91709 Advanced Pharmacology
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91707 Fundamentals of Pharmacology
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject develops and extends the principles governing drug and xenobiotic action covered in 91707 Fundamentals of Pharmacology. It is designed to foster a problem-solving approach to pharmacology with particular emphasis on applying molecular pharmacology concepts to pathophysiological problems. The objectives are to further develop the concept of receptors as cellular determinants of drug and xenobiotic action, and to develop the concepts of modulated receptors and ion channels in determining drug action. Selective toxicity in the treatment of infections is examined as well as toxicokinetic factors, defense mechanisms, cellular reactivity, receptors and binding sites as determinants of target organ toxicity. The clinical efficacy of the major pharmacology drug classes used in the treatment of respiratory disease, cancer, affective and psychotic illnesses, cardiovascular disease, lipid disorders, blood disorders, diabetes, peptic ulcers, nausea and vomiting, are examined. Lectures are complemented by a tutorial program which emphasises the clinical nature of the subject and develops lecture material using a variety of tutorial and case study approaches.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Compare and contrast the principles of pharmacotherapy of bacterial, viral and protozoal infections |
|---|---|
| 2. | Summarise the qualitative and quantitative aspects of drug addiction (such as psychotomimetics, stimulants, and nicotine), tolerance, and withdrawal, and relate these to the treatment of dependence. |
| 3. | Compare and contrast the qualitative and quantitative aspects of drugs, drug classes, and drug toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents for cancer and prevention. |
| 4. | Differentiate the pharmacology and therapeutic uses of drugs used in the treatment of psychoses, depression, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. |
| 5. | Apply the principles of pharmacotherapy and secondary prevention of cardiorespiratory diseases such as acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, hypertension, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. |
| 6. | Explain the different aspects involved in drug development and design, including clinical trials, pharmaceutical timelines, budgets and funding, role of biomarkers in clinical trial end points, and surveillance of adverse effects. |
| 7. | Describe the use of monoclonal antibodies as both diagnostic and therapeutic agents. |
| 8. | Describe the pharmacology and therapeutic uses of common neuropeptides and of drugs that target peptic ulcer disease, gastric motility, and nausea. |
| 9. | Clearly communicate the pharmacology and therapeutic applications of major groups of drugs to an general audience using a range of audio-visual tools. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Explain how diseases arise and disrupt normal physiological function and appraise the technologies used to diagnose, treat, and cure diseases. (1.1)
- Collect, accurately record, interpret, and draw conclusions from data to solve real-world medical problems, and infer how the results of medical research can be translated to improve patient outcomes. (2.1)
- Evaluate ethical, social, and cultural issues in medical science in local and global contexts and work responsibly, safely and with respect to diversity and regulatory frameworks. (3.1)
- Reflect upon, independently evaluate, and critically appraise current evidence-based literature to identify medical problems or unmet medical needs and creatively translate medical research results to improve the clinical care of patients. (4.1)
- Effectively communicate medical science knowledge and research information, and the importance thereof, to a range of audiences using a variety of modes, independently and collaboratively. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject addresses the following Science Graduate Attributes:
Graduate attribute 1. Disciplinary knowledge
During the lecture and tutorials, you will learn the pharmacological principles of drugs used to treat cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, neoplasms, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Your understanding of the concepts in this subject will be applied to discussions of the pharmacology and rational use of drugs presented in clinical case scenarios. You will learn about existing or new drugs and compare them with recommended therapeutic agents. Your comprehension and competency of pharmacology will also be assessed in the online quizzes.
Graduate attribute 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Using the textbook and the lecture handouts as your guide, you can enhance your learning experience by reading relevant published scientific literature. You will read, evaluate and compare articles from peer-reviewed journals in order to complete the assessment tasks in this subject.
Graduate attribute 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
For this subject, you will need excellent time management and organisational skills in order to complete the assessment tasks on time. To gather information and to coordinate activities with your subject coordinator, peers and other UTS staff, you will exercise professional and ethical behaviour. Using clinical case scenarios in the tutorials, you will learn how to apply your knowledge about pharmacology, including the rational use of drugs for medical conditions.
Graduate attribute 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity
Drugs are an important part of the management of medical conditions in the community. New drugs and new pharmacologic activities of existing drugs are discovered and developed to address new problems of existing diseases, to treat new diseases, or to replace older drugs. For the clinical case scenarios in the tutorials, you will discuss the recommended drugs for selected medical conditions as well as identify the associated side effects and their management. For your assessment task, you will also prepare a visual presentation about a drug to educate your viewers about the evidence for the drug’s approved use.
