s)
    3. analyse and characterise the product(s).

Assessment

Mid semester exam 20%, end of semester exam 50% (total theory component 70%)
Practical reports 20%, practical exam 5% (total practical component 25%)
Tutorials/active learning 5% (total tutorial component 5%)

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour tutorials
  • Six 4-hour practicals

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Ben Capuano

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previously coded PSC2021

Synopsis

Analytical Methods lays a foundation of knowledge for the analytical identification and quantitation of chemical entities used in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries (eg polymers, cosmetics & paints). The subject provides the participant with basic principles and concepts of chemical equilibria, classical (titrimetric) methods of analysis, atomic and molecular spectroscopy (spectrochemical methods of analysis) and separation (chromatographic) methodologies.

This will involve:

  • chemical equilibria
  • classical methods of analysis
  • analytical separations
  • spectrochemical methods of analysis

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Understand the chemical compositions of aqueous solutions, apply the effects of electrolytes on chemical equilibria and solve equilibrium calculations for simple and complex systems;
  2. Apply the basic principles underlying gravimetric and titrimetric methods of analysis (including precipitation titrations, neutralization titrations, complex acid/base systems, complexation reactions and titrations and non-aqueous titrations) and analyse chemical equilibria to determine the concentrations of species of interest;
  3. Understand basic separations and chromatographic theory and apply this knowledge in predicting the separation, identification and quantitation of compounds;
  4. Acquire knowledge of commonly used instrumental techniques, namely GLC and HPLC, and apply these principles to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds;
  5. Evaluate the basic properties of electromagnetic radiation and the interactions between radiation and matter on an atomic and molecular level and calculate specific spectrochemical descriptors (energy, frequency, wavelength, % transmittance and absorbance);
  6. Understand and apply the functions of instrumental components used in optical spectrophotometry;
  7. Understand and apply the basic principles of molecular absorption, molecular fluorescence and atomic absorption/emission spectroscopy to practical scenarios;

Assessment

Final exam (3 hour): 60%; quizzes: 5%; active learning modules: 5%; practical experiments: 20%; practical exam: 10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty eight 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour tutorials
  • One 2-hour HPLC workshop
  • Eight 4-hour practicals
  • One 4-hour practical exam

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC1021 Bioorganic and medicinal chemistry I
PSC1022 Bioorganic and medicinal chemistry II
PSC1041 Mathematics for pharmaceutical sciences
PSC1031 Physical chemistry I
PSC1032 Physical chemistry II

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Laurence Orlando

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit builds upon previous learning related to physiology and physical chemistry to provide the student with an understanding of factors affecting absorption of drugs following oral administration and alternative routes of delivery. This unit introduces students to pharmacokinetics and how this may be affected by formulation design and route of administration.

This will involve:

  • oral drug absorption
  • pharmacokinetics
  • bioavailability
  • parenteral formulations
  • alternative routes of drug delivery

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Discuss the physiological and physicochemical factors affecting drug absorption across the small intestine;
  2. Define and calculate pharmacokinetic parameters, including drug clearance, elimination half-life, volume of distribution, fraction unbound and fraction excreted unchanged in urine;
  3. Calculate predicted plasma concentrations of drugs given the pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug;
  4. Define bioavailability and estimate the absolute and relative bioavailability of drugs given plasma concentration data;
  5. Understand the physical, chemical and biological factors affecting parenteral drug delivery;
  6. Understand formulation techniques for poorly water soluble drugs;
  7. Discuss the factors affecting drug delivery to the eye, buccal cavity, nasal cavity, skin, lungs, vagina and rectum.

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 60%; mini-exams: 30%; debate: 10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty seven 1-hour lectures
  • Four 2-hour workshops
  • One 3-hour workshop

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Bernard Flynn

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This subject aims to provide students with an understanding of:

  1. The use of functional groups in carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation;
  2. The fundamentals of molecular orbitals in pericyclic reactions;
  3. The preparation and use of organometallic in organic synthesis.The synthesis of organic molecules, including naturally occurring bioactives and other drug molecules.

This will involve:

  • functional group manipulation .The chemistry of organometallic reagents.
  • pericyclic chemistry
  • synthesis of heterocycles
  • reactions of aromatic heterocycles
  • synthesis of heterocyclic drugs

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Draw mechanisms and rationalise the outcome of a range of functional group manipulations;
  2. Rationalise the use of functional groups in organic synthesis;
  3. Understand the use of organometallic reagents in synthesis and their reaction mechanisms;
  4. Understand the role of molecular orbitals in pericyclic reactions;
  5. Apply knowledge of organometallic, pericyclic and heterocyclic reactions to the design of synthetic routes for preparing simple organic compounds.

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 50%; Mid-semester assessments: 20%; Practical assessments: 20%; Practical exam:10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty 1-hour lectures
  • Ten 1-hour whole class tutorials / active learning sessions
  • Nine 4-hour laboratory practical exercises, including practical exam

Additional requirements:

  • Twelve hours practical report preparation

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Martin Scanlon

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previously coded PSC2182

Synopsis

An introduction to the major techniques which underpin the practical aspects of compound identification for medicinal chemistry: UV spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, Mass spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy.

Outcomes

After completing this unit students will be expected to be able to:

  1. Describe how spectroscopic techniques can be used in the process of identification of small drug like molecules;
  2. Describe briefly the phenomena behind the spectroscopic techniques;
  3. Use the molecular formula of a compound to determine the index of hydrogen deficiency
  4. Interpret infra-red (IR) spectra to enable the identification of functional groups in small molecules
  5. Interpret mass spectra (MS) for small molecules to determine patterns of fragmentation and rearrangement that generate the observed ions
  6. Analyze nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and measure the relevant spectroscopic parameters (chemical shift, intensity, coupling)
  7. Calculate coupling constants from NMR spectra
  8. Draw coupling trees to account for the patterns of coupling observed in NMR spectra
  9. Identify elements of symmetry in the chemical structure of small molecules
  10. Analyse IR, 1D NMR and Mass spectra of an unknown molecules and to use these to determine their structure;
  11. Analyse 2D NMR spectra as a means to assign the NMR spectra of more complex molecules;
  12. Demonstrate the correct reporting of spectroscopic data as used in medicinal chemistry.

Assessment

Final exam (3 hour): 60%; Mid-semester exam: 20%; Practical assessments: 20%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty-six hours of lectures and tutorials
  • Thirty-six hours of computational and laboratory based practical classes

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Chalmers

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previously coded PSC2141

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to the techniques and applications of molecular modelling with particular emphasis on methods used in drug design.

The unit contains two streams:

  1. modelling methods; which introduces quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, energy optimisation and molecular simulation and
  2. modelling applications; which covers quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR), pharmacophores, structure-based drug design and homology modelling.

