Foundations of Pharmacology

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PHAR 2002
Course ID icon
Course ID
200402
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Pharm and Biomed Sci
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Janet Coller
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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

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

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 23297
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 40
Available
Available 33
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 1:10pm - 3pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
5 May - 2 Jun Tuesday 1:10pm - 3pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
Class number
Class number 23296
Section
Section WS02
Size
Size 40
Available
Available 35
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
7 May - 4 Jun Thursday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
Class number
Class number 21455
Section
Section WS03
Size
Size 40
Available
Available 40
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 9:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 9:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
Class number
Class number 21454
Section
Section WS04
Size
Size 40
Available
Available 34
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 11:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 11:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
Class number
Class number 20754
Section
Section WS05
Size
Size 40
Available
Available 38
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Helen Mayo South, SG25

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed all of BIOL1003 Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells/BIOL1004 Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms/HBIO1002 Human Anatomy and Physiology A/HBIO1003 Human Anatomy and Physiology B

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.