Unit Outline

This unit will build your advanced scientific knowledge and clinical skills to critically evaluate the mode of action of medications in relation to their indications, side effects, and required laboratory monitoring. You will examine the pharmacological characteristics of major drug classes, along with specific considerations for individual medications. A focus on safe and effective prescribing across the life span will support therapeutic optimisation and reduce the risk of adverse events. The unit also explores principles of the Quality Use of Medicines and their application in clinical decision-making, prescribing practices, and medication access through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

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	Relate the mode of action of medications to the indication and side effects.
2	Justify which laboratory tests are advisable for a patient taking medications, as it relates to their mode of action.
3	Communicate pharmacological concepts to a range of audiences.
4	Apply Quality Use of Medicines and pharmacotherapeutic principles to clinical practice within the scope of practice.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This is the first delivery of this unit. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2026 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:	Pharmacology and Medication Principles assessment	Week 5	25 %	LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Case review	Week 10	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Individual Oral Case Presentation	Week 13	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Pharmacology and Medication Principles assessment

Task Description:

You will undertake an open book, online, short answer question assessment.

Task Length:

45 minutes

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply pharmacological concepts to clinical questions.	LO1
2	Apply Quality use of Medicine and pharmacotherapeutic principles to the clinical questions.	LO4
3	Communicate pharmacological concepts to a range of audiences.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Case review

Task Description:

Using a deidentified case, from a patient that you have cared for, complete the template found on MyLO regarding the patient's medication management.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Relate the indication of the medication to its mode of action.	LO1
2	Justify what side effects a patient is most likely to experience with these medications, relating it to the mode of action.	LO1
3	Justify any laboratory testing required for this patient related to the mode of action of the medication.	LO2
4	Resolve actual or potential and pharmacotherapeutic issues identified that would have impacted Quality Use of Medicines.	LO4
5	Communicate pharmacological concepts to patients and prescribers.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Individual Oral Case Presentation

Task Description:

Via zoom, you will undertake a review of a medication history, focusing on the pharmacology of the medications, justifying indication, potential side effects and laboratory testing that would be required. You will apply Quality Use of Medicines and pharmacotherapeutic principles to optimise the patient outcome. You will be allowed access to a limited number of resources for this assessment.

Task Length:

20 minutes

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Relate the indication of the medication to its mode of action.	LO1
2	Justify what side effects a patient is most likely to experience with these medications, relating it to the mode of action.	LO1
3	Justify any laboratory testing required for this patient related to the mode of action of the medication.	LO2
4	Apply Quality use of Medicine and pharmacotherapeutic principles to optimise patient outcomes	LO4
5	Communicate pharmacological concepts clearly using correct discipline specific terminology.	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.