Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Drugs in Society

• Unit Code

  SCH2131

• Year

  2018

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Prof Melanie Ruth ZIMAN

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Description

This unit will introduce students to basic concepts of the pharmacology of many drugs including those most commonly used or abused in human society. The general mechanisms of drugs will be explained in such a way that little biological knowledge is required, but sufficient detail will be included to permit the student to understand the beneficial and harmful effects of many drugs. The course will include an overview of drug metabolism as well as the effects of drugs on the nervous system. One aspect of the course will be the study of drug addiction with specific attention focused on the current use of illicit drugs and the psychology and genetic basis of drug dependence. Lecturers will also encompass the current use of drugs to enhance sporting performance.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the benefits and dangers associated with drugs and explain their physiological effects.
2. Details the use and abuse of drugs in sport.
3. Explain the beneficial and/or detrimental effects of drugs on the nervous system.
4. Explain the principles of drug metabolism and drug action.
5. Explain the societal problems associated with drug abuse, and describe the psychological effects of drug dependence for both legitimate and illegitimate drugs.
6. Identify common over the counter drugs and illegal drugs and describe their physiological effects.
7. Understand genetic differences that affect the ability of individuals to metabolise drugs.

Unit Content

1. Adverse reactions to drugs: side effects predictable and unpredictable, allergic reactions; pathophysiology: types of drug allergies and suggested treatments; drugs during pregnancy: transfer across the placenta, teratogenic properties.
2. Antibiotics and anticrobials: history and discovery; evolution and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance; broad and narrow spectrum antibiotics; antiviral agents.
3. Basic pharmacokinetics: drug metabolism sites, mechanisms, factors affecting metabolism; drug interaction; drug absorption, distribution, excretion; drugs as agonists or inhibitors both competitive and non-competitive; pharmacodynamics: the mode of drug action, chemical, physical, physicochemical.
4. Common OTC (over-the-counter) drugs: upper respiratory tract infections: cough mixtures, antihistamines, analgesics; gastrointestinal: antacids, antiflaturants, ulcer treatments; vitamins and minerals.
5. Drug administration, absorption: oral preparation: tablet, enteric coated, sustained release; methods of drug delivery, oral, tropical, transdermal, injection; parenteral injection: intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous.
6. Drug use and abuse in sport: NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory analgesics), stimulants and anabolic steroids.
7. Neuropharmacology: overview of nervous system and chemical transmitters; drug use and design to mimic chemical transmitters; harmful effects of drugs on the nervous system.
8. Pharmacogenetics: good and poor metabolisers; susceptibility to adverse drug reactions.
9. Prescription (and illegal) drugs of dependence: narcotics (including heroin); Benzodiazepines; Barbiturates; stimulants: amphetamines and related drugs; cocaine; cocaine; mind-altering drugs: Hallucinogens: LSD, Mescaline, marijuana; inhalants (glue, petrol etc) and anaesethics.
10. Introduction: drug nomenclature and terminology; a brief history of drugs; drug use in different societies; drug therapy; identification of commonly abused drugs: a-z of street drugs; drug scheduling and drug laws.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and tutorials will be supported by audio-visual materials, web sites, textbooks and journal articles. Lectures will be presented by industry leaders in the field. Students are required to communicate the outcomes of their journal research and evaluation using appropriate technology in teams, to their peer groups. Presentations are evaluated for correct use of spoken English. If needed, students are referred to a learning advisor.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

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