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 program’s 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
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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.