Psychopharmacology (NURS90012)

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the subject, students should be able to:

• Analysing critically the effects of drugs on body processes across the lifespan
• Understanding the concepts of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and neurotransmission and apply them to patients in mental health setting
• Examining the clinical implications for use and adverse effects of psychotropic medications.
• Critically evaluating the pharmacology of an individual psychotropic drug based on information about the drug class
• Developing comprehensive knowledge of psychotropic medications and apply this knowledge by planning appropriate health teaching strategies
• Examining the skills required to assess a person's reaction to the administration of psychotropic medications
• Evaluating the role of healthcare professionals in psychopharmacological treatments

Generic skills

• Problem-solving skills by involvement in online discussions and activities
• Critical thinking skills by reflecting on perspectives that are not easily synthesised into a biomedical tradition
• Analytical skills through critical appraisal of the literature and development of arguments within the set assignments
• Ability to work as a team member through involvement in discussions and activities with fellow students
• Well-developed writing skills by completion of the assessment tasks
• Time management skills by planning their work and submitting information by the required deadlines