This will involve:

  • modelling methods in computational chemistry
  • applications of molecular modelling

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will have:

  1. A broad understanding of computational chemistry and its application to drug bimolecular problems;
  2. An understanding of common molecular modelling terminology. An appreciation of the factors involved in performing quantum mechanical (QM) calculations and the information that these calculations can provide;
  3. An appreciation of molecular mechanisms energy calculations and the information that these calculations can provide;
  4. An understanding of the components making up molecular mechanic force fields including bond stretching, angle bending and dihedral angle terms and nonbonded interactions (van der Waals and electrostatic);
  5. An understanding of molecular potential energy surfaces and the concepts of global and local minima;
  6. An appreciation of energy optimisation methods including steepest descents and conjugate gradient methods;
  7. An appreciation of approaches to finding global energy minima;
  8. An understanding of the Boltzmann distribution and the relationship between temperature and the population of energetic states;
  9. An appreciation of molecular simulation methods;
  10. An understanding of drug physicochemical properties including electronic, steric and hydrophobic characteristics;
  11. An understanding of the statistical methods used to develop QSAR equations;
  12. An appreciation of the application of QSAR in drug discovery;
  13. An appreciation of impact of drug physicochemical parameters on biopharmaceutical properties;
  14. An understanding of the pharmacophore concept and its use in drug discovery;
  15. An appreciation of structure and ligand-based drug design;
  16. An appreciation of homology modelling methods;
  17. The ability to use a specific molecular modelling package to study molecular conformation and analyse drug-receptor interactions;
  18. Describe the molecular interactions which govern molecular structure including bonded, non-bonded and electrostatic interactions.

After completing this unit the student will have the following practical skills:

  1. Perform simple molecular modeling studies using the molecular modeling package;
  2. Describe the processes involved in molecular mechanics energy calculations;
  3. Explain the processes involved in running quantum mechanics calculations;
  4. Interpret and critique a QSAR equation;
  5. Generate statistically acceptable QSAR equations from physicochemical parameters and biological activity data;
  6. Derive simple pharmacophore models;
  7. Describe protein-ligand interactions and how an understanding of these can be applied to drug design;
  8. Investigate a research topic using literature sources and write a simple report.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; mid-semester exam: 20%; practical assessment: 20%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six hours of lectures
  • Nine 4-hour practical classes

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Angus Johnston

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides the conceptual and intellectual foundation for further studies in B Pharm Science (formulation stream) units in 3rd year. Broad areas covered include detailed study of chemical and physical stability in liquid and in solid pharmaceutical systems; overview of biotechnologically produced proteins, including their manufacture, characterization, stability and delivery; and a survey of the main pharmaceutical excipients.

Outcomes

On completion of the unit students will:

  1. Solve problems using standard methods for quantitative analysis of concentration-time profiles, to obtain degradation rate constants, half-lives and shelf-lives;
  2. Solve problems involving the physicochemical factors that influence reaction rates, especially the roles of temperature and acid-base equilibria;
  3. Describe the common mechanisms for chemical degradation of typical organic drugs and excipients, and their applicability to new situations, with emphasis on
    1. nucleophilic reactions
    2. free radical reactions
  4. Solve problems requiring application of methods for minimising the extent of degradation reactions, thus leading to increased life-times of formulated products;
  5. Identify the conditions under which the kinetics involved in oxidation, photochemical and solid state degradation reactions can be separated into simple and complex models;
  6. Describe the key physicochemical issues for therapeutic proteins, including formulation by lyophilisation;
  7. Describe a wide range of common pharmaceutical excipient types, their physicochemical properties and their roles in formulations.

Assessment

Assessment will use a written examination (120mins; 60%); marked lab class reports (20%); written assignment (5%); in-semester testing 15%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Three lectures
  • One tutorial
  • Eighteen hours of laboratory
  • Three hours of directed study per week

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Ian Larson

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Prior to 2013 coded PSC2241

Synopsis

This unit lays a foundation of knowledge about the characterisation and behaviour of colloid sized particles and the role their surfaces play in determining this behaviour. This knowledge is gained through solving a real industry problem involving the stability of an injectable suspension.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Differentiate between and illustrate kinetic and thermodynamic stability;
  2. Predict suspension stability in terms of DLVO theory;
  3. Describe DLVO theory and its components;
  4. Describe different types of interaction that can occur between particles in different concentration of polymer - both adsorbing and non-adsorbing;
  5. Illustrate and describe the total energy of interaction between surfaces;
  6. Critically anaylse the lack of the stability of a suspension;
  7. Design and conduct experiments given an experimental aim, including the collection, analysis and interpretation of the results;
  8. Report on, and critically discuss, experimental findings, and draw appropriate conclusions;
  9. Work effectively in teams, demonstrate effective time management and task prioritisation.

Assessment

Final assessment: 20%; in-semester assignments: 60%; practical reports: 20%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Five 1-hour lectures
  • Ten 1-hour tutorials
  • Five 3-hour practicals

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Helen Irving

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previously coded PSC2092

Synopsis

This unit aims to introduce students to essential elements of cell biology. Participants in this unit will cover; Eukaryotic Cell Biology and Molecular Biology; and Development and Cancer. The subject provides an essential foundation for understanding cell biology and its use in biological research and the pharmaceutical industry.

This will involve:

  • cell biology and cellular dynamics
  • molecular biology
  • development
  • cancer

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of eukaryotic cell biology by being able to explain the processes of normal cell function including comparing and contrasting how cellular processes are regulated
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of molecular biology and how it is used in cell biology
  3. Explain, design and analyse molecular biology experiments
  4. Explain how cell control is regulated in development and how it can be deregulated and predict its consequences
  5. Analyse experiments and experimental techniques that are used in the study of cell biology

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 60%; mid-semester exam: 10%; practical / tutorial assessments: 25%; in-semester quizzes: 5%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • Four 1-hour tutorials
  • Seven 4-hour practical or workshop classes
  • Sixteen hours of problem based and active learning exercises

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Sab Ventura

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit builds on the previous physiology and pharmacology units and aims to describe the pathophysiology of the important disorders listed below. This unit will provide a solid grounding of knowledge as to how biological systems are affected by these diseases and how drugs can be used to modify these changes and rebalance a person's physiology. Logical approaches to designing experiments using different biological research methods to identify new therapeutic targets for these disorders will also be explored.

This will involve the study of:

  • hypertension
  • benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • diabetes
  • erectile dysfunction
  • asthma
  • heart disease

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the pathophysiology of the six diseases states under study;
  2. Describe the physiological mechanisms which have been affected by these disorders;
  3. Explain how affected physiological mechanisms can be manipulated by currently used drugs;
  4. Design an experiment using various biological research methods to identify targets which may be therapeutically useful in the treatment of the disorders to be studied;
  5. Analyse data obtained from research to see whether a new drug is considerably more effective than an established one;
  6. Explain the different pharmacological targets which can be exploited to rebalance a patient's physiology in the treatment of disease;
  7. Demonstrate the development of written and oral communication skills appropriate for 3rd year students - explain the pathophysiology for one disease state and one associated drug treatment, relating the drug target to the disease state.

Assessment

The BPH assessment is worth 10% of the final assessment. Other tutorial/workshop/practical or assessment tasks associated with each disease state are worth 5 x 5% of the final assessment. In lecture clicker questions are worth 5%. 2 hour final exam 60%; Each disease state will comprise 20 min of the final exam.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four x 1-hour lectures
  • Six x 3-hour tutorials, workshops or practicals

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Laurence Orlando

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

The objective of this unit is to provide students with opportunities to develop their analytical skills by testing various hypothesis and strategies to solve authentic complex HPLC problems.

