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.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
South Africa School of Health Sciences
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit explores the options for treatment and management of established health conditions at the individual level. It provides an introduction to pharmacology and an overview of other interventions commonly employed to manage illness and improve health. A case study approach will be used which looks at treatment options for key diseases (e.g., cancer).
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Describe the processes by which drugs act on, and are handled by, the human body.
- Explain the role of drugs in prevention and treatment of specific diseases.
- Explain the role of other therapeutic (non-drug) interventions in prevention and treatment of specific diseases.
- Describe how drugs and other treatments are developed, evaluated and regulated.
- Discuss the social context of drug use and abuse.
- Discuss the relationship between drug therapy and public health in local and global contexts.
Assessment
- Tutorial participation (5%)
- Class test (1 hour) (10%)
- Oral presentation (15 minutes) & written report (1,000 words) (15%)
- Written assignment (2,000 words) (30%)
- Exam (2 hours) (40%)
Hurdle: 80% attendance at tutorials.
Workload requirements
4 contact hours per week (2 hour lecture and 2 hour tutorial) PLUS 8 hours of private study hours per week.
See also Unit timetable information