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, highlighting the causal connections between cell biochemistry, body function at the tissue, organ and system level and human health. Several cells, organs and systems will be considered in detail, and one or more examples of disease states which are amenable to pharmacotherapy will be discussed.

The unit aims to provide a basic understanding of the functions of organs and systems such as the nervous 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 principal aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of basic biological principles and how these can be applied in pharmaceutical science. Students will be introduced to experimental approaches to solving biochemical and physiological research questions and to fundamental laboratory techniques.

Topics to be covered include:

• cells, tissues, organs and systems
• homeostasis
• macromolecules
• metabolism
• DNA replication, gene transcription and translation
• the nervous system
• endocrinology

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

1. Explain the role of molecules, cells, tissues, organs and systems in ensuring homeostasis and effective functioning of the body;
2. Compare different body systems in terms of their structure and function at the organ, tissue, cell and macromolecule level;
3. Explain how drug molecules target cell components to mimic, modulate or disrupt physiological processes;
4. Predict the effect of disrupting cellular processes on cellular and system function and on human health;
5. Suggest a rational drug therapy strategy to target a disease state with known pathophysiological causes;
6. Design and perform an hypothesis-driven experimental approach to investigate physiological processes;
7. Safely and effectively carry out a basic practical procedure using common biochemical and physiological techniques;
8. Analyse and communicate experimental findings;
9. Research a topic in the area of physiology, and present the findings of such research (written and verbal), at an appropriate scientific level.

Final examination (2 hours): 50%; in-semester assessment (including practical reports, quizzes, an oral presentation, a written essay and in-class assessment): 50%.

• One hour per week of guided preparation (online)
• Two hours per week of interactive lectures
• Three hours per week of practicals or workshops

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharmsci

This unit builds and extends on concepts learnt in PSC1011 Human Physiology I: Cells to systems. This unit extends on a foundation of knowledge about mammalian systems and the relationship between pathophysiology and the rational design and use of drugs. Students will investigate the physiological basis of disease, highlighting the causal connections between cell biochemistry, body function at the tissue, organ and system level and human health. Several cells, tissues, organs and systems will be analysed in detail, and examples of disease states amenable to pharmacotherapy will be discussed. The unit aims to provide a basic understanding of the functions of organs and systems such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; however, there is an equal emphasis on one of the key components of drug discovery: the choice of therapeutic target based on a thorough understanding of mechanism of action of drugs. A primary aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of basic pharmacological principles and how these are applied in pharmaceutical science. Students will undertake experimental approaches designed to solve biochemical, pharmacological and physiological research questions.

Topics to be covered include the:

• fundamentals of drug action
• cardiovascular system
• respiratory system
• pathophysiology of human disease states

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

1. Describe the structure and function of each major cell, tissue, organ and organ system considered within the unit;
2. Explain how ligands interact with protein targets, such as receptors and receptors;
3. Compare (evaluate, characterise) pharmaceutical agents based on quantitative and qualitative parameters (affinity, potency, efficacy, etc.)
4. Compare and contrast agonists and antagonists and describe how their characteristics and behaviour can be measured;
5. Analyse and predict the effects observed within a cell, and the impact on cellular function following activation of specific receptor families and receptor (sub)types;
6. Analyse selected disorders and disease states using an understanding of the physiological basis of the disease;
7. Practice basic laboratory techniques and communicate experimental findings;
8. Research a contentious topic in the area of physiology, and debate the findings of such research, at an appropriate scientific level.

Final exam (2 hour):50%; in-semester assessment 50%.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Twenty-four 1-hour lectures
• Twelve 1-hour consolidation classes
• Six 2-hour laboratory practicals
• Six 2-hour workshops

Preparation:

• Twelve one-hour online preparation modules

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharmsci

This unit introduces students to the principles of molecular structure that determine the chemical properties and mechanism of action of therapeutic agents. After examining how the rules of chemical bonding and molecular shape derive from the electronic structure of atoms, the unit will explore how these rules lead to the complex architecture of organic chemistry and to patterns of molecular reactivity. This will involve a discussion of the following topics:

• Hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes)
• Haloalkanes
• Chirality
• Alcohols, ethers and thiols
• Aromatic compounds (benzene and its derivatives)

Analytical methods (spectrophotometry, NMR and IR spectroscopy) to identify molecules and their structural features will be introduced in theory and practice. In laboratory classes, students will learn how to harness molecular reactivity for the preparation of medicinal compounds using common organic chemical techniques.

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. Determine the identity and molecular structure of small molecules using spectroscopic, chromatographic and other experimental data.
3. Safely and competently perform a basic practical investigation using standard laboratory techniques.

Final written examination (2 hours): 50%; practical sessions, report, mid-semester test and workshops: 45%; in-class exercises: 5%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Twenty four 1-hour lectures
• Six 3-hour lab practicals
• Six 3-hour workshops

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharmsci

This unit will investigate the principles of molecular interactions and reactions that form the basis of biochemical processes and drug action. Building on the concepts of chemical structure and reactivity introduced in Medicinal Chemistry I, this unit will examine the structural and electronic features of the most common organic compound classes (including carboxylic acids and their derivatives, aldehydes, ketones and amines) and how these features define their chemical behaviour. This discussion will be extended to molecules with multiple functional groups, including synthetic polymers and the most important classes of biomolecules (DNA, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids). In addition, the unit will introduce students to the chemistry of metal complexes (coordination chemistry) and their use as therapeutic agents.

Throughout the unit, the patterns of chemical interactions and reactivity emerging from the properties of different compound classes will be applied to the discussion of drug binding, drug action and drug design.

