Available in 2024
Course code

PHAR3103

Units

10 units

Level

3000 level

Course handbook

Description

This course presents the pathophysiology of altered health states and their management including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Specific conditions covered in this course include neurological and mental health conditions, including head injuries and the control of intracranial pressure. Concepts around the use of illicit drugs, cannabinoids and drug abuse are also covered in this course. The course considers aspects of pharmacy practice including a systematic review of prescription medications and will address the quality use of medicines in the management of these conditions. The course builds on students' existing knowledge and understanding of the physical pharmacy principles and provides students with an understanding of how these principles are applied to the management of conditions affecting the neurological system and mental health conditions. The clinical application of cannabinoids and their dosing will be discussed in this course. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic considerations in conditions affecting the neurological system and mental health conditions are covered including therapeutic drug monitoring, clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions and advanced concepts in drug metabolism. The course will further build on knowledge of pharmacokinetics including drug dosage calculations with a particular focus on drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy. Application of the knowledge developed in this course will be complemented by clinical skills training.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Describe the pathophysiology and management (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) of conditions affecting the neurological system and mental health conditions.

2. Describe the quality use of medicines and issues surrounding these therapeutic agents in the treatment of these conditions and continue to develop clinical skills and communication skills in the therapeutic management of these conditions.

3. Describe the pathophysiology and pharmacology of illicit drugs and understand the principles underlying the misuse of medications.

4. Develop skills in the appropriate use of non-prescription products and advice on non-pharmacological treatment options in the management of these conditions and understand issue related to drug abuse.

5. Describe the dosage formulations used in conditions affecting the neurological system and mental health conditions.

6. Describe the role of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic factors that need to be considered in conditions affecting the neurological system and mental health conditions including therapeutic drug concentrations, clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions and concepts in drug metabolism with a particular focus on anti-seizure medications.


Content

1. This course will cover the pathophysiology, therapeutic management (pharmacological and non-pharmacological ) and pharmacy practice issues in the management of:

- Neurological conditions (including headache, seizures disorders, neurodegenerative disorders and pain management).

- Mental health conditions (including anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, drug addition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep disorder).

- Head injury, intracranial pressure and stroke.

2. The concept of minor illness and major disease will be discussed, including the use of prescription and non-prescription products.

3. The pathophysiology and pharmacology of illicit drugs and principles underlying the misuse and dependence:

- Cannabinoid use and workplace issues.

- Drug addiction and physical dependence arising from the regular use of prescription and non-prescription medications.

4. The course covers all pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics considerations for therapeutic agents used in the management of conditions affecting the neurological system and mental health including therapeutic drug concentrations, clinical application of advanced concepts in drug metabolism, such as non-linear kinetics, particularly with application to anti-seizure medication.


Requisite

To enrol in this course students must have successfully completed either MATH1110 or STAT1070 all 1000 and 2000 level courses in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (12328) program and be active in this program.


Assumed knowledge

PHAR2204 Clinical Pharmacotherapy 1


Assessment items

Formal Examination: Formal written examination
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

In Term Test: Mid-term examination
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

Quiz: Online quizzes


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s)
  • Includes in-class exam
Tutorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s)

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.