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 ) | $1,243.65 |
| 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: Associate Professor John Ashton
2025 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.