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. Predict the products of chemical reactions based on consideration of their reaction mechanism.
3. Analyse the potential for interactions and reactions between drug molecules, biomolecules and solvents.
4. Determine the identity and molecular structure of small molecules using spectroscopic, chromatographic and other experimental data.
5. Safely and competently perform a basic practical investigation using standard laboratory techniques.

Final written examination (2 hours): 50%; in-semester assessments: 50%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Twenty-four 1-hour lectures
• Six 3-hour workshops
• Six 3-hour laboratory practicals

Preparation:

• Twelve one-hour online preparation modules

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharmsci

This unit provides a basic understanding of physical chemistry and together with Physical Chemistry II (BPS1032) 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;

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.
7. Work effectively in a group to solve problems, present group-workshopped solutions, and manage the group to complete the task (communicating and coordinating group efforts).
8. Solve problems in a meaningful, systematic, and structured manner.

Written examination (2 hours): 50%; practical test: 10%; practical classes: 10%; tutorials, workshops and quizzes: 25%; Active Learning: 5%.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Thirty six 1-hour lectures (24 face-to-face lectures + 12 hours active learning)
• Twelve 1-hour tutorials
• Six 2 hour practicals
• Six 2-hour workshops

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharmsci

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 Physical Chemistry I (BPS1031) 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

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 pharmaceutical dose forms and evaluate individual excipients, based on their physicochemical properties, in the context of a pharmaceutical product or formulation;
8. Measure fundamental solution properties through practical exercises and relate experimental results to theoretical concepts in the unit and from BPS1031.
9. Work effectively in a group to solve problems, present group-workshopped solutions, and manage the group to complete the task (communicating and coordinating group efforts);
10. Solve problems in a meaningful, systematic, and structured manner.

Final exam (2 hour) 50%; in-semester assessment 50%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Twenty-four 1-hour lectures
• Six 3-hour workshops
• Six 3-hour laboratory practicals

Preparation:

• Twelve 1-hour online preparation modules

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharmsci

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.

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.

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

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

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 medicine development will be demonstrated. Participants are introduced to the following areas as they apply to the biology, chemistry, and formulation of medicines and related products:

• drug discovery biology
• medicinal chemistry
• formulation science

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

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

1. Identify and explain the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the signs and symptoms of a given disorder
2. Select a suitable therapeutic target for the treatment of a specified disorder
3. Design a research plan of experiments to test whether a drug target is suitable
4. Identify the key functional groups of current drug molecules and analyse their interactions with biological targets
5. Apply the principles of structure-based drug design in drug discovery to design novel drug molecules
6. Calculate and evaluate physicochemical characteristics of current and novel drug molecules to ascertain their drug-likeness
7. Apply the processes of lead optimization to improve the drug-likeness of designed drug molecules
8. Compare and contrast properties and characteristics of selected essential pharmaceutical forms and rationally choose a pharmaceutical form to create a medicine
9. Effectively present key project outcomes to a peer audience in an original format using media technology
10. Use reflective techniques to identify personal strengths and weaknesses in key skills and develop a personalised learning plan (PLP) addressing skill development

Active learning project presentation: 75% (25% per field covered) ; written press release one page report: 10%, personalised learning plan 10%, online and in-class quizzes 5%

Contact hours:

• Twenty-four 1-hour lectures
• Twelve 2-hour workshops
• Six 1-hour skills workshops
• Six 1-hour coaching meetings

Preparation:

• Twelve 1-hour online preparation modules

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharmsci

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).

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.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; mid-semester tests: 20%; on-going practicals and assignments: 20%.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

The overall aim of this unit is to build upon the key concepts of oral and intravenous pharmacokinetics and introduce new 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, this unit will provide an understanding of theoretical concepts and formulation principles of semi-solids, aerosols, sprays and foams, and modified release products.

This will involve the study of:

• effect of drug metabolism and drug transporters on pharmacokinetics
• pharmacokinetics in preganancy, paediatrics and geriatrics
• hepatic and renal clearance and plasma protein building
• impact of hepatic/ renal diseases, haemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis on drug therapy
• drug-drug interactions
• pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship
• pharmacokinetic dose individualisation
• therapeutic drug monitoring
• formulation principles of semi-solids and aerosol systems
• modified release dosage form design

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

1. Describe common routes of drug metabolism and drug transport and predict changes in pharmacokinetics associated with inter-individual variability;
2. 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;
3. 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 ration drugs;
4. Discuss renal clearance of drugs in terms of renal blood flow, plasma protein binding and transporters;
5. Evaluate and predict how pharmacokinetics may alter in various disease states and patient groups (pregnancy, obesity, geriatrics, paediatrics);
6. Generate a drug regimen based on therapeutic drug monitoring principles;
7. Discuss particular examples where drug-drug interactions impact on pharmacokinetics and patient therapy;
8. Explain and exemplify formulation principles of aerosol systems, semi-solids and modified release drug delivery systems.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; In-semester assessments 40%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Thirty six 1-hour lectures
• Two 3-hour workshops
• One 1 hour whole class tutorial
• One 3 hour debate

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

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%.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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 workshops, attend practicals, and undertake some self-directed learning, all of which will enhance their learning experience.

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.

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)

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Fifteen 1-hour lectures
• Six 2-hour workshops
• Two 1.5-hour practicals
• Six hours of self-directed learning

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; on-going assessments: 40%.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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

4. Participating in mentored group meetings and online discussions to analyse research questions and prepare a plan for investigating literature relevant to the question,
5. 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.
6. 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.

• 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%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Six 1-hour lectures
• Six 1-hour workshops

Additional requirements:

• Sixty hours of directed project work

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

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

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

http://www.pharm.monash.edu.au/students/undergrad/pac3522research-project.html

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.

