Courses & Units
Pharmacology CSA231
Introduction
Pharmacology is the field of science that studies the function of drugs, their effects to living systems and how these living systems handle them. Since it describes the mechanisms of action of drugs in the body and the various interactions of the drug with parts of the body, it forms an essential part of medical knowledge. Pharmacology is taught as two individual but interconnected 12.5% Units (one each semester respectively). This unit provides an introduction to the study of drugs: chemicals that affect living systems. Fundamental concepts of drug-target interactions and how our bodies handle drugs are outlined. The major part of the unit consists of a detailed account of the pharmacology of drugs that affect selected organ systems. The lecture themes provide a link between the basic knowledge of the pathophysiology of a particular organ system and the basic pharmacology of the drugs affecting that system, outlining their clinical and therapeutic perspective. The unit includes a number of clinical workshops that emphasize the application of drug therapy within the context of clinical scenarios. This Unit focuses on two major organ systems: the endocrine system, and the central nervous system, where the pharmacology of drugs acting on these systems is discussed and studied. Each system corresponds to a series of lectures (themes), where the major drug classes and their therapeutic actions are discussed with respect to specific diseases. This unit aims also to develop student’s knowledge for the treatment of infectious diseases, with an emphasis on the appropriate use of antimicrobial therapy. The lecture themes provide a link between the basic knowledge of the pathophysiology of a particular organ system and the basic pharmacology of the drugs affecting that system, outlining their clinical and therapeutic perspective.
Summary
| Unit name | Pharmacology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CSA231 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Health and Medicine School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology |
| Discipline | Pharmacy |
| Coordinator | Doctor Vanni Caruso |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Intermediate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Health Study Period 3 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Launceston | Health Study Period 3 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Cradle Coast | Health Study Period 3 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Study Period 3 | 4/11/2024 | 22/11/2024 | 20/12/2024 | 2/2/2025 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the principles of drug action and the pharmacological concepts involved in variability of drug response, drug interactions and drug toxicity
- Explain the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and discuss factors that influence the routes of administration and dosing regimens.
- Describe the mechanism of action, adverse effects and clinical use of commonly prescribed therapeutic agents.
- Effectively search, evaluate, and communicate drug information and related literature.
Fee Information
The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.
Requisites
Prerequisites
CZZ101 and CZZ102 for students in 54A OR CZZ102 and CSA230 for students in 54DConcurrent Prerequisites
CSA230 only for students in 54ATeaching
| Teaching Pattern | 1 x 1 hour lectorial weekly, 1 x 2hr or 3hr workshops weekly plus Online learning resources (equivalent to 2 hours of Independent Learning activity per week) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | In-workshop Quizzes (10%)|Oral assessment (10%)|Case study-based assessment (20%)|Mid Semester test (25%)|End of semester examination (35%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Although there are no prescribed textbooks for Pharmacology the following textbook is recommended, as it will be a useful resource throughout your studies in this Unit. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | These materials will be useful to your developing knowledge and understanding of the content in this unit, but you are not required to purchase them. When seeking sources of evidence to support your assignment work, you will find these a useful starting point. These materials are available for a limited loan period from the University Library collection.
| Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.