Overview
Integration of established science knowledge, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, informing clinical decisions. Study of cases emphasising integration of concepts, complexity and the holistic nature of care and interventions.
Students will develop an advanced understanding of pharmacology in relation to medication administration, co-morbidities, drug interactions, misuse of drugs and substances, and polypharmacy. Pharmacology for key health issues and disease processes is examined. Students will integrate knowledge in complex, case-based learning scenarios.
About this paper
| Paper title | Nursing Science 3 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nursing |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (19 January 2026 - 15 May 2026) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,676.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- NURS 441 and NURS 442 and NURS 444 and NURS 446
- Limited to
- MNSc
- Eligibility
- An undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least three years' full-time study and a B average in the final two years of the degree.
- Contact
- More information link
- View more information about the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)
- Teaching staff
Convenor: Raisa Joensuu
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught face-to-face on the Christchurch campus. Some online attendance may be possible for distance learners.
- Textbooks
Recommended: Bryant, B., Knights, K., Darroch, S., & Rowland, A. (2022). Pharmacology for health professionals (6th ed). Australia: Elsevier.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Evidence of comprehensive knowledge of pharmacological principles, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, antimicrobial stewardship, adverse drug reactions, therapeutic drug monitoring, and polypharmacy
- Integrate pharmacological principles with pathophysiology, microbiology and epidemiology for safe, effective and rational pharmacotherapeutics in nursing practice, including monitoring and evaluation
- Critically analyse and apply research and best practice guidelines to provide person-centred care for patients requiring pharmacological therapy
- Evaluate impacts of patient-specific factors influencing drug dosing and regimens, including developmental/age-related variations and pharmacogenetic considerations
- Examine impacts of lack of engagement, drug misuse, and substance use disorders on clinical and social outcomes
- Relate legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks governing medication use to safe clinical practice, including reporting of errors or near misses
- Practice in accordance with the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies, professional standards, and the policies and procedures of clinical agencies.
Overview
Integration of established science knowledge, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, informing clinical decisions. Study of cases emphasising integration of concepts, complexity and the holistic nature of care and interventions.
Students will develop an advanced understanding of pharmacology in relation to medication administration, co-morbidities, drug interactions, misuse of drugs and substances and polypharmacy. Pharmacology for key health issues and disease processes is examined. Students will integrate knowledge in complex, case-based learning scenarios.
About this paper
| Paper title | Nursing Science 3 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nursing |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (18 January 2027 - 14 May 2027) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- NURS 441 and NURS 442 and NURS 444 and NURS 446
- Limited to
- MNSc
- Eligibility
An undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least three years' full-time study and a B average in the final two years of the degree.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information about the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc).
- Teaching staff
Convener: Raisa Joensuu
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught face-to-face on the Christchurch campus. Some online attendance may be possible for distance learners.
- Textbooks
Knights, K., Darroch, S., Rowland, A., & Bushell, M. (2023). Pharmacology for Health Professionals (6th ed.). Australia: Elsevier.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:
- Show evidence of comprehensive knowledge of pharmacological principles, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, antimicrobial stewardship, adverse drug reactions, therapeutic drug monitoring and polypharmacy.
- Integrate pharmacological principles with pathophysiology, microbiology and epidemiology for safe, effective and rational pharmacotherapeutics in nursing practice, including monitoring and evaluation.
- Critically analyse and apply research and best practice guidelines to provide person-centred care for patients requiring pharmacological therapy.
- Evaluate impacts of patient-specific factors influencing drug dosing and regimens, including developmental/age-related variations and pharmacogenetic considerations.
- Examine impacts of lack of engagement, drug misuse and substance use disorders on clinical and social outcomes.
- Relate legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks governing medication use to safe clinical practice, including reporting of errors or near misses.
- Practice in accordance with the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies, professional standards, and the policies and procedures of clinical agencies.