Course Title: Principles of Pharmacology 2

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Principles of Pharmacology 2

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2443

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

160H Medical Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015

Course Coordinator: Dr Joanne Hart

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7545

Course Coordinator Email: joanne.hart@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 223.2.16

Course Coordinator Availability: please email for an appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

ONPS2441 Principles of Pharmacology 1 is a required prior study prerequisite. Students who have not successfully completed the prerequisites must withdraw, or will be withdrawn if they incorrectly enrol in this course.


Course Description

 

Principles of Pharmacology 2 provides further scientific foundations on which drug design, discovery, development and therapeutic practice is built. This course lays the foundation for further studies of therapeutic agents.

The course has three elements:

  • Neuropharmacology is focussed on brain neurotransmission and develops knowledge of the neurotransmitter systems, receptors and neural pathways involved in brain function and how drugs affect these processes.
  • Autonomic pharmacology is the pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system including the neurotransmitter systems, receptors and transmitter actions and how drugs affect these processes.
  • Pharmacology of autacoid and lipid mediators describes the action of local hormones on cellular processes and receptors including histamine, serotonin and prostaglandins and how drugs influence these processes.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

 

Pharmaceutical Sciences (BP184): This course contributes to the following program level outcomes

  • Exhibiting depth and breadth of scientific knowledge (PLO1)
  • Critically analyse and solve scientific problems (PLO2)
  • Communication and teamwork (PLO3)

 

Pharmacy (BH102): This course contributes to the program learning outcomes based on the following Domains of the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia:

  • Review and supply prescribed medicines (Domain 4)
  • Deliver primary and preventive health care (Domain 6)
  • Promote and contribute to optimal use of medicines (Domain 7)
  • Critical analysis, research and education (Domain 8)

 

Chem Eng/Pharm Sci double degree (BH095): This course contributes to the following program level outcomes

  • Exhibiting depth and breadth of scientific knowledge (PLO1)
  • Critically analyse and solve scientific problems (PLO2)
  • Written communication (PLO3)


 

Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to:

The theoretical component aims to develop your ability to apply basic principles of pharmacology to understand:

  1. signal transduction processes for drugs, neurotransmitters, hormones and autacoid mediators
  2. neurotransmitter action in the peripheral and central nervous systems and the effects of drugs on these systems

The laboratory component of the course will develop practical capabilities. At the end of the course you should be able to:

  1. Carry out some basic laboratory techniques in a competent manner
  2. Keep adequate written records, present data clearly, understand the analysis and interpretation of such data, as well as developing problem-solving skills


Overview of Learning Activities

Key concepts and their application will be illustrated in lectures and then opportunities to discuss and apply this knowledge will be provided in workshop and laboratory classes.

You will undertake the equivalent of 5 hours per week for one semester, comprising lecture, practical and workshop sessions. In addition you can expect to spend a minimum of five 5 hours per week in independent study.


Overview of Learning Resources

Learning resources in this course include lecture notes, workshop and practical exercises and handouts, and references on selected topics. The online course webpage accessed via myRMIT (www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit), provides opportunities for you to independently access much of this material. You are expected to regularly access the course website, which contains announcements, course information such as detailed timetables and prescribed reading, course documents and the grade book. The Pharmaceutical Sciences Subject Guide (http://rmit.libguides.com/pharmaceutical-sciences) also provides useful references.


Overview of Assessment

 

Assessment activities are conducted throughout the semester so that you can review and evaluate your progress and ability to demonstrate that you adequately understand the material presented.

☒This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment tasks

Assessment Task 1: In semester tests

Weighting 20%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4

Assessment Task 2: Workshop and practical exercises

Weighting 30%

This assessment task supports CLOs 1-4

Assessment Task 3: FinalExam

Weighting 50% 

This assessment supports CLOs 1 and 2