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Drug Treatment of Disease (PHRM30003)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Subject Coordinators
Assoc Prof Christine Wright
Assoc Prof James Ziogas
Administrative Coordination
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Cancer, disorders of the immune system, cardiovascular diseases and acute and chronic lung disorders are the most common types of afflictions affecting people worldwide. This subject will examine the medicines that have been developed, or are currently being researched, to treat these diverse conditions.
This subject will present the scientific basis of present and likely future treatments of cancer, allergy, acute and chronic inflammation, infection, autoimmunity and transplant rejection, as well as of hypertension, heart failure, cardiovascular atheromatous disease and metabolic syndrome.
You will examine current knowledge of the aetiology of these disorders. The mechanisms of action of the major classes of drugs used to treat immune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases will be considered in the context of these systems and processes.
Core concepts in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and their importance to safe and effective therapy will be exemplified throughout. The importance of biotechnology to these therapeutic areas will also be considered.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject student should:
- Discuss the pharmacology of drugs used to treat immunological, oncological, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders
- Synthesise these therapeutic approaches to exemplify the key roles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in yielding safe and effective medicines
- Outline the scientific basis of the action of drugs
- Explain how a detailed understanding of disease processes is important for the rational development of new therapeutic drugs
- Integrate key pharmacological and immunological principles
- Critically synthesise and evaluate knowledge pertaining to drugs
- Discuss the benefits and risks associated with therapeutic use of drugs
- Employ skills in collaborative learning
Generic skills
By the end of this unit students will:
- Have an understanding of the scientific basis of the action of drugs.
- Be adept at learning in a range of ways.
- Be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge pertaining to drugs.
- Be able to integrate key pharmacological and immunological principles.
- Participate in collaborative learning.
- Have a broad understanding of the benefits and risks associated with theraputic use of drugs
Last updated: 5 December 2024