On successful completion of this unit, students will have developed a systematic and critical approach to analytical method development that will be demonstrated by the creation of relevant and accurate resources usable in future jobs or studies.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain in details each HPLC module function and the functioning of the integrated system to confidently operate the HPLC instrument (hardware software) to obtain accurate chromatograms
  2. Raise hypotheses on the impact of controllable factors on HPLC responses, design and conduct experiments to test these hypotheses
  3. Critically evaluate, analyse and interpret the collected results to generalise the rules that govern HPLC
  4. Explain in details the concepts linked to resolution, retention factor, selectivity, efficiency, peak tailing and other secondary responses and generalise the rules that govern HPLC
  5. Create a concept map showing the complexity of the interactions between controllable factors and essential responses
  6. Create a flow chart showing the complex decision making process necessary to develop a HPLC method
  7. Explain and apply the principles of analytical method validation

Assessment

In-semester assessment 100%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • twenty-four hours of practicals
  • Forty-eight hours of workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Manallack

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Unit was previously coded PSC3091

Synopsis

This unit will introduce students to the different mechanisms of action by which drugs exert their biological activity. It will address the interactions between endogenous ligands and drugs with their receptors, enzymes or nucleic acids, and the way that drugs mimic, oppose or modify those interactions. Students will be introduced to the scope of medicinal chemistry techniques used in contemporary drug discovery.

This will involve the study of:

  • G-protein coupled receptors
  • other receptor types
  • ion channels
  • nuclear hormone receptors
  • drugs interacting with oligonucleotides
  • enzymes and enzyme inhibition

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Identify the common classes of receptor and link this to an ability to define receptor agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists and allosteric modulators. In addition students will be able to cite examples of how compounds acting at receptors act as therapeutic agents;
  2. Describe various classes of enzymes by the reactions they catalyse and show an understanding of the kinetic properties of enzymes;
  3. Describe the utility of substrate analogues, transition state analogues, and irreversibly binding compounds as enzyme inhibitors. This will also be linked to an ability to understand how enzyme inhibitors act as therapeutic agents;
  4. Describe the role of metal ions in enzymatic processes;
  5. Show how ligands can recognize and modify DNA tertiary structure and link this with an ability to cite examples of how compounds acting at oligonucleotides function as therapeutics;
  6. Distinguish ligand-based design, structure-based design and mechanism-based design strategies;
  7. Understand the principles governing the generation of small molecule structure activity relationships;
  8. Understand approaches to peptidomimetic design;
  9. acquire skills in researching information and to present the findings in a structured, logical and fluent manner;
  10. Be proficient in chemical laboratory techniques and communicating the results in written form.

Assessment

Final exam 60%; poster presentation: 15%; practical sessions, reports and other assessments 25%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty two 1-hour lectures
  • Four 3-hour practicals/workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2011 Pharmaceutical biochemistry
PSC2021 Structural Organic Chemistry

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Chalmers

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This is no longer an elective for Bachelor of Pharmacy students

Synopsis

To explain the processes whereby new drugs are discovered and developed, from initial ideas through to full clinical use in man, and to illustrate the interphase between the biosciences and pharmaceutical business.

This will involve:

  • drug lead identification
  • target identification and validation
  • proteomics, genomics and pharmacogenomics
  • drugs to treat infectious diseases and the use of bioisosteres in drug design
  • target identification, validation and biological evaluation
  • the importance and application of pharmaceutics in drug development
  • the clinical trial process
  • intellectual property

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will have an understanding of:

  1. The major approaches to drug discovery;
  2. The process of identifying a drug target and the steps required to validate that target;
  3. Drugs that treat infectious diseases and approaches to developing those drugs;
  4. The importance of pharmaceutics in drug development;
  5. Pharmacokinetics in drug development;
  6. The clinical trial process;
  7. Legal documentation of pharmaceutical product invention.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; written assignments: 25%; oral presentation: 15%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures
  • One 2-hour presentation session

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2012 Molecular Pharmacology
PSC2011 Biochemical Pharmacology

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Bernard Flynn

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

Previous title Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry

Synopsis

The principle aim of this subject is to provide students with a detailed knowledge of numerous aspects of synthetic organic chemistry, as it applies to modern medicinal chemistry.

The subject follows from PSC2021 and PSC2122, covering advanced organic synthesis and methodology. Topics include catalysis in synthesis, radical chemistry, organometallic chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, reactive intermediates and stereochemistry, as well as retrosynthetic analysis. An understanding of reaction mechanisms will be emphasized throughout. The practical component reinforces aspects of the lecture course with laboratory experience.

This will involve:

  • catalysis and biocatalysis
  • organometallic reactions
  • radical reactions
  • heterocyclic chemistry
  • asymmetric synthesis
  • reactive Intermediates

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to demonstrate:

  1. A wider knowledge of synthetic methodology;
  2. A knowledge of the use of catalysis in synthetic chemistry;
  3. An understanding of radical reactions and their role in synthesis;
  4. A broader knowledge of organometallic and heterocyclic chemistry;
  5. The ability to undertake a retrosynthetic analysis and to design a synthesis of a target molecule;
  6. The ability to read and understand the synthetic organic chemistry literature;
  7. The practical ability to perform a routine synthesis in the laboratory and experience of most common operations in a synthetic chemistry laboratory.

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 60%; mid-semester exam: 10%; practical assessments: 20%; practical exam: 10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty 1-hour lectures
  • Nine 4-hour laboratory practical exercises, including practical exam

Additional requirements:

  • Twelve hours practical report preparation

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2021 Structural Organic Chemistry
PSC2122 Synthetic Organic Chemistry

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Philip Thompson

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

this unit code was for the old unit titled Chemical technologies for the pharmaceutical sciences

Synopsis

In this unit students will learn how chemical synthesis is applied to drug discovery and Chemical-Biology. Topics will include compound library design and synthesis, mapping of structure-activity relationships, lead optimization, molecular conjugates, asymmetric synthesis and processes chemistry.

These will be taught as four core topic areas: This unit will build upon earlier units in synthetic organic chemistry within BPharmSci, with a special emphasis on the role of chemical synthesis in drug discovery and Chemical-Biology. This will include library design approaches for the discovery of novel bioactives and synthesis strategies in lead optimization. Students will learn about the use of conjugates in directed drug delivery and Chemical-Biology studies. They will also learn about the specific challenges posed by the scale-up and manufacture of drugs including the asymmetric synthesis of chiral drug molecules. In practical classes, students will learn new and emerging techniques for use in compound library synthesis and process chemistry. Site visits of relevant commercial operations will also be undertaken.

