Pharmacology for Health Professionals (PHRM90002)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject extends the students' knowledge of the fundamental pharmacological principles of medication management, which can be adopted and utilised in the advanced practice setting. Students will use the foundational knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutics, in order to critically analyse how medications affect physiological, biochemical and pathophysiological processes.

With a greater appreciation of the action of drugs on body processes, students will be able to determine which medications should be administered to particular patients in order to ensure therapeutic effects are optimized and adverse effects are minimised. Students will articulate the key pharmacological characteristics of drug classes, as well as be able to derive and understand the specific nuances of individual drugs.

This focus will ensure that students use critical thinking and problem solving abilities to facilitate them to prescribe, administer, monitor and evaluate medications in a rational and effective manner. Please note that this subject is conducted through the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should:

  • Analyse critically the effects of drugs on body processes;
  • Apply the core concepts of pharmacology (including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) to evidence-based practice;
  • Use appropriate problem solving abilities in understanding the therapeutic and adverse effects, contraindications and precautions for medications;
  • Critically evaluate the pharmacological characteristics of an individual drug based on information about the drug class;
  • Demonstrate well developed problem-solving and critical thinking skills in applying pharmacological knowledge to advanced practice settings; and
  • Use problem solving skills in determining the most appropriate medication to prescribe a patient with complex health care needs.

Generic skills

By the end of this subject students will:

  • Be adept at learning in a range of ways;
  • Be able to examine, critically synthesise and evaluate scientific and clinical information;
  • Refine their written communication skills.
  • Participate in collaborative learning;
  • Be familiar with selected online learning tools;
  • Recognise the value of research evidence to clinical practice.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Test 1: A test comprising of multiple-choice and extended answer questions that cover the topics in weeks 1 and 2.

  • 25 minutes
Week 35%

Mid-Semester test: A test comprising of multiple-choice and extended answer questions that cover topics in weeks 1-6, inclusive.

  • 45 minutes
Week 720%

A take-home written assignment that students will have 10-12 days to complete. The task will incorporate 2 extended response questions in case study format. The focus of the assessment will be the application of the pharmacology covered in weeks 1-10 and will utilise research, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 2 x 800 words

  • 1600 words
Week 1030%

End of semester written examination: A written exam comprised of multiple choice and extended answer questions. The questions cover topics covered across the entire semester.

  • 2 hours
During the examination period45%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    A number of textbooks are suitable for this course. Advice will be given to students.

  • Subject notes

    Level: 5th Year

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Advanced Nursing
    CourseMaster of Advanced Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner)
    CourseDoctor of Physiotherapy
    CourseMaster of Advanced Nursing Practice
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025