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Unit outline_

PHAR5722: Endocrine, Renal and Cardiovascular

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

This unit of study will cover the therapeutics of endocrine, renal and cardiovascular disorders including the pharmaceutical sciences that underpin such drug therapies. This unit will also include the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical features of endocrine, renal and cardiovascular disorders. Through the use of case-based learning, students will participate in the interpretation, application and dissemination of pharmaceutical and pharmacotherapeutic concepts and knowledge. On completion of this unit of study students will be able to apply an understanding of the pharmaceutical sciences to optimising the drug and non-drug therapy of patients with endocrine, renal and cardiovascular disorders. Interprofessional communication and the application of specialist knowledge to implementing pharmacist cognitive services such as clinical interventions and/or medication management review will also be explored. Students will become familiar with drug information software and a number of computerised drug information databases. Role-plays will be used to develop students' communication skills for interaction between pharmacists and their clients (patients, doctors, other health professionals).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(PHAR5711 or PHAR5911) and PHAR5712 and PHAR5713 and PHAR5714 and PHAR5715 and PHAR5716 and PHAR5717 and PHAR5718
Corequisites
? 
PHAR5721 and PHAR5723 and PHAR5920
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Betty Chaar, betty.chaar@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Betty Chaar, betty.chaar@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam hurdle task Exam
MCQ, short answer
60% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam hurdle task OSCE
Oral examination - 3 'Stations' one of which will focus on this Unit.
25% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Small continuous assessment Tutorial assessments
Participation
15% Ongoing n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Tutorial assessments: Pre/post-work and in class tasks in each tutorial must be completed to attain satisfactory participation marks. If a task is failed, the students may be given an opportunity to repeat the task at a time convenient to the coordinator/tutorial facilitator. Furthermore, attendance at all 12 tutorials is compulsory. Assessment includes the generation of a “letter to the doctor” and a full medication review -both submitted online in Canvas on the due date.
  • OSCE: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) has three stations. Each student will be given three topics, with time to prepare for the three topics. Immediately after the preparation time, each student will discuss the topics, and the issues and concerns raised when reviewing the topic, at three closed book stations, with a pseudo-doctor (who is also the examiner), a pseudo-patient (who is also the examiner), and a pharmacy colleague (who is also the examiner). 
    You must pass (i.e. obtain 50%) the station to pass the unit of study.
  • Final examination: The exam will comprise a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. These questions will include all content covered in lectures, tutorials and tutorial preparation. 
    You must obtain a minimum of 50% in the written exam to pass the unit of study.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Supplementary Yr assessments: Students may be offered re-assessment for compulsory-to-pass assessments as described in the relevant local provisions. For more information see:
MPharm https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2018/469&RendNum=0

Repeating students: Exemption from components (tutorials) for students repeating PHAR5722 will not be granted. 
 

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

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.

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
Multiple weeks Renal and urological disorders Lecture (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Cardiovascular disorders; Cardiovascular risk, Angina, MI, CHF, Stroke, AF Lecture (10 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Haematology disorders Lecture (7 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Case studies in CV disorders Tutorial (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Case studies in endocrine disorders Tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Progressive Clinical Reasoning Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Medication review [analysis of patient profile and writing to the doctor] Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week -02 Case studies in renal and urology disorders Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 01 Medication Review Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 05 Herbal medicines Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO8
Herbal and Complementary Medicines used in Pharmacy Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 07 Case studies in haematological disorders Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 08 Endocrinology: Thyroid Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Case studies in thyroid disorders Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 10 Endocrinology: Diabetes Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Case studies in diabetes Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 11 Endocrinology: Steroids, Hypothalmic and Pituitary hormone disorders Lecture (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Endocrinology: Obstetrics and Gynecology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 12 Osteoporosis Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: There will be 12 tutorials in total. Attendance at all 12 tutorials is compulsory (For more information see: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health_PG/coursework_mr/pharmacy.shtml).

In accordance with the Master of Pharmacy Course resolutions on Attendance Requirements, students must attend a minimum of 85% tutorials (10 of 12 tutorials) to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study. If a tutorials is missed due to illness or misadventure, students are to submit a special consideration form along with supporting documentation. Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the commencement of the tutorials will be marked as absent. Students swapping a tutorial without prior approval from the unit of study coordinator, will be marked as absent.

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

See Canvas

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. critically examine scientific evidence, in order to evaluate safety, quality, efficacy and cost effectiveness of prescriptions, complementary medicines and other orders to arrive at evidence-based conclusions relevant to patient care.
  • LO2. demonstrate an understanding of the body as a complex adaptive biological system and outline physiology and patho-physiology associated with disease states of the endocrine, renal and cardiovascular systems.
  • LO3. demonstrate a working understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques of the sciences underpinning drug delivery, drug action and therapeutics.
  • LO4. demonstrate an understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms of action and the properties drugs display as biologically active molecules in the treatment of endocrine, renal and cardiovascular disorders.
  • LO5. demonstrate an understanding of pharmaceutical and physical factors impacting on therapeutic efficacy.
  • LO6. apply an understanding of basic and applied sciences to the management and solution of pharmaceutical and/or clinical problems including the metabolism and enzymatic degradation (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics) of drugs in the human body.
  • LO7. communicate effectively with patients, families, carers and other health care professionals; providing appropriate advice and counselling about prescribed or over-the-counter medicines for endocrine, renal and/or cardiovascular disorders.
  • LO8. apply a systematic clinical reasoning process to address a range of health and drug-related problems that present in pharmacy in order to provide appropriate pharmacy cognitive services in the areas of endocrine, renal and cardiovascular disorders.
  • LO9. apply appropriate clinical reasoning skills to generate a medication review, including communication with the physician, according to principles of practice and adequate patient care.