Outcomes

Students will have learnt:

  1. The key parameters used in the design of libraries for use drug-discovery and Chemical-Biology.
  2. How to map structure-activity relationships and their role in lead optimization.
  3. How to undertake the asymmetric synthesis of drug molecules
  4. The key requirements of drug scale-up and manufacture
  5. The role of drug conjugates in site-directed drug delivery and Chemical-Biology studies
  6. To use emerging technologies in laboratory equipment (flow and microwave reactors)
  7. How to separate reaction products using modern chromatographic techniques

Assessment

Four assessable quizzes during semester (5% each): 20%; End of semester exam: Outcomes 60%; Practical reports / workshop assignments: 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty six 1-hour lectures /active learning sessions and tutorials
  • Four 6-hour practical classes
  • One-two Site visits (4-8 hours)

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2021 Structural organic chemistry
PSC2122 Synthetic organic chemistry
PSC3121Advanced Synthetic Chemistry

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Martin Scanlon

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit was previously coded as PSC3181

Synopsis

The subject expands on the use of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques and their applications in medicinal chemistry. After a review of structural elucidation via analysis of one dimensional NMR spectra, a range of more complex methods will be covered. The use of two dimensional NMR in the identification and characterisation of more complex organic compounds is introduced. Techniques for the assignment of spectra for more complex molecules will be described and the application of NMR spectroscopy to larger biomolecules including peptides will be introduced.

The energetic factors which drive the processes of drug-receptor interaction will be described and energetic factors that drive the processes of drug-receptor interactions will be discussed. The use of electronic spectroscopy, including absorption and fluorescence, for measurement of drug-protein binding will be described. The uses of other biophysical techniques including surface plasmon resonance and calorimetry will also be discussed. The use of NMR spectroscopy to measure the interaction of drugs with biological molecules and the effects of chemical and conformational exchange on the appearance and analysis of NMR spectra will be described.

This will involve:

  • thermodynamics
  • advanced NMR Spectroscopy
  • biophysical techniques for measurement of interactions
  • optical Spectroscopy.

Outcomes

After completing this unit students will be expected to be able to:

  1. Analyse and interpret two dimensional spectra so as to identify the chemical structures of compounds;
  2. Define the term Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (NOE) and account for the observation of NOEs in one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR spectra of both small and large molecules;
  3. Analyse and interpret NOE data to determine the conformation of small molecules;
  4. Analyse and assign two-dimensional NMR spectra of small peptides;
  5. Describe quantitatively the relationship between enthalpy, entropy and free energy;
  6. Describe quantitatively the relationship between changes in free energy and equilibrium;
  7. Apply the concepts of this thermodynamics module to selected examples of biochemical energetics, protein-drug binding and drug-receptor interactions;
  8. Describe the principal NMR-based strategies for drug discovery and design;
  9. Detail the factors which govern photon-initiated electronic excitation, and describe the processes by which molecules can relax. In particular, to describe the phenomena and applications associated with fluorescence;
  10. Apply their knowledge of biophysical techniques including NMR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance and calorimetry to analyse experimental data describing drugs binding to their receptors
  11. Measure and record data relevant to the understanding of drug structure and and drug-receptor interactions;
  12. Perform numerical calculations based on experimental or theoretical data;
  13. Present written or oral results of experimental work.

Assessment

Final exam (2.5 hour): 60%; mid-semester exam: 20%; practical assessments: 20%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • Twelve 1-hour tutorials
  • Nine 4-hour practicals

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2132 Introduction to Spectroscopy

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Ben Capuano

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit was previously coded as PSC3182 - Research Project

Synopsis

This unit aims to provide students with a foundation for the development of research skills in the area of medicinal chemistry. Students will conduct preliminary medicinal chemistry research encompassing one or more of the core competencies that underpin the degree program, namely chemical synthesis, analysis, structural biology and computational chemistry.

This will involve:

  • synthetic organic chemistry
  • structural biology
  • computational chemistry
  • pharmacological screening
  • x-ray crystallography
  • biochemistry.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an enhanced understanding and ability to interpret aspects of the basic science concepts supporting medicinal chemistry.
  2. competently undertake a review of the literature and present a comprehensive evaluation of the literature.
  3. demonstrate some basic skills in developing and planning a research project.
  4. competently use relevant analytical instrumentation, design and conduct experimental procedures and methodologies.
  5. undertake data manipulation and analysis and have a detailed understanding of the results.
  6. communicate the outcomes of the project in the form of an oral presentation and a written scientific report in the form of a journal publication.

.

Assessment

Written report (mini-thesis): 60%; laboratory work: 20%; oral presentation; 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty 7-hour practical laboratories

Additional requirements:

  • Thirty hours of independent study (report writing and oral presentation)

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2021 Structural Organic Chemistry
PSC2031 Analytical methods
PSC2122 Synthetic Organic Chemistry

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Elizabeth Yuriev

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

The unit will cover a number of important topics in the area of computational drug design

  1. Structure-based drug design (SBDD): docking, conformational and orientational searching (posing) and scoring methods; applications of SBDD in virtual screening and de novo drug design
  2. Molecular databases: Representations of molecular data, molecular and biological databases.
  3. Molecular properties: Prediction of molecular properties, molecular similarity.
  4. Computational lead optimisation: pharmacophores, molecular interaction fields, experimental design, compound selection, factorial design, Craig plots.
  5. An introduction to bioinformatics and its application to drug development
  6. Protein structure: protein homology and homology modelling

Outcomes

During the course of this unit, students will learn about a number of advanced computational technologies specifically implemented in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Students will be expected to:

  1. Understand selected concepts and techniques underpinning computational drug design
  2. Be able to apply knowledge of these techniques in predicting and evaluating drug-target interactions
  3. Develop their ability to engage with the current literature and critically interpret research publications

Assessment

End of semester written exam - 60% (2 hr) ; Practical component and computational drug design assignment - 40%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • eighteen 1-hour lectures (12 face-to-face lectures plus 6 hours active learning
  • five 2 hour workshops
  • five 3-hour computer laboratories

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2142 Computational Chemistry

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Ian Larson and coo-coordinator Laurence Orlando

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit was previously coded as PSC3271 - Formulation Chemistry III

Synopsis

The objective of this unit is to provide students with an opportunity to develop their research, teamwork and communication skills by producing scientifically sound solutions to a real local industry formulation problem applying surfactant molecules. Students will create, apply and test development tools (in conjunction with PSC3231) in the context of a real world unknown problem under the supervision of an industry mentor. Students are professionally and genuinely judged by their professional mentors and it raises their sense of responsibility exponentially and improves employability.

Cases will be drawn from

  • agrochemicals
  • personal care products
  • detergents
  • paints
  • cosmetics

Outcomes

After completing this unit students will be expected to be able to:

  1. Develop a communication strategy with industry mentors
  2. Define a research strategy to find, evaluate and organise authoritative and relevant information needed to solve the problem based on the theory and use of surfactants;
  3. Synthesize findings, select relevant experimental factors to be studied to solve the problem
  4. Design an experimental protocol to investigate selected factors' effects
  5. Conduct the experiments according to industry standards and organise generated data
  6. Methodically and systematically analyze data, critically discuss and interpret observed phenomena
  7. Communicate scientific findings and conclusions in a professional scientific context
  8. Work effectively in teams

Assessment

In semester assessment 80%; final oral examination 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty two hours practicals
  • Forty hours workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2222 Formulation chemistry
PSC2232 Colloid Chemistry

Co-requisites

PSC3231 Pharmaceutical Product Manufacture

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Laurence Orlando

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit was previously titled Product development.