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.

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.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Six 2-hour workshops
• Two 3-hour presentations
• One 1-hour workshop

Additional requirements:

• Twelve hours of self-directed learning
• Thirty hours group activities/team meetings

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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).

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%

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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:

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

    In this unit students will develop skills in:

11. Analysis of pharmaceutical formulations and identification of key excipients;
12. Locating and evaluating scientific literature on pharmaceutical drug formulations;
13. Working effectively in teams;
14. Time management and meeting deadlines;
15. Writing scientific reports that reflect an understanding of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical rationale behind a specific pharmaceutical formulation;
16. 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.

Final exam (2 hour):60%; within semester assessment 30%, which consists of individual and group assignment work, online quizzes 10%.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

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.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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).

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

1. Describe various extended roles of pharmacists and appreciate the leadership role of the pharmacist
2. Dispense legally and accurately, including being proficient in extemporaneous compounding and pharmaceutical calculations;
3. Develop an appropriate medication management strategy for a range of individual patients with multiple medications
4. Describe fundamental marketing principles applicable to a pharmacy operation and apply basic inventory management tools and analyse financial statements
5. Discuss wound management as a part of pharmacy practice
6. Recognise key requirements for implementation of health promotion strategies and integrate health promotion into patient counselling
7. Discuss uses and untoward effects of vitamins and complementary medicines
8. Describe the role of pharmacist in provision of primary health care for companion and farm animals in selected diseases

Final Written Examination 45%; In-semester assessments 55% (including Pharmaceutical calculations exam (Hurdle - minimum 80% requirement); Extemporaneous dispensing practical exam; Medication management review exam and Pharmacy management assignment)

48 contact hours and 24 hours of self-directed learning

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

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

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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

1. Describe the pathophysiology of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
2. Compare the structural features and mechanism of action of the various classes of drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
3. Describe and compare the structure-activity relationships of drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions ;
4. Explain the pharmacology of the drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
5. Debate the clinical utility and deficits of a therapeutic substance used for the control of pain
6. Describe how pain is detected and explain the pathways that transmit pain signals to the brain and their modulation by therapeutic substances;
7. Explain 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. Identify and categorise the usual symptoms of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions encountered 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.

Final exam: 60%; workshops: 10%; problem-based exercises: 30%.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Thirty 1-hour lectures
• Two 2-hour workshops

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; in-semester MCQ or short answer tests: 20%; practical assessments (case-based exercises): 20%.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Thirty three 1-hour lectures
• Two 3-hour workshops
• One 1.5-hour workshop
• Two .75 semester tests

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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 moderated discussion group to manage complex patient issues and to familiarise students with the teaching and learning approaches utilised in the Monash Intern Training Program. Students will perform a number of tasks which will help with the development and assessment of communication and clinical problem solving skills, critical thinking skills and develop their skills in decision-making and case-presentation.

The unit comprises three activities:

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

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

1. Retrieve and evaluate information on a range of pharmacy research related topics and present information in a coherent manner in both written and oral forms;
2. Communicate effectively to peers and work in a team to achieve a common goal;
3. Identify and analyse therapeutic management problems in complex 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;
4. Formulate an appropriate management plan for a patient based on the use of drug and non-drug therapies;
5. Recognise when referral for medical assessment is required with a particular emphasis on cardinal symptoms;
6. Communicate effectively with patients, carers and health professionals to identify drug therapy or illnesses or disease state management problems and recommend appropriate management options and resolutions of those problems

Activity 1: Literature Review Assignment 20%

Activity 2: Complex patient discussion group 10%

Activity 3: Integrated Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE - Oral examination) 40% (Hurdle - minimum 75% is required to pass this assessment)

Final Written Examination 30%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Four 1-hour workshops
• One 2-hour workshop

Additional requirements:

• Three weeks of moderated online discussion groups (approximately 3-4hours/week)
• Forty hours group project work including a written report and an oral presentation
• Six hours group presentations

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit introduces students to the role of the pharmacist and health care services relating to consumers and their medicines. It introduces important aspects of human behaviour and cultural considerations, with a focus on enhancing professional communication with health care consumers and healthcare professionals. Students will learn the fundamentals of pharmacy pracice. Each student will build a portfolio to instil lifelong learning attributes and develop a personalised learning plan to advance their cognitive and non-cognitive skills.

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

1. In the context of a practicing pharmacist:
   1. Describe relevant aspects of the Australian health care system
   2. Define and describe their role in the Australian health care system and in healthcare teams (primary, secondary and tertiary)
   3. Articulate the role of guiding principles (e.g. regulatory frameworks, standards of practice, environmental health and safety, competencies and advanced practice) and standard references in Australian pharmacy practice
   4. Identify and describe unsafe or less than optimal practices in pharmacy, with respect to health outcomes and legal and ethical considerations
   5. Understand key principles to support a constructive team climate, and work in teams to solve problems
   6. Retrieve and interpret basic information about medicines or healthcare issues
   7. Describe relevant aspects of behavioural psychology
2. In the context of a health care consumer and the wider community:
   1. Outline and demonstrate the key principles of good communication, and recognises the importance of this in pharmacy practice
   2. Communicate basic information about medicines or healthcare issues
   3. Effectively communicate a health care issue and some basic medicines information to a peer
   4. Evaluate peers on their communication skills and give feedback
   5. Comprehend basic ethical principles related to pharmacy
   6. Describe concepts of cultural competence and their importance for health service providers
   7. Identify and articulate your cultural values in the context of health and illness behaviours
   8. Describe elements of behavioural psychology that impact effective communication
   9. Observe, evaluate and reflect on a pharmacist delivering patient-centered care
3. Reflect on your identified strengths and weaknesses in communication and other non-cognitive skills
   1. Describe and demonstrate the process of reflection
   2. Develop, with assistance, a Personalised Learning Plan to enhance your professional skills required to practice as a pharmacist

