Course overview
This course will provide a general introduction to pathology and the basic pharmacological concepts and principles needed to understand mechanisms of disease and treatment. Topics covered include the classification, causes and mechanisms of basic tissue processes underlying disease and how drugs interact with cellular targets to elicit cellular and physiological responses. These concepts will be illustrated by examining major drug classes and their use in the treatment of major human diseases. This course aligns with the programs intent to provide a broad and interdisciplinary understanding of the human body in health and disease.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts in modern pharmacology and pathophysiology, including familiarity with drug and receptor interactions and basic pharmacokinetic concepts
- Describe the cellular and tissue changes and predisposing factors of a range of human diseases, and how drug actions can be exploited in the treatment of human diseases
- Demonstrate an understanding of unique pathology, pathophysiological and pharmacology factors impacting different population groups and disease outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of advances in pharmacological treatment of common human diseases
- Acquire, read, interpret and synthesise information from a variety of sources in a planned and timely manner
- Develop a critical and enquiring approach to the study of pathology, pathophysiology and pharmacology