Description This subject explores in depth clinical pharmacology fundamental to the practice of allied health (Physiotherapy, Podiatric Medicine and Paramedicine) and complementary medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine). General principles of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be discussed. Key drug categories affecting the main body systems will be introduced in terms of their mechanisms of action, adverse reactions and clinical applications. In the context of antimicrobial pharmacology, general concepts of microbiology will be introduced offering students an understanding of the causative microorganisms, the complex relationship between host and pathogen, the pharmacological actions of antimicrobial drugs and the principles of infection control.
School Science
Discipline Pharmacology
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Equivalent Subjects LGYA 7037 - Clinical Pharmacology and Microbiology
Incompatible Subjects NATS 2026 - Pharmacology
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
discuss basic pharmacological concepts and ethical and legal requirements of pharmacotherapy in health settings
explain the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
describe major types of drugs in each drug category
explain the mechanism of actions, adverse reactions and clinical applications of each drug category
describe the structure, function, classification, growth of microorganisms and their roles in health and disease
explain the principles of immunological response to infections and apply microbiology theory to the infection control
explain the principles of drug interactions and toxicity
discuss the clinical implications of drug usage and its impact on clinical practice
1. Introduction to pharmacology
- drug nomenclature and Classification
- drug formulations and administration
- drug development, evaluation and safety
- legal and Ethical Issues relating to pharmacotherapy
2. Pharmacokinetics
- drug absorption, Distribution, metabolism and Excretion
3. Pharmacodynamics
- mechanisms of drug action
4. Drug affecting central nervous system
- drugs used for anxiety and Depression
- Drugs used for Parkinson's disease
- Anticonvulsants, antispasmotics and muscle relaxants
- drugs used for multiple Sclerosis
5. Drugs affecting peripheral nervous system
- drugs affecting adrenergic transmission
- drugs affecting cholinergic transmission
- drugs affecting Neuromuscular transmission
6. Drugs affecting cardiovascular system
- Thrombolytic and anticoagulant drugs
- Lipid lowering drugs
- drugs used in angina
- Antiarrhythmic drugs
- Antihypertensive drugs
7. Drugs affecting respiratory system
- drugs used for Asthma
- drugs used for COPD and emphysema
- drug used for Cough
8. Drugs used for diabetes
- Hypoglycaemic drugs
- insulin
- treatment of diabetic neuropathy
9. Drugs affecting gastrointestinal system
- drugs used for peptic ulcer disease
- drugs used for Constipation and Diarrhoea
- drugs used for nausea and Vomiting
10. Drugs affecting urinary system
- Diuretics
- drugs for Urinary incontinence
11. Drugs for pain and inflammation
- Opioids
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroids and antirheumatic drugs
12. Antimicrobial drugs and infection control
- introduction to microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Mycology
- Virology
- infection, spread of infection and infection control
- mechanism of action of antimicrobial chemotherapy
- antibiotics and synthetic antibacterial drugs
- Antiviral drugs
13. Drug interactions and toxicity
- mechanisms of drug toxicity
- principles of drug interactions
14. Clinical implications of drug usage (including children and the elderly) on clinical practice of physiotherapy, podiatry and TCM
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