Final Exam (2 hour): 40%; In-semester assessments: 60%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 2 hours per week)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (2 hours a week)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (2 hours per week)
• Six 1-hour Personalised Learning Plan sessions
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit builds on students' understanding of the role of the pharmacist in providing healthcare services to different patient groups. Students will learn the fundamentals of dispensing prescriptions and medication counselling and further develop essential skills for pharmacy practice including communication skills. Students will also learn about and develop skills in professionalism, mindfulness and cultural sensitivity to support best pharmacy practice. Each student will build on their portfolio to further instil lifelong learning attributes and continue to develop their personalised learning plan to advance cognitive and non-cognitive skills. This unit will include a hospital visit.

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

In the context of a pharmacist and healthcare consumer:

1. Describe and apply guiding principles of pharmacy practice
2. Describe and apply a standardised patient-centred approach
3. Identify and describe common healthcare issues in primary care
4. Diagnose, manage and communicate about a simple healthcare issue
5. Provide counselling on any of the first year Pharmulary drugs
6. Identify and describe different illness behaviours including those impacting on medicine use
7. Demonstrate an understanding of how mindfulness supports professional practice.
8. Reflect on identified strengths and weaknesses in communication and other non-cognitive skills via a Personalised Learning Plan to enhance professional skills required to practice as a pharmacist
9. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and professionalism in consumer care
10. Demonstrate safe and systematic procedures for the supply of medicines and the provision of professional advice
11. Observe the operations of a hospital pharmacy department and the role of the hospital pharmacist

Final Exam (2 hour): 40%; and In-semester assessments 60%;

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 2 hours per week)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (2 hours a week)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (2 hours per week)
• Five 1-hour Personalised Learning Plan sessions
• One 2-hour written examination
• One 1-day hospital placement

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit provides an introduction to how drugs become medicines and explores factors that influence the absorption of drugs following oral administration. Students will study the physicochemical properties of molecules that determine dissolution, solubility, stability and permeability in order to explain how these factors affect oral drug absorption. In addition, the barrier properties of the small intestine, and how they contribute to, or limit, the oral absorption of drugs will be discussed as well as the formulation properties of commonly-administered oral formulations (tablets and capsules).

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

In the context of drugs and medicines:

1. Describe the impact that pKa and pH have on the ionisation state of a compound, and on its solubility, permeability and stability
2. Explain how chemical and thermodynamic processes influence solubility and dissolution
3. Discuss the key physicochemical properties of molecules and physiological factors that affect oral absorption
4. Predict the oral absorption characteristics of a molecule based on its key physicochemical properties
5. Describe and apply the general principles concerning the formulation of tablets and capsules
6. Explain why medicines are administered by different routes based on clinical need and molecular properties
7. Effectively communicate (orally and written) aspects of how medicines work
8. Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental pharmaceutical calculations

Final Exam (2 hour): 40%; In-semester assessment: 60%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 2 hours per week)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (2 hours a week)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (2 hours per week)
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit builds upon PHR1021 to provide an overview of how drugs interact with their target once they have been absorbed into the bloodstream and the processes that occur in the body to remove the drug. To address these key areas, students will study the fundamentals of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, with an emphasis on structure-activity relationships, drug-target interactions and the mechanism of action of medicines. Students will explore the concepts of drug clearance and volume of distribution, and how these impact on the secondary pharmacokinetic parameters which ultimately lead to the design of safe and effective therapeutic dosage regimens.

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

In the context of a medicine/drug and/or patient:

1. Explain and predict properties of drugs based on structural shape, ionisation states, functional group behaviour and physicochemical characteristics
2. Outline medicinal chemistry approaches that are used to improve drug disposition and action
3. Describe the chemistry of drug-receptor interactions including structure-activity relationships
4. Explain the methods used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs and biomarkers
5. List and describe different drug targets and predict the downstream effects of drug-target interactions in physiological and pathophysiological settings, with respect to a/an:
   1. Antagonist
   2. Agonist
   3. Enzyme inhibitor
   4. Uptake inhibitor
   5. Ion channel modulator
   6. Biological therapy
6. Describe the mechanism(s) of action of the first year Pharmulary drugs
7. Predict the distribution and clearance of drugs from an analysis of their chemical structure
8. Calculate and describe how drug clearance and volume of distribution determine the plasma concentration profile of a drug
9. Calculate and apply a range of secondary pharmacokinetic parameters that determine dosage regimens
10. Describe, define and calculate drug bioavailability
11. Describe and evaluate how the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics determines the time-course of drug response
12. Calculate cumulative drug response given the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a drug
13. Describe different types of drug-drug interactions and predict their impact on plasma drug concentration vs time profiles and therapeutic response
14. Use a structured approach for problem solving
15. Effectively communicate (orally and written) aspects of how medicines work to peers, lay people and other healthcare professionals

Final exam (two exams: 1.5 and 2 hours) 30%; and In semester assessment 70%

• Two-hundred and sixteen hours of independent study
• Seventy-two hours of pre-learning activities (up to 6 hours per week)
• Seventy-two hours of active learning lectures (6 hours a week)
• Seventy-two hours of small group classes including assessment (6 hours per week)
• One 2-hours written examination
• One 1.5 hours written examination

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit will provide students with the foundational understanding and knowledge of the human body, including how cells, molecules and organs ensure proper functioning of the body. This will include studies of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry relevant to pharmacists. Students will be able to predict the outcome of cell and organ dysfunction, as well as effectively communicate aspects of how the body works.

