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Overview

Safe and effective use of medicines for treating human diseases.

This paper explores human pharmacology, delving into the therapeutic actions of medicines in treating diseases and pathology across diverse body systems. It investigates the influence of genetic and environmental factors on pharmacokinetics, patient variability and the outcomes of treatment, including potential medicine-related toxicities. Equipping students with essential skills, it focuses on the evaluation of both experimental and clinical trial evidence, empowering them to make informed choices regarding the safe and effective use of medicines.

About this paper

Paper title Pharmacology: Medicines and Diseases
Subject Pharmacology
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One of PHAL 211, PHAL 212, PHAL 221 or PHAL 241
Restriction
PHAL 304
Recommended Preparation
BIOC 222
Schedule C
Science
Contact
pharmacology@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Convenor: Professor John Ashton

2026 teaching staff to be confirmed.

Paper Structure

PHAL 313 has lectures, tutorials and laboratories.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global Perspective, Scholarship, Critical Thinking, Communication, Life-Long Learning, Research, Self-Motivation, Teamwork, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Explain and apply principles of pharmacokinetics, including medicine absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
  • Describe how genetic and environmental factors can influence pharmacokinetics leading to different individual treatment outcomes
  • Describe common medicine-related toxicities and recommend management or prevention strategies to improve patient safety
  • Describe the mechanism of action of medicines relative to their clinical outcomes
  • Evaluate the safe and effective use of medicines to treat diseases within various body systems
  • Integrate experimental evidence into informed decisions regarding medicine use
  • Apply the principles of evidence-based medicine to the review of clinical trials
Assessment details

PHAL 313 is assessed through a final exam (60%) and internal assessments (40%) which may include laboratory worksheets, evidence-based medicine assignment and test.

Overview

Safe and effective use of medicines for treating human diseases.

This paper explores human pharmacology, delving into the therapeutic actions of medicines in treating diseases and pathology across diverse body systems. It investigates the influence of genetic and environmental factors on pharmacokinetics, patient variability and the outcomes of treatment, including potential medicine-related toxicities. Equipping students with essential skills, it focuses on the evaluation of both experimental and clinical trial evidence, empowering them to make informed choices regarding the safe and effective use of medicines.

About this paper

Paper title Pharmacology: Medicines and Diseases
Subject Pharmacology
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (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
One of PHAL 211, PHAL 212, PHAL 221 or PHAL 241
Restriction
PHAL 304
Recommended Preparation
BIOC 222
Schedule C
Science
Contact
pharmacology@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Convener: Professor John Ashton

Paper Structure

PHAL 313 paper structure comprises lectures, tutorials and laboratories.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global Perspective, Scholarship, Critical Thinking, Communication, Life-Long Learning, Research, Self-Motivation, Teamwork, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Explain and apply principles of pharmacokinetics, including absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
  • Describe how genetic and environmental factors can influence pharmacokinetics, leading to different individual treatment outcomes
  • Describe common medicine-related toxicities and recommend management or prevention strategies to improve patient safety
  • Describe the mechanism of action of medicines relative to their clinical outcomes
  • Evaluate the safe and effective use of medicines to treat diseases within various body systems
  • Integrate experimental evidence into informed decisions regarding medicine use
  • Apply the principles of evidence-based medicine to the review of clinical trials
Assessment details

PHAL 313 is assessed through:

  • A final exam (60%).
  • Internal assessments (40%) which may include laboratory worksheets, evidence-based medicine assignment and test.
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