6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
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Organisational Unit
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Unit guides
Synopsis
The main theme is an introduction to drug use in our society. The following topics will be covered:
- how drugs act at a cellular level, how they target specific body systems and how the body handles drugs (pharmacokinetics)
- Sources of drugs - prescription vs over the counter vs herbal remedies and information available to the public about drugs. Rationale for choice of drugs for common diseases
- Drug development from the laboratory to the consumer. Factors influencing the development of new drugs (e.g. economics and logistics).
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- Describe how drugs work, when and how they are used, their side-effects and toxicity;
- Demonstrate understanding of the risk-benefit aspects of drug use;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the sources of drugs and rationales for their use;
- Demonstrate appreciation of ethical issues encompassing drug research and clinical trials;
- Carry out tissue bath experiments to elicit drug effects.
Assessment
Practical work: 20%
Semester test: 10%
Presentation and essay: 20%
Examination (2 hours): 50%
Workload requirements
Three hours of lectures, one hour of tutorials and three hours of practicals per week (includes wet practicals, dry practicals and CAL-Computer Aided Learning).
See also Unit timetable information