Outline

Overview

The prevention, control and treatment of many diseases and conditions remain major challenges within contemporary society. These challenges provide unique opportunities for pharmacologists to discover novel molecular targets for drug action. In this unit of study you will examine six major conditions that affect a range of body systems where improvements in treatment using pharmacotherapies are needed. In learning about unresolved issues, you will also evaluate the complexities of pharmacological treatment, including: ethical considerations, strength of evidence of drug efficacy, as well as safety and tolerability aspects of drug use. Using the tools of pharmacological enquiry you will further your practical and cognitive skills through laboratory- and problem-based enquiry. In both face-to-face and online learning environments you will explore a range of pharmacotherapeutic options currently available and will have the opportunity to research and apply your knowledge and understanding to unresolved health-related problems. By undertaking this unit you will develop your disciplinary expertise in pharmacology and further your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, digital literacy, teamwork and interdisciplinary effectiveness.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	[(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3) and (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PCOL2555 or PCOL2012
Assumed knowledge ?	PCOL2021
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Brent McParland, brent.mcparland@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tina Hinton, tina.hinton@sydney.edu.au
	Jonathon Arnold, jonathon.arnold@sydney.edu.au
	Hilary Lloyd, hilary.lloyd@sydney.edu.au
	Kellie Charles, kellie.charles@sydney.edu.au
	Brent McParland, brent.mcparland@sydney.edu.au
	Slade Matthews, slade.matthews@sydney.edu.au
	Brooke Storey-Lewis, b.storey-lewis@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home extended release)	Final exam Choose 2 topics from 3 options to write 2 separate 1 page research articles	40%	Formal exam period	48 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Quizzes Multiple choice questions (MCQs x 10), delivered on-line via Canvas quiz	10%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Workshop 1 (case 1) Research Article Written task	10%	Week 03	1 page not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab report: Beta-blockers Laboratory report	10%	Week 06	2 Page
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Workshop 3 (case 2) Research Article Written task	10%	Week 07	1 page not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab report: Drugs and peristalsis Laboratory report	10%	Week 11	2 Page
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Handover Video Poster Presentation (case 3) Video Oral Presentation Based on Workshop 5	10%	Week 13	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type E final exam ?

Assessment summary

Quizzes: There are three online quizzes, consisting of 10 MCQs. Quizzes are opened after the completion of each module and available for seven days after opening.
Research topics: All students are required to research and write one research articles for case 1 (workshop 1) and case 2 (workshop 3) on a topic chosen in one of the three workshop cases.
Lab reports: A written group lab report is required for each of the two ‘hands-on’ practical sessions. Group size is four (min 3 and max 5).
Presentation: Each group will be required to present the final case as a video poster presentation (15 minutes) that will serve as a “handover” of the case to another pharmacologist.
Final exam: Extended release (48 hr) exam where you will be presented with three different cases and from two of the cases you will submit two 500 word research articles (not inclusive of references).

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

In order to successfully complete this Unit of Study you must demonstrate a threshold (pass) standard of attainment of the Unit of Study learning outcomes as measured by performance on the Unit of Study summative assessments. This means you must achieve a minimum of a pass standard for both components (in-semester work and final exam) of this Unit of Study. Students who do not reach a threshold standard of proficiency of the Learning Outcomes in either the in- semester assessments or the final exam will receive a maximum mark of 49 FA. Failure to participate in any one or more of the in-semester assessment tasks or the end of semester theory examination may result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Factual information of a very high standard with a sophisticated grasp of the principles. Clear evidence of critical analysis and originality of thought.
Distinction	75 - 84	Factual information of a high standard with an excellent grasp of the principles. Some evidence of critical analysis and originality of thought.
Credit	65 - 74	Factual information is sound. Little or no critical analysis, or originality of thought.
Pass	50 - 64	Factual information is basic and has gaps. Critical analysis and originality of thought is lacking.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties may be waived, under exceptional circumstances, by the course co-ordinator.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Overview of CV physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of angina & myocardial infarction and treatment - 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Orientation: meet your group	Practical (2 hr)
	Workshop 1	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Pathophysiology of angina & myocardial infarction and treatment - 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of angina & myocardial infarction and treatment - 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Fundamental Cardiovascular Pharmacology	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to the central nervous system pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Recreational drugs 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Workshop 2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Recreational drugs 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of cocaine induced myocardial infarction	Lecture (1 hr)
	ß-blockers	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Overview of immunology and inflammation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of asthma and treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lab review (Beta Blockers)	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Workshop 3	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Pathophysiology of allergy and treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Pathophysiology of IBD & treatment 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Pathophysiology of IBD & treatment 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Gastrointestinal pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Workshop 4	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Infection 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Infection 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Drugs and peristalsis	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Antipsychotics & metabolic/endocrine effects	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of diabetes & treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lab review (Drugs and peristalsis)	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Workshop 5	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Pathophysiology of lipid disorder & treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathophysiology of PCOS	Lecture (1 hr)
	Workshop 6	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Treatment of PCOS 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Treatment of PCOS 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Poster Presentation Handover	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Drug interactions and drug safety in pregnancy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Review	Lecture (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Ritter J.M. et al., (2020) Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology, 9th edn. (Elsevier)
Neal M.J., (2020) Pharmacology at a Glance, 9th edn (WILEY Blackwell)

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. describe the physiological and pathophysiological processes involved in a range of significant diseases and disorders in society
LO2. explain the mechanisms of action, effectiveness and safety of many classes of medicinal drugs used to treat: cardiovascular, respiratory, infection, gastrointestinal diseases, and endocrine disorders (diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS))
LO3. explore the ethical questions and unresolved issues in pharmacotherapeutic approaches to a range of significant diseases and disorders
LO4. evaluate the strength of evidence for claims around pharmacotherapies for a range of significant diseases and disorders
LO5. understand the complexity of drug interactions and adverse effect such as that explored with the 3 different workshop cases/triggers
LO6. integrate pharmacological knowledge with knowledge in other disciplinary areas of biomedical sciences
LO7. describe the essential components of experimental design and be able to analyse, interpret and critique data arising from laboratory experiments
LO8. use a variety of sources of information and technologies for research purposes and critically evaluate the information for reliability and relevance
LO9. communicate effectively via written articles, informal discussion and oral presentations
LO10. work collaboratively and effectively with peers in group learning activities and assessments
LO11. demonstrate capacity for reflection on matters related to learning, personal and social responsibility, professional integrity and the value of pharmacology in society

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No substantive changes have been made since this unit was first offered in 2019 except that lectures, and some workshops, will be delivered via Zoom in 2020.

Additional information

More information related to this unit can be found on Canvas and will be provided in class.

Lt (Lab tutor) is an online learning platform for Pharmacology courses and is used to support labs and workshops in PCOL2022. Lt is delivered using kuraCloud, a cloud-based, eLearning technology. All students in PCOL2022 are provided access to Lt lessons using kuraCloud.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

WHS policies
The University has a statutory obligation to provide a safe working environment. Safety in the workplace is a cooperative venture, and staff and students have obligations to contribute towards and maintain safety. For the most up to date information, please visit http://sydney.edu.au/whs/
COVID-19 health management
To continue to minimise the risk of infection, the University has established a Pandemic Response Team to monitor the situation, issue updated advice to the community, and act quickly to mitigate risks. Please visit: https://intranet.sydney.edu.au/coronavirus/overview/health-management.html

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PCOL2022: Drugs in Contemporary Society

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect