Foundations of Pharmacology

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PHAR 2002
Course ID icon
Course ID
200402
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

Students will learn the general principles of pharmacology including drug classification, formulation, administration and basic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Students will build on knowledge gained in foundational courses on human anatomy, biology and physiology. Further knowledge will be gained on commonly prescribed drugs used to treat various diseases. Emphasis is placed on clinical pharmacology including polypharmacy, side effects, adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. This course will provide foundational knowledge relevant to broad programs.

  • Getting Started
  • Introduction To Pharmacology And Pharmacodynamics
  • Pharmacokinetics And Nervous System
  • Pharmacological Treatments And Clinical Aspects

Course learning outcomes

  • Differentiate the fundamental principles of pharmacology (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics), and identify the sites and major mechanisms of drug action
  • Describe the concept of agonist and antagonist activities of drugs and apply this to the mechanism of action of drugs
  • Describe the ways drugs are administered, absorbed and distributed in the body and explain the factors influencing these processes
  • Explain how different classes of drugs used to treat various diseases act on physiological, biochemical and pathophysiological processes
  • Recognise common and important drug interactions and adverse reactions
  • Work effectively as part of a group and individually to examine assigned major drug classes including their use in the treatment of major human diseases and communicate findings

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A