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

In the context of a person:

1. Explain how molecules, cells and organs ensure homeostasis and functioning of the body
2. Compare and contrast how macromolecules (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, DNA) contribute to cell structure and function
3. Relate the structure and the function between and within organs and organ systems
4. Predict the physiological and clinical consequences of molecular, cellular and organ dysfunction
5. Analyse a clinical situation and logically articulate the underlying pathophysiology
6. Effectively communicate (verbal and written) aspects of how the body works to peers
7. Demonstrate skills to ensure effective teamwork

Final Exam (two 2 hour exams): 30%; In-semester assessment 70%

• One hundred and forty-four hours of independent study
• Forty-eight hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week)
• Forty-eight hours of active learning lectures (4 hours a week)
• Forty-eight hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week)
• One 3-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit builds on students' understanding of the role of the pharmacist and the expectations and structure of the Australian health care system. It introduces key components of a standardised approach to patient-centred care, including problem-solving in clinically-oriented situations. Students will further develop skills in effective communication with patients and prescribers. Students will demonstrate safe and systematic procedures for the supply of medicines and the provision of professional advice. In addition, students will continue to develop a personalised learning plan to enhance professional skills required to practice as a pharmacist.

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

1. In the context of the Australian healthcare system:
   1. Describe relevant aspects as they apply to individual patients (including MBS, PBS, and electronic health records)
   2. Describe issues relevant to rural and remote healthcare settings including those specific to Indigenous health
   3. Describe the duty of care of healthcare professionals including ethics, privacy, and informed consent
   4. Describe practitioner development pathways for registered healthcare professionals (2)Explain and demonstrate the key components of a standardised approach to patient-centred care
2. In the context of a pharmacist and a standardised approach to patient-centred care:
   1. Define commonly used medical terminology
   2. Correctly interpret the contents of a health record
   3. Collect and interpret information relating to signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods and tests, as well as other patient and clinical information
   4. Describe the importance of clinical reasoning and collaborative decision making
   5. Apply clinical reasoning and collaborative decision making to document and communicate a disease management care plan
   6. Define appropriate timelines for patient review and follow up
   7. Incorporate relevant clinical, practice, and prescribing guidelines
   8. Incorporate an individualised approach based on healthcare access and beliefs
3. Reflect on identified strengths and weaknesses in communication and other non-cognitive skills via a Personalised Learning Plan to enhance professional skills required to practice as a pharmacist
4. Demonstrate safe and systematic procedures for the supply of medicines and the provision of professional advice
5. Provide counseling on any of the second year Pharmulary drugs

Final examination 40%; in-semester assessment 60%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 2 hours per week)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (2 hours a week)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (2 hours per week)
• Three 1 hour Personalised Learning Plan sessions
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharm

At the end of this unit, students are expected to be able to describe new and extended roles for pharmacists across a range of care settings. The unit introduces the key concepts of evidence-based practice, including those related to retrieving, appraising and applying research evidence as the basis for clinical decision making. The unit covers both a systems-based and patient-centred approaches to the development and delivery of clinical services. The unit builds on content taught in Professional Practice I, II and III so that students are able to formulate and communicate a disease management care plan. The Unit will cover safe and systematic procedures for the supply of medicines and provisional advice, including communication and other non-cognitive skills. The unit will include two 1-week placements.

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

1. Describe clinical services provided by pharmacists in a range of care settings, including those outside of hospital and community pharmacies
2. With respect to evidence-based practice:
   1. Retrieve, appraise and apply research evidence as the basis for clinical decision making
   2. Describe common study designs in medicine research
   3. Calculate common measures of association in medicine research
   4. Describe research evidence generated during clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance
   5. Explain the development and application of pharmaceutical reference books, clinical practice guidelines, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses as sources of evidence about the benefits and risk of medicine treatment
   6. Be able to communicate research evidence in oral and written language appropriate for different clinical contexts
3. In the context of a pharmacist and a systems-based approach to healthcare;
   1. Explain medication safety from an organisation perspective
   2. Explain the key components of medication safety and policy documents
4. In the context of a pharmacist and a standardised approach to patient centred care (e.g. Monash Model of CARE;
   1. Describe and apply the process of medication regimen simplification, deprescribing, and assessing capacity to self-manage medication regimens to individual patient care
   2. Create a medication management plan which incorporates established clinical guidelines and a comprehensive clinical review of their medicine related problems
   3. Identify, differentiate and resolve actual and potential medicine-related problems including adverse drug events, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, overdose, sub-therapeutic dose, therapeutic duplication and contraindications
   4. Describe and apply the process of Home Medicines Review and Residential Medication Management Review, including being able to recognise the clinical significance of different medicine-related problems and incorporate this understanding into medication management plans
   5. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and professionalism
   6. Applying clinical reasoning and collaborative decision making to document and communicate a medication management plan
   7. Integrate consideration of therapeutic goals, evidence of benefits and risks, and medical ethics into a medication management plan
5. Reflect on identified strengths and weaknesses in communication and other non-cognitive skills via a Personalised Learning Plan to enhance professional skills required to practice as a pharmacist
6. Develop and practice skills in a range of pharmacy settings by applying the knowledge and understanding learned from other units within the course
7. Demonstrate safe and systematic procedures for the supply of medicines and professional advice
8. Provide counselling on any of the first and second year Pharmulary medicines

Final examination 40%; in-semester assessment 60%

• One hundred and forty-four hours of independent study
• Forty-eight hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week)
• Forty-eight hours of active learning lectures (4 hours a week)
• Forty-eight hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week)
• Three 1 hour Personalised Learning Plan sessions
• Two 1-week placements
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharm

This unit will provide students with a detailed understanding of the specific biopharmaceutical and formulation considerations for various drug delivery routes, including intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, transdermal, pulmonary, nasal, buccal, sublingual, rectal, vaginal and ocular routes and for targeted and modified drug delivery. This unit will also address specific issues to be considered when formulating and dispensing medicines and the differences in quality, activity and toxicity that may arise from variability in manufacturing and formulation processes, with a focus on Good Manufacturing Practice. This unit will also highlight the innovative formulation approaches that are currently under investigation for the targeted delivery of therapeutics.

