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Unit outline_

PCOL2922: Drugs in Contemporary Society (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

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 extend and deepen your practical and cognitive skills through small-group, mentored, 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 extend your disciplinary expertise in pharmacology and deepen 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
? 
An average mark of 70 or above in [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01)] and (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903).
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PCOL2012 or PCOL2022 or PCOL2555
Assumed knowledge
? 

Fundamentals of pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and molecular pharmacology, for example, as taught in PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002 or (BMED2401 and BMED2405).

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Brent McParland, brent.mcparland@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Take-home extended release) Type E final exam Final exam (Take-home extended release)
Choose 2 topics from 3 options to write 2 separate 1 page research articles
40% Formal exam period 48 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8
Online task Quizzes
Multiple choice questions (MCQs x 10), delivered on-line via Canvas quiz
10% Multiple weeks 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment Research Article
Writing and research
10% Week 03 1 page not including references
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Assignment group assignment Lab report: Beta-blockers
Lab report
10% Week 06 As per instructions
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment group assignment Lab report: Drugs and peristalsis
Lab report
10% Week 11 As per instructions
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Online task group assignment Handover Case 2
Presentation - handover case to another pharmacologist
10% Week 11 10 minute
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO8 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Oral presentation
Recorded presentation: 3D printing of receptors project
10% Week 12 5 minute presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO10
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type E final exam = 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)
  • Presentation 1: Each group will be required to present case 2 as a video poster presentation (15 minutes) that will serve as a “handover” of the case to another pharmacologist. 
  • Presentation 2: All students are required to submit a video presentation on their chosen 3D printed protein (5 minutes)
  • Lab reports: A written group lab report is required for each of the two ‘hands-on’ practical sessions. Group size is three (min 2 and max 4). 
  • 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

 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 Factual information is irrelevant and/or incorrect. Unsatisfactory 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.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Overview of CV physiology Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Pathophysiology of angina & myocardial infarction and treatment - 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Orientation: meet your group Practical (2 hr) LO9
Workshop 1, Case 1 Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 02 Pathophysiology of angina & myocardial infarction and treatment - 2 Forum (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Pathophysiology of angina & myocardial infarction and treatment - 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Fundamental Cardiovascular Pharmacology Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 03 Introduction to the central nervous system pharmacology Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Recreational drugs 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Workshop 2, Case 1 Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 04 Recreational drugs 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Pathophysiology of cocaine induced myocardial infarction Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
ß-blockers Practical (3 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 05 Overview of immunology and inflammation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Pathophysiology of asthma and treatment Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Lab review (Beta Blockers) Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Workshop 3, Case 2 Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 06 Pathophysiology of allergy and treatment Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Pathophysiology of IBD & treatment 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Pathophysiology of IBD & treatment 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Gastrointestinal pharmacology Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Working on handover presentation Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 08 Infection 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Infection 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Drugs and peristalsis Practical (3 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 10 Antipsychotics & metabolic/endocrine effects Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Pathophysiology of diabetes & treatment Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Lab review (Drugs and peristalsis) Computer laboratory (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
3D printing of receptors project 1 (Pymol) Workshop (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO9
Week 11 Pathophysiology of lipid disorder & treatment Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Pathophysiology of PCOS Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Workshop 5: Group Handover Presentation (Case 2) Workshop (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 12 Treatment of PCOS 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Treatment of PCOS 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
3D printing of receptors project 2 Workshop (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 13 Drug interactions and drug safety in pregnancy Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Review Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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 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.

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

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

This is the first time this unit has been offered

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 thesituation, 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.