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
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         
LO8         
LO9         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms
3.20. providing evidence-based screening, assessment, prevention and referral services to detect and manage potential risk of adverse medical conditions and outcomes
5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials
LO2
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - APC
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. using verbal, written and non-verbal communication which is appropriately tailored to the professional practice context and the capabilities and health literacy of the other person(s)
2.1.b. engaging with all persons in a respectful, culturally appropriate, compassionate, responsive and empathetic manner in professional practice
2.1.c. engaging in culturally appropriate and sensitive communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori people in professional practice which respects their history, culture and protocols
2.1.d. using appropriate communication and interpersonal behaviours in professional practice interactions
2.3.b. creating and maintaining effective intra-and interprofessional relationships, and working in partnership to achieve negotiated, agreed-upon objectives
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
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problemsolving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms
3.10. facilitating patient self-management of health through education, intervention, monitoring and health promotion services in order to optimise patient health outcomes and wellbeing, and reduce the risk of complications
3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage heath, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence
3.3. prescribing medications in accordance with current jurisdictionspecific legislation, scope of practice and PharmBA Guidelines
3.4. carrying out systematic medication reviews, informed by the Quality Use of Medicines Framework, in order to identify and resolve potential medication-related issues and optimise the impact of medications on health outcomes in collaboration with patients, carers and other members of the health care team
3.8. formulating and implementing health, medical and medication management plans in collaboration with patients, carers and other health team members
3.9. formulating and implementing appropriate monitoring of the outcomes of health, medical and medication management plans and adjusting them where appropriate in collaboration with patients, carers and other health team members
LO3
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
3.19. demonstrating the delivery of measures designed to enhance adherence with dosage regimens and support safe and effective administration of medications
3.7. assessing current health, medical and medication histories and profiles of patients
3.8. formulating health, medical and medication management plans in collaboration with patients, carers and other health team members
LO4
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials
LO5
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
LO6
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
LO7
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
2. Domain 2 Communication and collaboration
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
2.2. documenting, communicating and recording relevant information, findings, decisions, recommendations and other information accurately and concisely, taking due account of privacy and confidentiality
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.b. creating and maintaining effective intra- and interprofessional relationships, and working in partnership to achieve negotiated, agreed-upon objectives
2.3.c. demonstrating appropriate teamwork behaviours
2.3.d. demonstrating appropriate communication at transition points in patient care to reduce risks to patients and ensure safe and effective continuity of patient care
2.4. collaborating with patients, carers and other clients in shared decision-making by
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.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms
LO8
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
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
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
3.20. providing evidence-based screening, assessment, prevention and referral services to detect and manage potential risk of adverse medical conditions and outcomes
3.5. demonstrating the delivery of person-centred care including
3.6. obtaining relevant health, medical and medication information from patients, carers and other clients
3.7. assessing current health, medical and medication histories and profiles of patients
3.8. formulating health, medical and medication management plans in collaboration with patients, carers and other health team members
3.9. recommending appropriate monitoring of the outcomes of health, medical and medication management plans and recommending adjustments to them where appropriate in collaboration with patients, carers and other health team members
5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials
LO9
Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - APC
2.1.a. demonstrating appropriately tailored verbal, written and non-verbal communication
2.1.c. demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori history, communication styles and community protocols
2.2. documenting, communicating and recording relevant information, findings, decisions, recommendations and other information accurately and concisely, taking due account of privacy and confidentiality
2.3. contributing to the interprofessional collaborative health care team in order to optimise patient outcomes by
2.3.b. creating and maintaining effective intra- and interprofessional relationships, and working in partnership to achieve negotiated, agreed-upon objectives
2.3.c. demonstrating appropriate teamwork behaviours
2.3.d. demonstrating appropriate communication at transition points in patient care to reduce risks to patients and ensure safe and effective continuity of patient care
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
3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence
3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms
3.19. demonstrating the delivery of measures designed to enhance adherence with dosage regimens and support safe and effective administration of medications
3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage health, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence
3.20. providing evidence-based screening, assessment, prevention and referral services to detect and manage potential risk of adverse medical conditions and outcomes
3.4. carrying out systematic medication reviews, informed by the Quality Use of Medicines Framework, in order to identify and resolve potential medication-related issues and optimise the impact of medications on health outcomes in collaboration with patients, carers and other members of the health care team
3.5. demonstrating the delivery of person-centred care including
3.8. formulating health, medical and medication management plans in collaboration with patients, carers and other health team members
4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk

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

We have adopted student feedback on several levels and the unit of study now has fewer assessment tasks and is better aligned with other units of study in terms of timing of assessments.

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.