In the context of a medicine/drug and/or patient:

1. Explain the importance of drug properties, clinical need and desired therapeutic outcome on the choice of dosage form and route of administration for a particular medicine
2. Describe the biopharmaceutical barriers that apply to various routes of administration
3. When changing routes of administration, calculate the correct dose required to obtain the same therapeutic effect
4. Given a formulation, explain the rationale for the dosage form and inclusion of each of the excipients
5. Prepare common formulations encountered in a pharmacy setting
6. Describe the development and formulation principles for a stable therapeutic macromolecule
7. Analyse Quality Assurance and Good Manufacturing Practices and interpret how they apply to compounding
8. Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental pharmaceutical calculations

Final examination 40%; in-semester assessment 60%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 2 hours per week)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (2 hours a week)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (2 hours per week)
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharm

This unit provides the knowledge and skills required for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions. Specifically, the unit will cover respiratory diseases and disorders/conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the common cold, and gastrointestinal diseases and disorders/conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. This unit will relate the pathophysiology and epidemiology of these conditions with the rational design and clinical use of medicines. The chemistry, pharmacology, disposition, and clinical and therapeutic aspects of medicines associated with each condition are presented in an integrated fashion. This unit will involve the development of pharmacy relevant skills such as critical thinking and oral and written communication skills. Drug therapy principles for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions will be emphasised, enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to optimise patient outcomes in different cultural and clinical settings.

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

1. Describe how the structure and function of respiratory and gastrointestinal systems are affected by disease.
2. Describe the epidemiology and clinical aspects of the management for respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, including primary and secondary prevention strategies.
3. Describe the signs and symptoms, and diagnostic methods relevant to respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.
4. Explain the chemistry and pharmacological mechanism of action of drugs used in treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, upper respiratory conditions, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome and predict how this leads to the treatment of disease and possible side effects.
5. List and prioritise drug and non-drug therapy options for the management of respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.
6. Evaluate a patient's respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions and create a complete, patient-specific care plan which applies established clinical guidelines and a comprehensive clinical review of potential drug-related problems.
7. Evaluate and justify when referral for medical assessment is required, with a particular emphasis on symptoms is indicative of referral.
8. Apply counselling strategies that provide support and optimise behavioural change for patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.
9. Using a multidisciplinary healthcare team approach, develop and implement appropriate clinical and communication strategies to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.

Final examination 50%; in-semester assessment 50%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week for up to 6 weeks)
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharm

This unit provides the knowledge and skills required for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients with various endocrine and renal conditions. Specifically, the unit will cover endocrine diseases and disorders/conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, as well as chronic kidney disease. The management of women's health will also be covered with an emphasis on contraception and pregnancy. This unit will relate the pathophysiology and epidemiology of these conditions with the rational design and clinical use of medicines. The chemistry, pharmacology, disposition, and clinical and therapeutic aspects of medicines associated with each condition are presented in an integrated fashion. This unit will involve the development of pharmacy relevant skills such as critical thinking and oral and written communication skills. Drug therapy principles for treating endocrine and renal conditions will be emphasised, enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to optimise patient outcomes in different cultural and clinical settings.

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

1. Describe the normal functions of endocrine systems and the kidney, and how they are affected by disease
2. Describe the epidemiology and clinical aspects of disease state management for endocrine and renal conditions, including primary and secondary prevention strategies
3. Describe the signs and symptoms, and diagnostic methods relevant to endocrine and renal conditions
4. Explain the chemistry and pharmacological mechanism of action of drugs used in treatment of endocrine and renal conditions, and predict how this leads to the treatment of these conditions and possible side effects
5. Evaluate a patient's endocrine and/or renal condition(s) and create an appropriate care plan which applies established clinical guidelines and a comprehensive clinical review of potential drug-related problems
6. Evaluate and justify when referral for medical assessment is required, with a particular emphasis on symptoms indicative of referral
7. Reflect on their communication and counselling skills with respect to the provision of medicines used for endocrine and renal conditions
8. Apply counselling strategies that provide support and optimise behavioural change for patients with endocrine and renal conditions
9. Using a multidisciplinary healthcare team approach, develop and articulate appropriate clinical and communication strategies to treat endocrine and renal conditions

Final examination 40%; in-semester assessment 60%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharm

This unit provides the knowledge and skills required for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients with dermatological and pain conditions. Specifically, the unit will cover common dermatological conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis, and pain disorders such as neuralgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This unit will relate the pathophysiology and epidemiology of these conditions with the rational design and use of medicines. The chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical aspects of medicines associated with each condition are presented in an integrated fashion. This unit will involve the development and consolidation of pharmacy relevant skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and oral and written communication skills. Drug and non-drug therapy principles for treating dermatological and pain conditions will be emphasized, enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to optimize patient outcomes in different cultural settings.

