NURS5042: The Body, Its Function and Pharmacology
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Unit of study_

NURS5042: The Body, Its Function and Pharmacology

2025 unit information

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the risk factors and health consequences associated with various medical conditions, with a special focus on the critical aspects of Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure, Fluid and Electrolytes, and Gastrointestinal-Physiology (A, B, C, D, E, F). Key Topics Include: Airway and Breathing: Examining how different health conditions impact respiratory function and the strategies for effective management. Circulation: Understanding the risk factors affecting circulatory health, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, and the importance of timely intervention. Disability: Investigating the long-term effects of health conditions on physical and cognitive abilities, and strategies for rehabilitation. Exposure: Identifying environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to health risks and how to mitigate them. Fluid and Electrolytes: Exploring the role of fluid balance and electrolyte management in maintaining overall health. Gastrointestinal-Physiology: Understanding the relationship between gastrointestinal health and overall physiological well-being. Additionally, the course will cover the latest treatment options and management strategies for patients. This unit is designed for all students and does not require a background in biology.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Postgraduate
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe normal anatomy and physiological function within the body
  • LO2. explain pathogenic processes within the human body and their expression as observable alterations to normal anatomy/ physiological function across the lifespan
  • LO3. synthesise, integrate and apply foundational human bioscience knowledge to specific contexts and situations in health
  • LO4. locate and critically evaluate evidence-based drug information with respect to quality and relevance for informing decision making in nursing practice
  • LO5. apply and integrate evidence-based pharmacotherapy knowledge to complex patients in order to optimise quality and quality use of medicines
  • LO6. discuss the clinical governance, legal and professional requirements associated with the use of pharmacotherapy in nursing practice
  • LO7. adopt an ethical, social and professional ethos in relation to the use of pharmacological therapies in health.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Mallett Street, Sydney
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Westmead, Sydney
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Westmead, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.