PUBH 2003 Bugs and Drugs

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400621

Coordinator Lisa Wyatt Opens in new window

Description Throughout history humans have sought to control their well-being whether it be in response to disease-producing microbes or situations inherent in modern day life. This subject examines an eclectic range of treatments and technologies. Some have been triggered by ancient and enduring infectious foes such as smallpox and the plague or emerging menaces including Ebola and SARS. Others are nested within contemporary living and may be constructed as communicable in the social sense. Selected issues will be explored including agents utilised in the alteration of sensory perception including hallucinogens as well as reaction to and manipulation of body image.

School Nursing & Midwifery

Discipline Epidemiology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Assumed Knowledge

Basic understanding of structure and function of systems within the human body.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

illustrate how ancient ideas of disease contributed to the spread of infectious agents,
outline the implications of the germ theory of disease,
explain how technologic and immunologic advances affected available therapeutic options,
describe how changes to treatment modalities influenced the control of infectious disorders,
discuss the aetiology, transmission and therapeutics of emerging communicable diseases,
relate the concept of communicability to selected drug taking behaviours within a social context,
explain the dynamics and potential consequences of selected compounds used to alter sensory perceptions,
articulate the physiological implications of nominated drugs used inappropriately to redefine body image,
predict the potential effects of poly-drug combinations.

Subject Content

1. Introductory framework of microbes and human disease
2. Overview of significant discoveries in the ?egolden age of microbiology?f
3. Historically significant infectious diseases, e.g. smallpox, plague, typhoid, typhus, leprosy
4. Control through vaccination and therapeutics, e.g. TB, polio, measles
5. Enduring and emerging entities, e.g. malaria, hepatitis, meningitis, CJD, Ebola, ?egolden staph?f, HIV, SARS
6. Modern day disorders of drug use and abuse - issues related to social communicability
7. Agents used in the alteration of sensory perception, e.g. psychedelics, phencyclidine, lysergic acid diethylamide
8. Therapeutics utilised in the manipulation of body image, e.g. steroidal compounds, amphetamines

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.