Foundations of Pharmacology (UoA)

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
PHAR 2021
Course ID icon
Course ID
207820
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
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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.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

Pharmacology is the study of uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs. Drugs play a key role in the treatment of many human diseases and are used to cure and manage disease. In this course students will learn the general principles of pharmacology including drug classification, formulation, administration and basic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Drugs affecting the nervous system and major organs will be explored, and the concept of selective toxicity to treat infection will be introduced. Students will gain knowledge in commonly prescribed drugs, the role of clinical trials, over the counter and complementary medications, drugs of dependence and drugs in sport. Emphasis is placed on clinical pharmacology including polypharmacy, side effects, adverse drug reactions and drug interactions.

Course learning outcomes

  • Differentiate the fundamental principles of pharmacology (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics), and identify the sites and major mechanisms of drug action.
  • Describe the ways drugs are administered, absorbed and distributed in the body and explain the factors influencing these processes.
  • Describe the concept of agonist and antagonist activities of drugs and apply this to the mechanism of action of drugs.
  • 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.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A