Outline

Overview

This unit of study builds on PHAR1911 (Fundamentals of Pharmacy) to give a more detailed understanding of how molecules interact with their targets to cause a response. Elements of basic pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the drug design and discovery pathway are explored. This sets a foundation for a deeper understanding of the medicinal chemistry of drugs for the treatment of any condition. The concepts of this unit are explored further in units of study focusing on specific conditions in the later years of the degree. Critical thinking, research and laboratory skills are developed in the context of medicinal chemistry with emphasis on how it relates to day-to-day pharmacy practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	HSC Chemistry and Mathematics Advanced (2U). Students who have not completed HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take a Chemistry Bridging Course (offered in February and as a distance course at other times of the year)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Nial Wheate, nial.wheate@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Combination of multiple choice, short answer, and calculation questions	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics quiz Multiple choice and/or calculation questions	5%	Week 05 Due date: 01 Sep 2023 at 15:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab - Early Report 1 Draft of the introduction to the group's lab report	5%	Week 06 Due date: 08 Sep 2023 at 23:59	2 x A4 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab - Early Report 2 Draft methods/experimental and results sections of the groups lab report	5%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Sep 2023 at 23:59	4 x A4 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Characterisation of molecules quiz Determine the chemical structure of 3 drug molecules from spectra	5%	Week 09	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Lab - Oral Presentation Oral presentation supported by a Powerpoint deck	5%	Week 11	15 min + 5 min Q+A
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab - Full and Final Report Full report by the group based on completed experimental labs	20%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2023 at 23:59	10 x A4 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Student Reflection on Group Work Student reflection of their contribution to the labs and peer feedback	5%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2023 at 23:59	250 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Final examination: Written examination answering multiple choice and short answer questions to be completed in the 2 hour exam time. The final exam will consist of a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. All lectures and workshops are examinable. You must obtain a grade of 50% or higher in this assessment to satisfy the requirements for this unit of study. If you do not pass this assessment the maximum final grade you can obtain will be 45 FA, regardless of the total raw mark you obtain for the UoS.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and unit conversion quiz. Written examination of 15 multiple choice questions to be completed within the 50 minutes test time. Undertaken during a lecture slot in week 5.

Characterisation of molecules. Determine the structure of 3 drugs from chemical spectra to be completed within the 50 test time. Undertaken during the student scheduled workshop in week 9.

Lab - Early Report 1. Group written report, two A4 pages in length, that serves as the introduction to the full laboratory report. Due in week 6.

Lab - Early Report 2. Group written report, four A4 pages in length, that serves as the methods and results sections of the full laboratory report, but only on the synthesis, enzyme kinetics, and ex vivo tissue experiments (excludes the computer modelling experiments). Due in week 8.

Lab - Full and Final Report. Group written report, ten A4 pages in length, that covers all aspects of the laboratory experimental classes. Due in week 13.

Lab - Oral presentation. Group oral presentation on the conduct, findings, and interpretation of their laboratory experimental classes. Time limit is 15 minutes and is delivered during their scheduled workshop in week 11.

Student Reflection on Groupwork. Students written reflection on their contribution to the laboratory experiments and report writing, and peer feedback on their contribution, 250 words maximum length. Due in week 13.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.’

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
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:

Deduction of 10% of potential full marks each day it is late (e.g. if assessment is worth 20 marks, then student(s) lose 2 marks each day it is late).

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
Ongoing	Self-directed learning for assignments, presentations and exam preparation.	Independent study (120 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pharmacokinetics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Absorption	Lecture (1 hr)
	Distribution and Metabolism	Lecture (1 hr)
	Excretion and Elimination	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Chemical synthesis laboratory	Science laboratory (4 hr)
	SCANA assessment and literature review	Workshop (3 hr)
	Pharmacodynamics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Agonists	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antagonist	Lecture (1 hr)
	Allosteric modulation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Drug affinity, selectivity and efficacy 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Drug affinity, selectivity and efficacy 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Factors influencing drug response	Lecture (1 hr)
	Enzyme Kinetics 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	PK/PD calculations and unit conversions	Workshop (3 hr)
	Enzyme Kinetics 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Enzyme Kinetics 3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Enzyme kinetics laboratory	Science laboratory (4 hr)
	Pharmaceutical information intepretation	Workshop (3 hr)
	Protein Fundamentals 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Protein Fundamentals 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	History of Drug Design and Development 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	History of Drug Design and Development 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sources of Drugs 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sources of Drugs 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Native/Bush Medicines	Lecture (1 hr)
	Phytonutrients	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Drug Targets 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Drug Targets 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Ex vivo testing laboratory	Science laboratory (4 hr)
	Therapeutics Targeting Protein	Lecture (1 hr)
	Protein visualisation	Workshop (3 hr)
	Therapeutics Targeting RNA	Lecture (1 hr)
	Therapeutics Targeting Amino Acids	Lecture (1 hr)
	Stereochemistry 1 by Prof. Groundwater	Lecture (1 hr)
	Stereochemistry 2 by Prof. Groundwater	Lecture (1 hr)
	Characterisation 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Chemical stereochemistry	Workshop (3 hr)
	Characterisation 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Characterisation 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Methods of Drug Discovery - Natural Products	Lecture (1 hr)
	Methods of Drug Discovery - Combinatorial Chemistry	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Computer modelling laboratory	Science laboratory (4 hr)
	Characterisation of molecules	Workshop (3 hr)
	Methods of Drug Discovery - In Silico Approaches	Lecture (1 hr)
	Methods of Drug Enhancement - Medicinal Chemistry	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applications of Drug Design - NSAIDs 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applications of Drug Design - NSAIDs 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applications of Drug Design - Antihistamines 1 (H1 antagonists)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Kangaroo apple extract - solasodine	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Antibodies 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Antibodies 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applications of Drug Design - Platinums	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Targeting Immune Process	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applications of Drug Design - Proton Pump Inhibitors 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applications of Drug Design - Proton Pump Inhibitors 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Drug Regulation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Overview of Preclinical pharmacology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Future Directions of Drug Design and Discovery 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Future Directions of Drug Design and Discovery 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Safety and Toxicology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Safety and Toxicology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Clinical Trials	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical Trials Case Studies	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical Cases of Toxicology	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend at least 85% of all laboratory classes AND attend at least 85% of all workshops.