Synopsis

This unit will explore the regulatory aspects of the development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products, including quality, intellectual property, market authorisation, dossier submission processes and marketing.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain the organisation of quality assurance in pharmaceutics and apply the relevant concepts to case studies
  2. Describe the categories of good manufacturing practice (GMP) elements, interpret and apply relevant principles of GMP in selected areas of pharmaceutical product development in the context of total quality
  3. Find and apply relevant pharmaceutical guidelines of worldwide regulatory bodies to case studies including clinical trials
  4. Understand the principles of intellectual property that apply to the development of pharmaceutical products
  5. Describe the submission and approval process for pharmaceutical products to stringent regulatory authorities
  6. Describe marketing regulations and controls related to commercialising pharmaceutical products
  7. Work in teams and apply critical thinking, communication and problem solving skills

Assessment

60% in-semester assessment, 40% final assessment

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:
72 hours of workshops and consultation hours

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC3231 Pharmaceutical product manufacture
PSC3041 Applied analytical methods
PSC3211 Industrial formulation

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Professor Colin Pouton

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

One aim of this unit is to improve student skills in information literacy and scientific writing. The second aim is for students to identify and research issues and questions to develop their knowledge of biomolecular pharmaceutical products. Students will undertake literature searches addressing the manufacture, purification and formulation of these products. The unit is compatible with Monash University's goals for research lead teaching.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain the steps involved in industrial-scale cell culture mediated production and purification of a recombinant protein pharmaceutical active
  2. Describe the structure and function of excipients required for formulation of biomolecules
  3. Design a formulated biomolecular pharmaceutical product

Assessment

Online modules (and reports) 10% each (20%); Individual assignment 20%, oral presentation 10%; Written assignment report 50%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty-four 1-hour lectures
  • Six 1-hour tutorials/workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2041 Biopharmaceutics

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Angus Johnston

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit was previously coded as PSC3272

Synopsis

This subject will cover advanced drug delivery nanotechnologies and parenteral formulations.

This will involve three main modules:

  1. Drug delivery nanotechnologies
    • micelles
    • emulsions
    • microemulsions
    • liposomes
    • nanosuspensions
    • cyclodextrins
    • lipid based oral formulations

  1. Characterization
    • microscopy
    • internal structure
    • surface properties
    • drug encapsulation and release

  1. Diagnostics and imaging applications of nanotechnologies
    • imaging modalities
    • nanotechnologies in bioimaging

Outcomes

Describe the principles behind the formulation of nanotechnology drug delivery systems, and the way they behave in invitro and in vivo environments.Describe, and conduct in practicals, the methods of characterization of nanotech drug delivery systems. Describe different modes of imaging and how nanotechnology can be used to improve imaging techniques. Describe typical approaches to diagnostics and describe the role of advanced formulation and nanotechnologies in modern diagnostics.

Assessment

Final exam (3 hour): 60%; Practical Reports: 30%; In semester Week 6 online MCQ test: 10%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour group preparation exercises for lecture workshops
  • Twenty four 1-hour lecture workshops
  • Eight 3-hour practicals

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2222 Formulation Chemistry
PSC2232 Colloid Chemistry

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Laurence Orlando

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit was previously coded as PSC3201 - Product Development II

Synopsis

The objective of this unit is to provide students with an opportunity to develop their research, teamwork and communication skills by producing scientifically sound solutions to an authentic complex pharmaceutical formulation problem. On successful completion of this unit and PSC3211 (co-requisite), students will have developed a systematic approach to experimentation that includes the creation and application of their own suite of documents and scientific templates (assignments) that are relevant in all contexts involving new product development. They will also develop the critical thinking skills necessary in the process of making professional informed decisions about the design of a scientific investigation as well as in the interpretation and communication of results that will improve their employability.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Define a research strategy to find, evaluate and organise authoritative and relevant information needed to solve the problem.
  2. Synthesize findings, select relevant experimental factors (API, excipients and process) to be studied to solve the problem and predict their impact on tablet performance (testing).
  3. Master the use of Design of Experiment (DoE) statistical tool recommended by current pharmaceutical guidelines by designing and testing an automated user-friendly professional program on MS Excel.
  4. Design a DoE experimental protocol precise enough to be used by any technically qualified person, to investigate selected factors' effects.
  5. Conduct the experiments according to industry standards to produce and test tablets.
  6. Methodically and systematically analyze data using the DoE, critically discuss and interpret observed phenomena and relate to the initial hypotheses raised.
  7. Communicate scientific findings and conclusions.
  8. Work effectively in teams.

Assessment

In-semester assessment 100%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Thirty two hours practicals
  • Forty hours workshops

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Co-requisites

PSC3211 Industrial Formulation

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Laurence Orlando

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This four week placement provides students with work experience in an industry relevant to the formulation major.

In addition students participate in activities to develop their job seeking and career planning skills, for example, writing resumes, job applications and cover letters, and interview techniques.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Identify areas of interest for their future career;
  2. Participate effectively in interviews and write a professional resume.;
  3. Work in a team in the context of a professional environment;
  4. Design an experimental approach to solving a problem;
  5. Prepare a technical report and present on experimental work conducted to the Monash supervisor and the industry team and managers;
  6. Reflect on professional experience

Assessment

The unit is a pass/fail unit based on the following hurdle requirements:
Performance at industrial site
Written project report
Presentation at the industry site with a clear explanation of the context, results and conclusions.
Reflective blog and other documents required in the framework of career plan

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Ten hours of workshops and interviews in semester one

Additional requirements:

  • 140 hours of practical placements in industry in semester two

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC3231 Pharmaceutical Product Manufacture
PSC3041 Applied Analytical Methods

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Sab Ventura

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

To introduce 3rd year pharmaceutical science students to essential elements of microbiology and immunology. In the process, students will develop their abilities to integrate microbiological and immunological concepts and apply these to a limited number of applications contained within the unit and as a basis for later work in other subjects within the pharmaceutical sciences.

This will involve the study of:

  • bacteria (general principles and microbial genetics)
  • eukaryotic microbes
  • virology
  • epidemiology
  • immunology
  • microbiological diseases (diseases and host responses)

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate fundamental concepts in microbiology and associated immunology including basic technologies, classification of microorganisms, principles of microbial genetics, and immunological processes;
  2. evaluate and differentiate basic microbiological laboratory techniques and how to apply these to the identification of different types of pathogenic microorganisms;
  3. demonstrate an appreciation of factors involved in contamination control and control of infectious diseases;
  4. illustrate the ecological role of microorganisms and analyse interactions between microorganisms and the host including interactions with humans and the principles of immunology and epidemiology.

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; mid-semester test: 10%; on-going practicals and assignments: 30%.

