91529 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): ( 91528 Health and Homeostasis OR (91562 Health and Homeostasis 1 AND 91561 Health and Homeostasis 2))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject provides an introduction to the science and medicine of diabetes, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia (a convenient grouping of major diseases that confront an ageing population). The subject explores fundamental pathophysiology of these body systems and the pharmacology of drugs used in the treatment and management of disease. Throughout the subject, there is an integrated focus on body systems contrasting normal and abnormal and how disease states may be managed therapeutically. The subject concentrates on common major diseases of these body systems which facilitates a comprehensive study of the pathophysiology encountered in these disease states, as well as cementing an understanding of the normal physiology in these body systems including the process of ageing. This is complemented by the study of the treatment and management of these diseases.
After completing this subject, students should be able to recognise the classical symptoms and inquire critically for necessary information from the patient in order to make initial diagnosis and order the relevant laboratory tests to further confirm the diagnosis, as well as provide treatment strategies and nursing care to ameliorate or reverse the disease condition in an ethical and legal manner.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| A. | Outline the aetiology and pathophysiological basis of obesity and diabetes and the treatment and management of the diseases. (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Standard 2 [NMBA 2]) |
|---|---|
| B. | Describe the pathophysiological processes occurring in the cardiovascular (development of atherosclerosis, angina, myocardial infarct, hypertension, heart failure, valve disease) and cerebrovascular system (stroke and dementia) and the treatment and management of these disease states.(NMBA 2) |
| C. | Describe the pathophysiological processes of respiratory diseases: asthma, COPD (emphysema and bronchitis) and bronchiolitis and the pharmacological treatment of these diseases. (NMBA 2) |
| D. | Identify the physiological changes associated with neural injury (stroke and dementia including cognition changes) and the treatment and management of these diseases. |
| E. | Apply the knowledge in a given scenario to evaluate the disease status, and apply effective and creative treatment solutions to improve the conditions (NMBA2) |
| F. | Interpret clinical information and apply pathophysiological and/or pharmacological knowledge to investigate case studies (NMBA 2, 4 & 9) |
| G. | Work collaboratively with peers to discuss and appraise information that support the clinical judgement |
| H. | Demonstrate professional cultural competency which contributes to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, inclusive of physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellness. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Speak, read, write and listen effectively and with sensitivity to different audiences and contexts (3.3)
- Communicate in a culturally safe and appropriate way (3.4)
- Evaluate and apply effective and creative solutions to the improvement of nursing practice and patient care (4.2)
- Inquire critically to apply knowledge for the purposes of patient and professional education (4.3)
- Comply with intellectual academic writing practices and use information ethically, legally and respectfully (4.4)
- Demonstrate professional cultural competency which contributes to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, inclusive of physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellness (6.0)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject will extend your ability to assess the health status and condition of a patient, interpret data and make appropriate clinical decisions, by laying foundational pathophysiological and pharmacological knowledge critical to provide safe and evidence- based care. You will learn to link the disease process from the cellular level to presentation of disease symptoms, and understand principles of treatment and management of these diseases and symptoms.
This subject uses online lectures, online learning materials and face-to-face tutorials to increase your disciplinary knowledge and to demonstrate how this theoretical knowledge is applied in nursing practice and patient care. You are encouraged to learn via an inquiry-oriented approach through the study of patient cases, as well as to develop and apply the professional skills of critical evaluation, logical thought, problem solving, data analysis, and determination of appropriate and effective solutions which are ethical, legal, and respectful of the needs and wishes of the patient. The learning materials are designed to develop your knowledge of the needs of patients by gaining insights into current applications of pathophysiology in the clinical arena, particularly methods used to return a patient to a healthy state of well-being.
You are encouraged to interact with your peers and Learning & Teaching staff, thereby developing your communications skills while working towards understanding the concepts of pathophysiology and pharmacology. The lectures, online self-learning materials and tutorials are also designed to encourage you to use several sources of information, including family history, laboratory test results, and published material, and so developing your skills in information research and critical thinking, which are required for continued intellectual development and professional education.
The graduate attributes of critical inquiry, evaluation and application of effective and creative solutions to improve nursing practice and patient care, are introduced and developed in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1, which are assessed through quizzes, clinical case scenarios and poster. The graduate attribute of Indigenous Cultural Respect will also be developed as you complete the clinical case scenarios.
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, you will participate in a range of Learning & Teaching activities that are designed to encourage you to control your own learning, and gain an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of diseases and the associated pharmacological treatment for endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems, in a clinical setting. You are encouraged to access all the material available on Canvas, and the textbooks, before each timetabled in-class, on-campus (or on-line) session. Over the Autumn session, you will have the opportunity to be involved with the following Learning & Teaching activities:
Lectures: One (1.5- hour) per week x ten (10) weeks
The pathophysiology of commonly seen diseases in the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems, and the principles of medical care and pharmacological treatment are covered, in association with the recommended textbooks. Your attendance during lectures will assist you to clarify complex descriptions and terminology, and to engage with intricate topics. You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with the clinical case scenarios and preparatory questions before the tutorial classes. In addition to attending lectures, you may also enhance your learning by using additional online resources.
