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Pharmacology unit (CSA230)

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Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit provides an introduction to the study of therapeutic agents, probing into the fundamental concepts of therapeutic agent-target interactions and the intricate processes governing therapeutic agent metabolism within the human body. A major part of the unit consists of a detailed account of the pharmacology of therapeutic agents that affect selected organ systems. The content connects the foundational knowledge of organ system pathophysiology and the basic pharmacology of therapeutic agents affecting that system. The unit mainly focuses on two major body systems, the cardiovascular system and the endocrine system. You will gain a deep understanding of how therapeutic agents impact these crucial physiological pathways. 

Summary

Unit name Pharmacology
Unit code CSA230
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Discipline Pharmacy
Coordinator Ms Nicole Dilworth
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Cradle Coast Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 06/07/2026 28/07/2026 31/08/2026 25/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents.
  • Outline the mechanisms of action of therapeutic agents, emphasising both their intended effects and potential adverse effects.
  • Communicate pharmacological concepts clearly and effectively.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
019907 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $2,862.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

CZZ101 or CXA137

Concurrent Prerequisites

CZZ102 or CXA144

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1 x 2hr  workshops weekly plus Online learning resources (equivalent to 3 hours of Independent Learning activity per week)
2x1 hour tests
1x2 hour test

AssessmentTest 1 (30%)|Test 2 (30%)|End of semester examination (40%)
TimetableView 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.
Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology, Eighth edition, Churchill Livingstone.
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.

  •  Katzung BG, Masters, SB & Trevor, AJ (12th ed). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 11th edition, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 978-0-07-160405-5.
  •  Pharmacology: An Introduction (Edition 6e) by Hitner & Nagle.
  •  Golan D, Tashjian AH, Armstrong EJ, Armstrong AW (3rd ed) Principles of Pharmacology, “The Pathophysiological Basis of Drug Therapy”. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins - Wolter Kluwer, ISBN 978-0-60831-270-2

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