Workload requirements

  • Twenty-six 1 hour lectures
  • One 1-hour mid-semester test
  • Four 3-hour practicals/workshops
  • Thirty-eight hours of directed independent study/active learning

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2012 Molecular pharmacology
PSC2322 Molecular cell biology
PSC3321 Disease focused pharmacology.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Jennifer Short

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit investigates in detail disorders involving the nervous system, and provides the relationship between the pathophysiology of these diseases and the rational design and use of drugs. Students will review the structure and function of the nervous system and important aspects of neurotransmission and cell signalling, and will then consider in detail exemplar disorders involving the nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, depression, pain, and multiple sclerosis, and disorders affecting blood-brain barrier function. The aspects of these disease states which are amenable to pharmacotherapy will be discussed in detail and students will perform a number of tasks which will help with the development of critical thinking skills.

Outcomes

After completing this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the normal physiology of the central nervous system
  2. For each disease or disorder, be able to explain the pathogenesis and the signs and symptoms of the disease, and relate these to the pathophysiology
  3. Describe the diagnosis, risk factors / epidemiology and the burden of the disease on society
  4. Explain the mechanism of action of current treatment options, explain their rationale of use, advantages and disadvantages, side effects and other limitations
  5. Build a learning portfolio that:

  • Includes discussion of relevant biological models, preclinical and clinical issues, and a proposed investigation into a novel therapeutic option
  • Proposes new targets for therapeutic interventions or identifies areas of the pathophysiology yet to be exploited
  • Describes and evaluates relevant biological disease models
  • Investigates current research efforts, both preclinical and clinical, and identifies how novel therapeutic interventions may be assessed for efficacy within current models, or proposes new methods of investigation

Assessment

10%: two in-semester tests assessing lecture material
15%: three workshops, worth 5% each
30%: a 2,000 word report/learning portfolio
45%: end-of-semester exam (2 hours)

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:
Thirty 1-hour lectures
Five 1-hour tutorials
Three 3-hour workshops
Two 40 minute in-semester tests

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2012 Molecular pharmacology
PSC2332 Disease-focused pharmacology - peripheral

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr John Haynes

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit was previously coded as PSC3032 - Current aspects of pharmaceutical biology.

Synopsis

This unit will introduce students to cancer cell biology. The specific topics covered include The Nature of Cancer, Cellular Oncogenes & Tumor Suppressor Genes, Growth Factor Receptors and Cytoplasmic Signalling, Multistep Tumorigenesis, and Invasion & Metastasis.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to discuss:

  1. What, in a cellular context, cancers represent;
  2. How cells usually prevent their own uncontrolled growth;
  3. Common signalling underlying tumor growth;

Furthermore students should be able to use this knowledge to:

  1. Answer specific questions around the pathophysiology of cancer cell growth;
  2. Use sound scientific principles and inquiry-based approaches to design, undertake and analyse experiments that increase our knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cancer cell growth

Assessment

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; Mid-semester test, practical work and learning exercises 40%.

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • Twenty four 1-hour lectures
  • One 2-hour Tutorial
  • Four 3-hour practical laboratories
  • Directed independent study

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2011 Biochemical Pharmacology
PSC2012 Molecular Pharmacology

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Erica Sloan

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with a preliminary training in research in Drug Discovery Biology pharmaceutical science within the faculty as well as provide the knowledge of research philosophy and approaches.

Students will participate in a hands-on research project within the Department of Drug Discovery Biology at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (MIPS) under the supervision of an academic staff member. The project will enhance students' skills in all aspects of research.

Outcomes

The aim of this unit is to provide students the opportunity to gain skills in research and an understanding of current research activities within the faculty. The unit is designed for the student who may wish to pursue further study in research-orientated postgraduate programs.

At the end of this elective, students will be able to:

  1. Describe recent advances in research in pharmaceutical science and the literature within their area of research;
  2. Demonstrate skills in defining a hypothesis, designing an approach to test the hypothesis, planning experiments, undertaking experiments, analysing and interpreting data and writing a research report;
  3. Discuss basic research philosophies and approaches.

Assessment

Written report (mini-thesis): 60%;Laboratory work: 20% (supervisor's mark including initiative, technical capacity, teamwork and project understanding);Oral presentation: 20%

Workload requirements

Students will participate in a small number of lectures and undertake a research project equivalent to 72 hours of learning.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2021 Structural Organic Chemistry
PSC2031 Analytical Methods

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Ben Capuano

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit is available to students studying the undergraduate degree Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Advanced with Honours

Synopsis

This 12-credit point unit aims to provide students with an extensive foundation for the development of research skills in the area of medicinal chemistry in preparation for honours research. Students will conduct advanced medicinal chemistry research encompassing one or more of the core competencies that underpin the degree program, namely chemical synthesis, analysis, structural biology and computational chemistry.

Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. to demonstrate an enhanced understanding and ability to interpret aspects of the basic science concepts supporting medicinal chemistry.
  2. competently undertake a review of the literature and present a comprehensive evaluation of the literature.
  3. demonstrate some basic skills in developing and planning a research project.
  4. competently use relevant analytical instrumentation, design and conduct experimental procedures and methodologies.
  5. undertake data manipulation and analysis and have a detailed understanding of the results.
  6. communicate the outcomes of the project in the form of an oral presentation and a written scientific report in the form of a journal publication.

Assessment

Written report (mini-thesis): 60%; Laboratory work: 20%; Oral presentation: 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • 160 hours of practical laboratories

Additional requirements:

  • 128 hours of independent study

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2021 Structural Organic Chemistry
PSC2031 Analytical methods
PSC2122 Synthetic Organic Chemistry

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Laurence Orlando

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit is available to students studying the undergraduate degree Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Advanced with Honours

Synopsis

Students will conduct advanced research in formulation field and will apply the knowledge and formulation tools learnt in previous units.

Outcomes

This 12-credit point unit aims to provide students with an extensive foundation for the development of research skills in the area of formulation science in preparation for honours research.At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Find, critically evaluate and select relevant information needed to solve the formulation/project problem
  2. Synthetise the relevant information and create a literature review report with references
  3. Create a precise experimental protocol (applying a Plackett Burman or Factorial Design of Experiment seen in PSC3231 if appropriate) to conduct an accurate scientific investigation to resolve the formulation/project challenge
  4. Safely and appropriately operate required manufacturing and/or testing equipment to precisely conduct the experimental plan and collect data
  5. Critically evaluate and accurately analyze results generated
  6. Raise logic and significant hypotheses on the explanation of the observed phenomena.
  7. Communicate the results in a thorough written scientific report based on findings and develop a logic conclusion of the study with identification of possible next steps
  8. Confidently communicate the results and interpretation in a oral presentation
  9. Interact with team members, take initiatives, solve problems, organise scientific investigation, self manage their time and workload,

Assessment

Written report (mini-thesis): 60%; Oral presentation: 20%; Soft skills: 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • 160 hours research project

Additional requirements:

  • 128 hours of independent study

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC3231 Pharmaceutical Product Manufacture
PSC3041 Applied Analytical Methods

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Erica Sloan

Offered

Parkville

  • Second semester 2016 (Day)

Notes

This unit is available to students studying the undergraduate degree Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Advanced with Honours

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with an extensive foundation in research in Drug Discovery Biology pharmaceutical science within the faculty as well as provide the knowledge of research philosophy and approaches.