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Nil

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.

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

LO1. Outline fundamental concepts in chemistry necessary for understanding drug delivery, drug action, and therapeutics.
LO2. Explain the relationship between molecular structure and the different types of molecular interactions, and the importance of molecular interactions in the bioavailability of drugs.
LO3. Identify the properties of biologically-relevant molecules, including proteins and genes.
LO4. Identify the sources of drugs, the way they are discovered and designed, purified, characterised and analysed, and their physicochemical properties.
LO5. Explain the pharmacological mechanism of action and the interaction of drugs with their targets.
LO6. Apply appropriate numeracy skills to solve pharmaceutical problems.
LO7. Use laboratory and computing techniques in structured experiments, and interpret and draw conclusions from obtained data.
LO8. Apply appropriate writing and referencing techniques, including appropriately acknowledging sources, to uphold academic honesty.
LO9. Demonstrate responsibility for personal and professional development through independent learning and continuous reflection.
LO10. Work effectively and cooperatively as a member of a learning team.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.1. implementing appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.1. implementing appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.12. consistently making accurate arithmetic calculations relating to health care
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1. formulating appropriate and effective actions and recommendations which support safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines and other healthcare options and optimise socially accountable person-centred care by 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.d. drawing conclusions by synthesising the results of research and inquiry activities
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 1.9. upholding and advancing the reputation and value of the profession 5.4. contributing to the evidence base through engaging in research and inquiry, including 5.4.e. reporting and disseminating the outcomes appropriately Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 1.9. upholding and maintaining the reputation and value of the profession 5.4. demonstrating skills in research and inquiry, including 5.4.e. reporting and disseminating the outcomes appropriately
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 1.6. adopting a proactive and reflective approach to maintaining and developing their own professional competence and expertise in order to remain fit-to-practise 4.1. engaging in regular and systematic reflection to enhance professional learning and practice 4.2. identifying and acknowledging professional limitations and seeking appropriate support where necessary, including additional professional education and/or referral of patients to other health care professionals Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 1.6. demonstrating a proactive and reflective approach to developing their own professional competence and expertise 1.8. accepting personal responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions in simulated and/or work-integrated learning environments 4.1. undertaking regular reflection as a means of enhancing learning and practice 4.2. demonstrating awareness of professional limitations and adopting appropriate strategies where necessary, including additional professional education and/or referral of patients to other health care professionals
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 2.1.b. engaging with all persons in a respectful, culturally appropriate, compassionate, responsive and empathetic manner in professional practice 2.3. contributing to, and taking prominent roles where appropriate in the interprofessional collaborative health care team, in order to optimise patient outcomes, by 2.3.a. respecting and appreciating the complementary roles of pharmacists and other members of the interprofessional collaborative care team 2.3.c. consistently engaging in appropriate teamwork behaviours Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 2.1. communicating appropriately and effectively with a socially and culturally diverse range of people in a manner which inspires confidence and trust by 2.1.a. demonstrating appropriately tailored verbal, written and non-verbal communication 2.1.b. engaging with all persons in a respectful, culturally appropriate, compassionate, responsive and empathetic manner 2.1.c. demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori history, communication styles and community protocols 2.1.d. demonstrating appropriate communication and interpersonal behaviours 2.3. contributing to the interprofessional collaborative health care team in order to optimise patient outcomes by 2.3.a. demonstrating an understanding and appreciation of the roles of pharmacists and other members of the interprofessional collaborative care team 2.3.c. demonstrating appropriate teamwork behaviours

Responding to student feedback

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

This is a new unit that was not taught in 2022.

Additional information

Additional costs

Nil

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

Suitable safety glasses, laboratory coat, clothing and footwear must be worn when completed the laboratory classes.

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

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

PHAR1922: How Drugs Work

Semester 2, 2023 [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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

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