Tutorials: One (2) hours per week x ten (10) weeks
In the tutorial sessions you will have the opportunity to consolidate and apply the information you are learning in this subject. You will be introduced to a range of clinical case scenarios, based on the pathophysiology of commonly seen diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. You will use these cases to apply your knowledge, critically assess and interpret information, form rational clinical judgements, and develop nursing management for appropriate and effective patient care. You will be able to participate in group discussion, and complete questions and worksheets related to the clinical case scenarios. You will develop critical thinking skills through systematic analysis and questioning of these clinical scenarios, thereby assisting you to learn inquiry-orientated analysis and treatment of diseases within these four systems.
It is important that you take time to prepare for the clinical case scenarios tutorials prior to the class as these sessions will be interactive and require some self direction on behalf of the student. Tutors will facilitate these sessions and help students with the cases.
Self-directed Online Learning
Learning resources to assist your own, self-study will be available via Canvas. These may include, for example, presentation slides from the lectures and tutorials, and supplementary learning materials (video clips, screencasts, or podcasts) that may expand the breadth and depth of your learning.
Also available on Canvas are learning modules for self-assessment, through which you can assess your learning at your own pace. Self-assessment tasks are available through Canvas, including one pre-requisite assessment for each body system. These tasks can be accessed multiple times to allow you to (re)self-evaluate your study and these are not included in your final mark for the subject.
Expected hours: 7 hours per week (hpw) minimum composed of 1.5 hpw lecture, 2 hpw tutorial, equivalent time of private study - being 3.5 hpw of tutorial class preparation, reading for deeper understanding of the topics studied, completion of quizzes and poster preparation by meeting with your group.
Content (topics)
This subject will cover common diseases that are included in the National Health Priority Areas: endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. This will give you an insight into processes involved in some major diseases and their consequences. The following topics are covered:
1. Endocrine Pathophysiology: obesity and diabetes.
2. Respiratory Pathophysiology: respiratory infections, obstructive respiratory disorders (eg bronchiolitis, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD]).
3. Cardiovascular Pathophysiology: coronary artery disease, heart valve damage, hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and conduction problems.
4. Neural Pathophysiology: cerebrovascular disorders (eg stroke), altered states of cognition, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's disease), head injuries and pain.
5. Renal Pathophysiology: Renal disorders (eg glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, diabetic kidney disease, Chronic kidney disease and kidney stones).
6. Pharmacology: pharmacokinetics of pharmacological treatments within the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous systems and renal system.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment item addresses: Graduate attributes 4.2, 4.3, 4.4. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): , B, C, D, E and F This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Each quiz comprises of 30 multiple choice or true/false questions that should be completed in 45 minutes during your own time. |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed based on the correctness of your answers. The quiz questions will assess your ability to critically assess the information presented to you, and apply knowledge of the principles of pathophysiology and pharmacology of disorders of different body systems (endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems). |
Assessment task 2: Clinical Case Scenarios
| Intent: | This assessment item addresses: Graduate attributes 3.3, 3.4, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4.,6.0 |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): , B, C, D, E, F, G and H This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 3.3, 3.4, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 6.0 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 10 minutes for collaborative discussion and 10 minutes to complete up to 5 SAQs. |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed based on: (1) the accuracy of the information that you provide and (2) your understanding of the pathophysiological and pharmacology concepts specific to the chosen disease or pathophysiological condition in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The questions will assess your ability to critically assess the information presented to you, through clinical case scenarios, and apply knowledge of the principles of pathophysiology and pharmacology of disorders of different body systems (endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems). |
Assessment task 3: Poster presentation
| Intent: | This assessment item addresses: Graduate attributes 3.3, 3.4, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): , B, C, D, E and F This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 3.3, 3.4, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | Formatting instructions, marking criteria and all relevant details will be made available on Canvas and these must be strictly adhered to. |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on: (1) the accuracy of the information that you provide; (2) the understanding of the pathophysiological and pharmacology concepts specific to the chosen disease or pathophysiological condition in terms of diagnosis and treatment; (3) the language used to explain to a patient in simple terms what the disease is, the different treatment options and possible adverse responses and (4) written communication skills, and the use of the published, peer reviewed literature. |
Minimum requirements
You must attend at least 80% of all scheduled tutorial classes.
All assessment items are compulsory; to pass the subject you must attain at least 50% of the collective total marks. If any assessment task(s) is/are missed, a mark of zero (0) will be awarded unless an appropriate request for Special Consideration is made, supported by a medical certificate or other relevant documentation to explain the absence, or impact on performance. Other reasons for absence or poor performance (e.g. misadventure) will be assessed on their merits at the time.
Recommended texts
Bullock, S. & Manias, E. (2017). Fundamentals of Pharmacology (8th Edition). Pearson Australia.
Bullock, S. & Hales, M. (2019). Principles of Pathophysiology (2nd Edition). Pearson Australia.