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

1. Describe how the structure and function of the body systems are affected by acute and chronic pain conditions, dermatological conditions such as acne and dermatitis, minor wounds and burns.
2. Describe the epidemiology and clinical aspects of the management for acute and chronic pain conditions and dermatological conditions such as acne and dermatitis, minor wounds and burns.
3. Describe the signs and symptoms, and diagnostic methods relevant to acute and chronic pain conditions, acne, dermatitis, minor wounds and burns.
4. Explain the chemistry and pharmacological mechanism of action of drugs used in treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions, acne, dermatitis, minor wounds and burns and predict how this leads to the treatment of disease and possible side effects.
5. List and prioritise drug and non-drug therapy options for the management of acute and chronic pain conditions, acne, dermatitis, minor wounds and burns.
6. Evaluate a patient's pain or dermatitis condition and create a complete, patient-specific care plan which applies established clinical guidelines and a comprehensive clinical review of potential drug-related problems.
7. Evaluate and justify when referral for medical assessment is required, with a particular emphasis on symptoms is indicative of referral.
8. Apply counselling strategies that provide support and optimise behavioural change for patients with pain and dermatitis conditions.
9. Using a multidisciplinary healthcare team approach, develop and implement appropriate clinical and communication strategies to treat pain and dermatitis conditions.

Final examination 50%; in-semester assessment 50%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (2 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharm

This unit provides the knowledge and skills required for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients with cardiovascular conditions. Specifically, the unit will cover cardiovascular diseases and disorders such as hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis and thromboembolic disorders. This unit will relate the pathophysiology and epidemiology of these conditions with the rational design and clinical use of medicines. The chemistry, pharmacology, disposition, and clinical and therapeutic aspects of medicines associated with each condition are presented in an integrated fashion. This unit will involve the development of pharmacy relevant skills such as critical thinking and oral and written communication skills. Drug therapy principles for treating cardiovascular conditions will be emphasised, enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to optimise patient outcomes in different cultural settings.

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

1. Describe how the structure and function of the cardiovascular system is affected by disease
2. Describe the epidemiology and clinical aspects of disease state management for cardiovascular conditions, including primary and secondary prevention strategies
3. Describe the signs and symptoms, and diagnostic methods relevant to cardiovascular conditions
4. Explain the mechanism of action of drugs used in treatment of cardiovascular conditions, and predict how this leads to the treatment of disease and possible side effects
5. List and prioritise drug and non-drug therapy options for the management of acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions
6. Evaluate a patient's cardiovascular condition and create a patient specific care plan which applies established clinical guidelines and a comprehensive clinical review of potential drug-related problems
7. Evaluate and justify when referral for medical assessment is required, with a particular emphasis on symptoms indicative of referral
8. Apply counselling strategies that provide support and optimise behavioural change for patients with cardiovascular conditions
9. Using a multidisciplinary healthcare team approach, develop and articulate appropriate clinical and communication strategies to treat cardiovascular conditions

Final examination 40%; in-semester assessment 60%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharm

This unit introduces students to essential concepts and techniques in biochemical pharmacology. Participants in this unit will learn how membranes and proteins are involved in relaying extracellular signals to the inside of the cell to activate specific cellular responses and how these responses are linked to physiological functions, human health and drug action. The topics covered include membrane and protein biochemistry, focussing on their roles in signal transduction, receptor families and different types of signalling pathways within the cell.

In practical classes and workshops, participants will be introduced to common biochemical techniques, including gel electrophoresis, size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography. They will apply these techniques to analyse protein samples and learn how to record, interpret and communicate their experimental results.

The subject provides an essential foundation for understanding biochemical pharmacology and its use in biological research and the pharmaceutical industry.

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

1. Explain how the structure of biomolecules influences their physiological function;
2. Explain how extracellular signals effect cellular responses;
3. Design experiments to investigate cellular signalling processes;
4. Predict the effect of signalling pathway disruptions on physiological functions and human health;
5. Analyse and critically interpret experimental data;
6. Analyse biomolecular samples using common biochemical laboratory techniques;
7. Record experimental data and report it in written and visual formats.

Final exam (2 hour) 50%; practicals/workshops 20%; mid-semester test 10%; online quizzes 5%, assignment(s) 10% and in-class assessment 5%

Nominal contact hours for on-campus students:

• Twenty two 1-hour lectures
• Four 1-hour tutorials
• Four 4-hour workshops
• Four 4-hour practicals
• Twelve hours self- directed learning

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

Final exam (2 hour) 60%

Mid-semester test 15%

Completion of self-directed learning topic 5%

Practical class component 20%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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).

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%)

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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
• spectrochemical methods of analysis
• analytical separations

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. 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);
4. Understand and apply the functions of instrumental components used in optical spectrophotometry;
5. Understand and apply the basic principles of molecular absorption, molecular fluorescence and atomic absorption/emission spectroscopy to practical scenarios;
6. Understand basic separations and chromatographic theory and apply this knowledge in predicting the separation, identification and quantitation of compounds;
7. Acquire knowledge of commonly used instrumental techniques, namely GLC and HPLC, and apply these principles to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds;
8. Identify troubleshooting strategies for commonly encountered problems in liquid chromatography.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; quizzes: 5%; active learning modules: 5%; practical experiments: 20%; practical exam: 10%.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; mini-exams: 30%; debate: 10%.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

Final exam (2 hour): 50%; Mid-semester assessments: 20%; Practical assessments: 20%; Practical exam:10%.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

Additional requirements:

• Twelve hours practical report preparation

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; Mid-semester exam: 20%; Practical assessments: 20%.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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:

19. Perform simple molecular modeling studies using the molecular modeling package;
20. Describe the processes involved in molecular mechanics energy calculations;
21. Explain the processes involved in running quantum mechanics calculations;
22. Interpret and critique a QSAR equation;
23. Generate statistically acceptable QSAR equations from physicochemical parameters and biological activity data;
24. Derive simple pharmacophore models;
25. Describe protein-ligand interactions and how an understanding of these can be applied to drug design;
26. Investigate a research topic using literature sources and write a simple report.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; mid-semester exam: 10%; practical / tutorial assessments: 25%; in-semester quizzes: 5%.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

The BPH assessment is worth 10% of the final assessment. Other 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.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit will take students through the process of systematic analytical method development. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) systems, students will work in teams to solve authentic, complex analytical problems. Each team will design an experimental strategy and, in a series of practicals and workshops, test the relationships between operator-controlled parameters and system responses.

