The unit begins with an introduction to the general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A wide range of drug groups will then be studied with attention focused on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical uses, and side effects of each drug. Aspects relating to medicinal chemistry, toxicity testing, clinical trials and requirements for the admission of new drugs are covered in topics that relate to new drug development. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, sensitivity and resistance to drug therapies are further topics that address variation in drug outcomes. Social drug abuse and types of drug dependence are also discussed in this unit.

Unit details

Location:
St Albans
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
RBM3800

Prerequisites

RBM2540 - Pathophysiology 2

RBM2560 - Medical Biochemistry

RBM2800 - Cardiorespiratory and Renal Physiology

Pre-requisites not applicable for HBPA students.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics;  
  2. Identify and explain the mechanism of action for the major drug groups affecting (autonomic nervous system, cardiorespiratory system, clotting, kidney, gastrointestinal system, endocrine system, mood, signal conduction, inflammation, cell cycle (cancer, anti-microbials), to then provide relevant examples;  
  3. Conceptually map the processes involved in new drug development and requirements for the admission of new drugs; and  
  4. Demonstrate hands on laboratory excision skills.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Review Literature Review or Summary of articles (1000 words) 30%
Test Two Online theory MCQ tests (10% each) 20%
Practicum Wet lab surgical practice 20%
Case Study Case study activity (2 hours) 30%

Required reading

Fundamentals of Pharmacology 7th ed.
Bullock, S.,& Manias, E. (2016)
Pearson Education Australia

Where to next?

As part of a course

You can choose to study this unit as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to structure your course to include this unit.

Course Study as part of
Bachelor of Biomedicine Immunopharmacology - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Biomedical Science Molecular Cell Biology - Major

Study a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree. Learn more about single units of study at VU.

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