Unit Outline

This unit provides an introduction to the study of therapeutic agents, probing into the fundamental concepts of therapeutic agent-target interactions and the intricate processes governing therapeutic agent metabolism within the human body. A major part of the unit consists of a detailed account of the pharmacology of therapeutic agents that affect selected organ systems. The content connects the foundational knowledge of organ system pathophysiology and the basic pharmacology of therapeutic agents affecting that system. The unit mainly focuses on two major body systems, the cardiovascular system and the endocrine system. You will gain a deep understanding of how therapeutic agents impact these crucial physiological pathways.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Explain the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents.
2	Describe the mechanisms of action of therapeutic agents, emphasising both their intended effects and potential adverse effects.
3	Communicate pharmacological concepts clearly and effectively.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CZZ101 or CXA137
Concurrent Pre-requisite	CZZ102 or CXA144

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to the feedback from previous student cohort, changes have been made which include adjustments to assessments and Learning Outcomes.
As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2025, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Test 1	Week 4	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Test 2	Week 6	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	In class assessment	Week 12	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	End of study period/semester examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Test 1

Task Description:

You will complete an online, face-to-face internally invigilated, mid study period/semester test comprised of multiple-choice questions and short- answer questions based on the content of the online modules.

Task Length:

30 minutes

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the mechanism of action of therapeutic agents.	LO2
2	Apply pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts to therapeutic agents.	LO1
3	Explain pharmacological concepts using appropriate academic conventions.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Test 2

Task Description:

You will complete an online, face-to-face test comprised of multiple-choice questions and short answer questions based on the content of the online modules.

Task Length:

45 minutes

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain how therapeutic agents work to have the desired clinical effect.	LO2
2	Describe how the mechanism of action of therapeutics agents results in adverse effects.	LO2
3	Apply pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts to therapeutic agents.	LO1
4	Explain pharmacological concepts using appropriate academic conventions.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: In class assessment

Task Description:

You will complete an in-class, team-based assessment completing a worksheet about a fictitious drug

Task Length:

500 words

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply pharmacological concepts to a fictitious drug to determine its clinical effect.	LO2
2	Apply pharmacological concepts to a fictitious drug to identify potential side effects.	LO2
3	Apply pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information of a fictitious drug to clinical scenario(s).	LO1
4	Explain pharmacological concepts using appropriate academic conventions.	LO3

Assessment Task 4: End of study period/semester examination

Task Description:

You will complete an online, face-to-face examination comprised of multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions based on the content of the online modules and workshops.
Examination - invigilated (internally)

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain how the mechanism of action of therapeutic agents results in a clinical effect.	LO2
2	Apply pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts to therapeutic agents.	LO1
3	Explain how the mechanisms of action of a therapeutic agent result in specific and adverse effects.	LO2
4	Explain pharmacological concepts using appropriate academic conventions.	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

Although there are no prescribed textbooks for Pharmacology the following textbook is recommended, as it will be a useful resource throughout your studies in this Unit.
Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology, Eighth edition, Churchill Livingstone.