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.

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

1. Explain in detail the function and operation of an analytical instrument at the level of its individual components and the integrated analytical system.
2. Safely operate an analytical instrument to produce accurate and reproducible data.
3. Raise hypotheses on the impact of controllable variables on analytical responses and design experiments to test these hypotheses.
4. Explain in detail the key concepts related to the quality of results from an analytical technique.
5. Critically evaluate, analyse and interpret the collected results to generalise the rules that govern the analytical technique.
6. Explain and apply the principles of analytical method validation.
7. Create accurate visual representations illustrating the decision process and other aspects of analytical method development.

In-semester assessment 70%, final examination 30 %.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• twenty-four hours of practicals
• thirty-six hours of workshops and self-directed study

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Twenty six 1-hour workshops
• One 3-hour presentation session

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; mid-semester exam: 10%; practical assessments: 20%; practical exam: 10%.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit will provide students with a four-week experience working in a research or industry setting relevant to medicinal chemistry. Students will participate in a hands-on project at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (MIPS) or at an industry site under the supervision of an academic staff member or industry mentor.

The research/industry project will give students the opportunity to expand their scientific understanding and practical skills and to practice their ability to work in a professional environment.

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

After successful completion 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 safely and effectively in a professional environment;
4. Design an evidence-based experimental approach to solving a problem or research question;
5. Conduct an experimental investigation including data documentation, analysis and interpretation;
6. Communicate the project outcomes in written and oral form;
7. Reflect on their professional experience.

Written report: 60%; laboratory work: 20%; Oral presentation; 20%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• 20 x 7 hours of practical work

Additional requirements:

• Students will participate in a placement training and selection process in semester one (ten hours of workshops and interviews).
• 10 hours of independent study (preparation of the written report and the oral presentation)

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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

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

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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

In semester assessment 80%; final oral examination 20%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Thirty two hours practicals
• Forty hours workshops

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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

60% in-semester assessment, 40% final assessment

Contact hours for on-campus students:

72 hours of workshops and consultation hours

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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
2. Characterization
   • microscopy
   • internal structure
   • surface properties
   • drug encapsulation and release
3. Diagnostics and imaging applications of nanotechnologies
   • imaging modalities
   • nanotechnologies in bioimaging

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.

Final exam (2 hour): 60%; Practical Reports: 30%; In semester Week 6 online MCQ test: 10%.

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

In-semester assessment 100%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Thirty two hours practicals
• Forty hours workshops

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

This unit will provide students with a four-week experience working in a research or industry setting relevant to formulation science. Students will participate in a hands-on project at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (MIPS) or at an industry site under the supervision of an academic staff member or industry mentor.

The research/industry project will give students the opportunity to expand their scientific understanding and practical skills and to practice their ability to work in a professional environment.

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

After successful completion 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 safely and effectively in a professional environment;
4. Design an evidence-based experimental approach to solving a problem or research question;
5. Conduct an experimental investigation including data documentation, analysis and interpretation;
6. Communicate the project outcomes in written and oral form;
7. Reflect on their professional experience.

Written report: 60%; Laboratory work: 20%; Oral presentation: 20%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• 20 x 7 hours of practical work

Additional requirements:

• Students will participate in a placement training and selection process in semester one (ten hours of workshops and interviews).
• 10 hours of independent study (preparation of the written report and the oral presentation)

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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)

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.

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

• 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

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.

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

• 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)

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

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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:

4. Answer specific questions around the pathophysiology of cancer cell growth;
5. 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

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

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

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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 This unit will provide students with a four-week experience working in a research or industry setting relevant to drug discovery biology. Students will participate in a hands-on project at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (MIPS) or at an industry site under the supervision of an academic staff member or industry mentor.

The research/industry project will give students the opportunity to expand their scientific understanding and practical skills and to practice their ability to work in a professional environment.

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

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.

After successful completion 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 safely and effectively in a professional environment;
4. Design an evidence-based experimental approach to solving a problem or research question;
5. Conduct an experimental investigation including data documentation, analysis and interpretation;
6. Communicate the project outcomes in written and oral form;
7. Reflect on their professional experience.

Written report: 60%;Laboratory work: 20%; Oral presentation: 20%

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• 20 x 7 hours of practical work

Additional requirements:

• Students will participate in a placement training and selection process in semester one (ten hours of workshops and interviews).
• 10 hours of independent study (preparation of the written report and the oral presentation)

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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 medicinal chemistry of the degree program, namely:

• synthetic organic chemistry
• chemical analysis and characterisation
• structural biology & x-ray crystallography
• computational chemistry
• biophysical techniques
• biochemistry

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 inter

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.
7. develop their job seeking and career planning skills

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• 160 hours of practical laboratories

Additional requirements:

• 128 hours of independent study

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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

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,

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• 160 hours research project

Additional requirements:

• 128 hours of independent study

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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.

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

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• 160 hours research project

Additional requirements:

• 128 hours of independent study

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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
   1. Have the capability to pursue higher studies and learning in the pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences discipline

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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