Outline

Overview

We all know someone who is being treated with medicines for a major medical condition. So how do drugs work to treat or prevent medical conditions now and in the future? In this unit of study, you will examine these questions relating to six of the main medical challenges affecting the human body and discuss where improvements in treatment are needed. You will explore a range of pharmacotherapeutic options currently available and in development. You will have the opportunity to research and apply your knowledge and understanding to unresolved health-related problems through laboratory- and problem-based tutorials. 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. This unit of study is highly recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine and allied health professions (e.g. nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry) and medical research pathways.

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 or PCOL2922
Assumed knowledge ?	PCOL2021
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Athavan Sresutharsan, athavan.sresutharsan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tina Hinton, tina.hinton@sydney.edu.au
	Jonathon Arnold, jonathon.arnold@sydney.edu.au
	Kellie Charles, kellie.charles@sydney.edu.au
	Slade Matthews, slade.matthews@sydney.edu.au
	Hilary Lloyd, hilary.lloyd@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Quiz Week 14: Endocrine Multiple choice questions (MCQs x 15), delivered on-line via Canvas quiz.	10%	Formal exam period Due date: 15 Nov 2024 at 23:59	20 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Workshop 1 or 3 (case 1 or 2) Presentation PowerPoint presentation	5%	Multiple weeks	5 min oral presentation
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Workshop 1 or 3 (case 1 or 2) Research Article Written task	10%	Multiple weeks	1 page not including references
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz Week 5: CVS & Recreational Drugs Multiple choice questions (MCQs x 15), delivered on-line via Canvas quiz.	10%	Week 05 Due date: 30 Aug 2024 at 23:59	20 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab report: Beta-blockers Laboratory report	15%	Week 06 Due date: 08 Sep 2024 at 23:59	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz Week 9: Immunity, inflammation & Infection Multiple choice questions (MCQs x 15), delivered on-line via Canvas quiz.	10%	Week 09 Due date: 27 Sep 2024 at 23:59	20 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab report: Drugs and peristalsis Laboratory report	20%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2024 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Handover Presentation (case 3) Group Oral Presentation Based on Workshop 5	15%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59	5 minutes per presenter
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflection Personal reflection on your learning in PCOL2022	5%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2024 at 23:59	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Quizzes: There are three online quizzes, consisting of 15 MCQs. Quizzes are opened after the completion of each module and open only for 24 hours
Research Article and Presentation: All students are required to research, write and submit to Canvas one research article and orally present their research article findings for either case 1 (workshop 1) or case 2 (workshop 3) on a chosen topic.
Lab reports: Both ‘hands-on’ practical sessions will be written and submitted to Canvas. The first report will be written as a group and the second as an individual. Group size is four (min 3 and max 5). The first report will have peer assessment.
Handover Presentation: Each group will be required to present the final case as an oral presentation (5 minutes per presenter) that will serve as a “handover” of the case to another pharmacologist.
Personal Reflection: Submit a 500 word related to your experience undertaking PCOL2022.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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. Students who do not reach a threshold standard of proficiency of the Learning Outcomes 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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awarded mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100. Non-submission of peer assessment will result in a factor of zero being applied to the non-submitted group work mark.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Ongoing	Self-directed learning	Independent study (65 hr)
Week 01	Overview of CV physiology/Pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Angina & Heart Failure Pathophysiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Orientation: meet your group	Practical (2 hr)
	Workshop 1	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Antihypertensives	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diuretics and Baby Aspirin	Lecture (1 hr)
	Fundamental Cardiovascular Pharmacology	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to CNS Pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Recreational drugs 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Workshop 2	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Recreational drugs 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cocaine Induced Myocardial Infarction	Lecture (1 hr)
	ß-blockers	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Overview of the Immune Response	Lecture (1 hr)
	Crohns Disease: Pathogenesis + Drug Treatments 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lab review (Beta Blockers)	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
	Workshop 3	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Crohns Disease: Pathogenesis + Drug Treatments 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Pathophysiology of Asthma & Treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Pathophysiology of Allergy & Treatment	Lecture (1 hr)
	Gastrointestinal pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Workshop 4	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Infection 1 - Antivirals	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Infection 2 - Antibiotics & Antifungals	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)
Week 11	Pathophysiology of PCOS 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Treatment of PCOS 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Hormonal Contraceptives	Lecture (1 hr)
	Workshop 6	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Drug interactions and drug safety in pregnancy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Review	Lecture (1 hr)
	Handover Presentations	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states:

55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.

The Faculty of Science resolutions states:

9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

Thus, attendance at a minimum of 80% of all timetabled classes is compulsory for successful completion of the course. Attendance will be recorded. If you do not show sufficient cause for absence from any part of the course you may not be allowed to sit the final examination. Absences from scheduled practical, workshop or tutorial sessions must be supported by appropriate documentation (also see Guidelines for Special Consideration/Arrangements for important information relating to absence from scheduled classes). It may be possible to attend a different practical or tutorial session by special arrangement with the UoS coordinator.

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.

All presentations are being given in person in 2024. Workshops will be split into multiple classes to decrease the number of presentations that the students need to listen to.

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

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

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: Clinical Applications of Pharmacology

Semester 2, 2024 [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

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

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