Students will participate in a hands-on research project within the Department of Drug Discovery Biology at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (MIPS) under the supervision of an academic staff member. The project will enhance students' skills in all aspects of research.

Outcomes

The aim of this unit is to provide students the opportunity to gain skills in research and an understanding of current research activities within the faculty. The unit is designed for the student who may wish to pursue further study in research-orientated postgraduate programs.

At the end of this elective, students will be able to:

  1. Undertake and present a critical evaluation of the literature that describes recent advances in pharmaceutical research with a focus on their area of research ;
  2. Demonstrate skills in defining a hypothesis, designing an approach to test the hypothesis, planning experiments, undertaking experiments, analysing and interpreting data and writing a research report;
  3. Demonstrate competence in using analytical instrumentation;
  4. Discuss basic research philosophies and approaches.
  5. Communicate outcomes of the project.

Assessment

Written report (mini-thesis): 60%;Laboratory work: 20% (supervisor's mark including initiative, technical capacity, teamwork and project understanding);Oral presentation: 20%

Workload requirements

Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • 160 hours research project

Additional requirements:

  • 128 hours of independent study

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

PSC2011 Biochemical Pharmacology
PSC2021 Structural Organic Chemistry
PSC2012 Molecular Pharmacology

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


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Phillip Thompson

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will attend advanced compulsory course work sessions including non-assessable introductory programs, and assessable coursework components relevant to medicinal chemistry. The coursework will be taught within the research theme. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting. The coursework program will be overseen by the Faculty Graduate Research Committee.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the participant will;

  1. Have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of the medicinal chemistry research field
  2. Be proficient in safe work practices for a chemical laboratory
  3. Be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline
  4. Have a detailed understanding of the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project
  5. Be able to execute and analyse a set of laboratory-based studies
  6. Be able to present scientific results in a style suitable for publication
  7. Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmaceutical sciences discipline

Assessment

This unit is 25% of the overall course mark. The assessment for this unit will generally be confined to first semester and include a combination of tutorials, research specific lectures, non-assessable and assessable written work, (or examinations) relevant to the coursework material within their research area.

The other 75% of the course mark comes from the student's assessment in the PSC4112 unit.

Workload requirements

Oral presentations, staff directed study and self-directed study. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entry to the Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a Bachelor degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or other related field. An average overall distinction grade or higher in the final year of the course, or equivalent qualifications and experience deemed by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Research Committee to be suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study is required.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Phil Thompson

Offered

Parkville

  • Full year 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will conduct a research project under the guidance and supervision of a member of the academic staff of the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences theme: Medicinal Chemistry. The research project will be carried out according to the conventions of the chosen research area and in an established academic/research environment. Students will receive regular advice from their supervisors on the rationale and design of the research project, instruction in the relevant experimental techniques, feedback on the outcomes of their investigations, guidance in the presentation of their research findings, and ongoing assistance in learning methodologies. At the conclusion of the research project the findings will be presented in a mini research thesis. Students will receive advice and guidance, within specified guidelines, from their supervisors on the preparation and presentation of a research thesis with support from Faculty and University education support programs. The thesis will be examined by internal examiners and by the supervisor evaluation.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the participant will;

  1. Have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of the medicinal chemistry research field
  2. Be proficient in safe work practices for a laboratory
  3. Be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline
  4. Have a detailed understanding of the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project
  5. Be able to execute and analyse a set of laboratory-based studies
  6. Be able to present scientific results in a style suitable for publication
  7. Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmaceutical sciences discipline

Assessment

This unit is 75% of the overall course mark. The assessment for this unit will include the following:

Thesis 50%
Final oral presentation 10%
Thesis viva 15%

The other 25% of the course mark comes from the student's assessment in the PSC4111 unit.

The student will be required to conduct a literature review relevant to their research project and present a non-assessed preliminary oral presentation early in their candidature. This presentation will provide their interpretation of the background behind the project and the techniques required to conduct the research project.

The preparation of the mini-thesis throughout the candidature will be guided closely by the supervisor at all times.
Coursework activities (PSC4111) will be conducted jointly to support the progression of the research work and the preparation of the final thesis. The final oral presentation is the culmination of the year's work and should reflect the findings obtained, the students' interpretation of these and the conclusion they draw from their investigations.

Workload requirements

Oral presentations, staff directed study and self-directed study. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entry to the Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a bachelor degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or other related field. An average overall distinction grade or higher in the final year of the course, or equivalent qualifications and experience deemed by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Research Committee to be suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study is required.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Professor Ben Boyd

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will attend advanced compulsory course work sessions including non-assessable introductory programs, and assessable coursework components relevant to formulation science. The coursework will be taught within the research theme. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting. The coursework program will be overseen by the Faculty Graduate Research Committee.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the participant will;

  1. Have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of the formulation science research field
  2. Be proficient in safe work practices for a chemical laboratory
  3. Be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline
  4. Have a detailed understanding of the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project
  5. Be able to execute and analyse a set of laboratory-based studies
  6. Be able to present scientific results in a style suitable for publication
  7. Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmaceutical sciences discipline

Assessment

This unit is 25% of the overall course mark. The assessment for this unit Course work activities will generally be confined to first semester and include a combination of tutorials, research specific lectures, non-assessable and assessable written work, (or examinations) relevant to the coursework material within their research area.

The other 75% of the course mark comes from the student's assessment in the PSC4212 unit.

Workload requirements

Oral presentations, staff directed study and self-directed study. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entry to the Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a bachelor degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or other related field. An average overall distinction grade or higher in the final year of the course, or equivalent qualifications and experience deemed by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate ResearchCommittee to be suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study is required.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Professor Ben Boyd

Offered

Parkville

  • Full year 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will conduct a research project under the guidance and supervision of a member of the academic staff of the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences theme of Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics). The research project will be carried out according to the conventions of the chosen research area and in an established academic/research environment. Students will receive regular advice from their supervisors on the rationale and design of the research project, instruction in the relevant experimental techniques, feedback on the outcomes of their investigations, guidance in the presentation of their research findings, and ongoing assistance in learning methodologies. At the conclusion of the research project the findings will be presented in a mini research thesis. Students will receive advice and guidance, within specified guidelines, from their supervisors on the preparation and presentation of a research thesis with support from Faculty and University education support programs. The thesis will be examined by internal examiners and by the supervisor evaluation.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the participant will:

  1. Have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of the formulation science research field
  2. Be proficient in safe work practices for a laboratory
  3. Be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline
  4. Have a detailed understanding of the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project
  5. Be able to execute and analyse a set of laboratory-based studies
  6. Be able to present scientific results in a style suitable for publication
  7. Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmaceutical sciences discipline

Assessment

This unit is 75% of the overall course mark. The assessment for this unit will include the following:
Thesis 50%
Final oral presentation 10%
Thesis viva 15%
The other 25% of the course mark comes from the student's assessment in the PSC4211 unit.

The student will be required to conduct a literature review relevant to their research project and present a non-assessed preliminary oral presentation early in their candidature. This presentation will provide their interpretation of the background behind the project and the techniques required to conduct the research project.
The preparation of the mini-thesis throughout the candidature will be guided closely by the supervisor at all times.