Graduate attribute 5. Communication
Through the assessment tasks in this subject, you will further develop your academic and professional written and verbal communication skills. You should be able to clearly and effectively convey the pharmacologic concepts of drugs and their application.
Teaching and learning strategies
To utilise the class times efficiently, you are encouraged to always read the relevant materials before coming to class. You will find all of the relevant material for this subject, including recommended textbook, lecture handouts, and practical manual in Canvas. Please bring your relevant notes to every tutorial. You will have time during this activity to discuss the content with your peers and make further notes to consolidate your learning.
Subject content will be delivered as interactive lectures which include discussion of cases and questions related to the lecture topics. In preparation for the interactive lectures, view the pre-lecture videos for selected topics in Canvas.
In addition to the lectures, you are strongly encouraged to attend the tutorial and practical classes (see Program). These two-hour tutorials expand, reinforce, and supplement theoretical material from lectures by using clinical case scenarios. Consider these as revision activities about the completed lectures. In preparation for the tutorials, you must read the associated lecture materials. These tutorials will cover four major topics: neuropharmacology, cardiovascular drugs, antimicrobials, and cancer chemotherapy (and related drugs). During the tutorials, you should participate in the discussion of the answers to the questions about the clinical case scenarios and will receive feedback from your peers and tutors. Discussions will involve analysis of the clinical case scenarios and correlating them with the pharmacology of the drugs.
Content (topics)
Concepts of drug efficacy, side effects, drug-receptor interactions, genetics, agonists, and antagonists at an advanced level relevant to medicine, industry and research.
This subject will cover 6 Modules. Neuropharmacology; Antimicrobials and tropical medicine; Cardiorespiratory pharmacology; Gastrointestinal pharmacology and analgesics; Cancer pharmacology; Drug design and clinical toxicology.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Video
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 4, 5 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 5 minute video presentation |
| Criteria: | Your assessment task will be marked based on the following: the accuracy and completeness of information, creativity and the ability to effectively communicate the concepts or ideas and to use digital media effectively, presentation skills, quality of research, accuracy in referencing the literature, images, music, or other video footages, and the ability to put the topic into broader context. |
Assessment task 2: Report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 5 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 1000 words |
| Criteria: | Your assessment task will be marked based on the following: the accuracy and completeness of information, analysis and interpretation of data, quality of research, accuracy in referencing the literature, and the ability to put the topic into broader context. |
Assessment task 3: Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | You have one hour to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed based on the accuracy of your answers to the multiple-choice questions that draw on your ability to apply your understanding of the topics and evaluate information in the questions. |
Minimum requirements
You must achieve a final grade of at least 50%. You are strongly encouraged to attend all tutorial and practical sessions.
Recommended texts
The UTS Coursework Assessment Policy and Procedure Manual is required reading.
Students should possess at least ONE of the following two textbooks:
Rang, HP, Ritter, JM, Flower RJ, & Henderson, G. Rang & Dale's Pharmacology (Elsevier): This book is extremely clear and points are made with sufficient background for understanding. The basic science of pharmacology in section 1 is quite outstanding with recent information integrated with historical background. The text is remarkably up-to-date, even in rapidly developing areas and the information is presented in such a way as to make the book stimulating to read. The book does not contain all the toxicology that is covered in the subject Pharmacology 2.
Brunton, LL, Chabner, BA, & Knollman, BC. (ed) Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (McGrath-Hill): An excellent up-to-date and comprehensive text. In general it deals with topics in greater depth than Rand, Dale & Ritter, and places more emphasis on the therapeutic aspects of drugs. It is an American textbook hence employs the American rather than British/Australian nomenclature.
Comment: Rang & Dale's Pharmacology is highly recommended for Science students on the grounds of price, accuracy and the up-to-date quality of the information, clarity and conciseness. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics provides a very comprehensive treatment of a wide range of topics in pharmacology and toxicology; some students, however, may find the detailed treatment of each topic daunting.
Both books are available online in the UTS Library (https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/).
References
The more sources you use for study, the better the level of understanding that you gain. The following are suggested book titles. If you have access to other texts, they should not be older than about five years. Otherwise, check with your subject coordinator or tutor.
- Australian Medicines Handbook
- Bullock, S & Manias, E. Fundamentals of Pharmacology. Pearson.
- Dale, MM & Dickenson. Companion to Pharmacology. Churchill Livingstone.