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Unit of study_

PCOL2922: Clinical Applications of Pharmacology (Adv.)

2025 unit information

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, and explore molecular mechanisms through 3D printing experiments and visualisation tools. 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

Managing faculty or University school:

Medicine and Health

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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An average mark of 70 or above in [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01)] and (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903)
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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PCOL2012 or PCOL2022 or PCOL2555
Assumed knowledge:
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Fundamentals of pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and molecular pharmacology, for example, as taught in PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002 or (BMED2401 and BMED2405)

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. integrate pharmacological knowledge with knowledge in other disciplinary areas of biomedical sciences
  • LO6. describe the essential components of experimental design and be able to analyse, interpret and critique data arising from laboratory experiments
  • LO7. use a variety of sources of information and technologies for research purposes and critically evaluate the information for reliability and relevance
  • LO8. communicate effectively via written articles, informal discussion and oral presentations
  • LO9. work collaboratively and effectively with peers in group learning activities and assessments
  • LO10. demonstrate capacity for reflection on matters related to learning, personal and social responsibility, professional integrity and the value of pharmacology in society

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 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, 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.