Coursework activities (PSC4211) will be conducted jointly to support the progression of the research work and the preparation of the final thesis. The final oral presentation is the culmination of the years work and should reflect the findings obtained, the students' interpretation of these and the conclusion they draw from their investigations.

Workload requirements

Oral presentations, staff directed study and self-directed study. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entry to the Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a bachelor degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or other related field. An average overall distinction grade or higher in the final year of the course, or equivalent qualifications and experience deemed by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Research Committee to be suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study is required.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Sab Ventura

Offered

Parkville

  • First semester 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will attend advanced compulsory course work sessions including non-assessable introductory programs, and assessable coursework components relevant to drug discovery biology. The coursework will be taught within the research theme. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting. The coursework program will be overseen by the Faculty Graduate Research Committee.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the participant will;

  1. Have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of the drug discovery biology research field
  2. Be proficient in safe work practices for a laboratory (if relevant)
  3. Be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline
  4. Have a detailed understanding of the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project
  5. Be able to execute and analyse a set of laboratory-based/or otherwise studies
  6. Be able to present scientific results in a style suitable for publication
  7. Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmaceutical sciences discipline

Assessment

This unit is 25% of the overall course mark. The assessment for this unit Course work activities will generally be confined to first semester and include a combination of tutorials, research specific lectures, non-assessable and assessable written work, (or examinations) relevant to the coursework material within their research area.
The other 75% of the course mark comes from the student's assessment in the PSC4312 unit.

Workload requirements

Oral presentations, staff directed study and self-directed study. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entry to the Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a bachelor degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or other related field. An average overall distinction grade or higher in the final year of the course, or equivalent qualifications and experience deemed by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Research Committee to be suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study is required.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr Sab Ventura

Offered

Parkville

  • Full year 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will conduct a research project under the guidance and supervision of a member of the academic staff of the Drug Discovery Biology theme. The research project will be carried out according to the conventions of the chosen research area and in an established academic/research environment. Students will receive regular advice from their supervisors on the rationale and design of the research project, instruction in the relevant experimental techniques, feedback on the outcomes of their investigations, guidance in the presentation of their research findings, and ongoing assistance in learning methodologies. At the conclusion of the research project the findings will be presented in a mini research thesis. Students will receive advice and guidance, within specified guidelines, from their supervisors on the preparation and presentation of a research thesis with support from Faculty and University education support programs. The thesis will be examined by internal examiners and by the supervisor evaluation.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the participant will;

  1. Have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of the drug discovery biology field
  2. Be proficient in safe work practices for a laboratory
  3. Be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline
  4. Have a detailed understanding of the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project
  5. Be able to present scientific results in a style suitable for publication
  6. Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmaceutical sciences discipline

Assessment

This unit is 75% of the overall course mark. The assessment for this unit will include the following:
Thesis 50%
Final oral presentation 10%
Thesis viva 15%
The other 25% of the course mark comes from the student's assessment in the PSC4311 unit.
The student will be required to conduct a literature review relevant to their research project and present a non-assessed preliminary oral presentation early in their candidature. This presentation will provide their interpretation of the background behind the project and the techniques required to conduct the research project.
The preparation of the mini-thesis throughout the candidature will be guided closely by the supervisor at all times.
Coursework activities (PSC4311) will be conducted jointly to support the progression of the research work and the preparation of the final thesis. The final oral presentation is the culmination of the years work and should reflect the findings obtained, the students' interpretation of these and the conclusion they draw from their investigations.
The assessment for research is worth 75% of the overall final mark.

Workload requirements

Oral presentations, staff directed study and self-directed study. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entry to the Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a bachelor degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or other related field. An average overall distinction or higher in the final year of the course, or equivalent qualifications and experience deemed by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Training Committee to be suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study is required.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Kong

Offered

Parkville

  • Full year 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will attend advanced compulsory course work sessions including non-assessable introductory programs, and assessable coursework components relevant to medicine use and safety. The coursework will be taught within the research theme. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting. The coursework program will be overseen by the Faculty Graduate Research Committee.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the participant will;

  1. Have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of the medicine use and safety research field
  2. Be proficient in safe work practices for research in medicine use and safety
  3. Be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline
  4. Have a detailed understanding of the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project
  5. Be able to execute and analyse a set of research studies
  6. Be able to present research results in a style suitable for publication

() Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences discipline

Assessment

This unit is 25% of the overall course mark. The assessment for this unit Course work activities will generally be confined to first semester and include a combination of tutorials, research specific lectures, non-assessable and assessable written work, (or examinations) relevant to the coursework material within their research area.
The assessment for coursework is worth 25% of the overall final mark.
The other 75% of the course mark comes from the student's assessment in the PSC4412 unit.

Workload requirements

Oral presentations, staff directed study and self-directed study. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entry to the Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a Bachelor degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or other related field. An average overall distinction grade or higher in the final year of the course, or equivalent qualifications and experience deemed by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Research Committee to be suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study is required.


Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Dr David Kong

Offered

Parkville

  • Full year 2016 (Day)

Synopsis

Students will conduct a research project under the guidance and supervision of a member of the academic staff of the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS). The research project will be carried out according to the conventions of the chosen research area and in an established academic/research environment. Students will receive regular advice from their supervisors on the rationale and design of the research project, instruction in the relevant experimental techniques, feedback on the outcomes of their investigations, guidance in the presentation of their research findings, and ongoing assistance in learning methodologies. At the conclusion of the research project the findings will be presented in a mini research thesis. Students will receive advice and guidance, within specified guidelines, from their supervisors on the preparation and presentation of a research thesis with support from Faculty and University education support programs. The thesis will be examined by internal examiners and by the supervisor evaluation.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit the participant will;

  1. Have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of the medicine use and safety research field
  2. Be proficient in safe work practices for research in medicine use and safety
  3. Be able to critically review the scientific literature in their discipline
  4. Have a detailed understanding of the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project
  5. Be able to execute and analyse a set of research studies
  6. Be able to present research results in a style suitable for publication
  7. Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences discipline

Assessment

This unit is 75% of the overall course mark. The assessment for this unit will include the following:
Thesis 50%
Final oral presentation 10%
Thesis viva 15%
The other 25% of the course mark comes from the student's assessment in the PSC4411 unit.

The student will be required to conduct a literature review relevant to their research project and present a non-assessed preliminary oral presentation early in their candidature. This presentation will provide their interpretation of the background behind the project and the techniques required to conduct the research project.

The preparation of the mini-thesis throughout the candidature will be guided closely by the supervisor at all times.

Coursework activities will be conducted jointly to support the progression of the research work and the preparation of the final thesis. The final oral presentation is the culmination of the years' work and should reflect the findings obtained, the students' interpretation of these and the conclusion they draw from their investigations.

Workload requirements

Oral presentations, staff directed study and self-directed study. Students will undertake coursework study equivalent to a minimum 40 hours of contact which directly supports the research project they are conducting.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for entry to the Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a Bachelor degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Formulation Science or other related field. An average overall distinction grade or higher in the final year of the course, or equivalent qualifications and experience deemed by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Training Committee to be suitable preparation for the candidate's proposed field of study is required.