University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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Table 1: Pharmacology

Unit outlines will be available though Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
 

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Pharmacology

For a major in Pharmacology, the minimum requirement is 24 credit points from senior units of study listed in this subject area.
Intermediate units of study
PCOL2021
Key Concepts in Pharmacology
6    A [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3)
P CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903
N PCOL2555 or PCOL2011 or MEDS2002 or BMED2401 or BMED2801 or BMED2802 or BMED2804 or BMED2805 or BMED2806 or BMED2807 or BMED2808 or MEDS2002
Semester 1
PCOL2022
Drugs in Contemporary Society
6    A PCOL2021
P [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3) and (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903)
N PCOL2555 or PCOL2012
Semester 2
PCOL2922
Drugs in Contemporary Society (Advanced)
6    A Fundamentals of pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and molecular pharmacology, for example, as taught in PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002 or (BMED2401 and BMED2405).
P An average mark of 70 or above in [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01)] and (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903).
N PCOL2012 or PCOL2022 or PCOL2555
Semester 2
Senior units of study
PCOL3011
Toxicology
6    P (PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2405)
N PCOL3911
Semester 1
PCOL3911
Toxicology (Advanced)
6    P a mark of 70 or above in [(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2405)]
N PCOL3011
Semester 1
PCOL3012
Drug Design and Development
6    P (PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or [BMED2401 and 6cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2405)] or 12cp from BCMB2XXX
N PCOL3912
Semester 1
PCOL3912
Drug Design and Development (Advanced)
6    P a mark of 70 or above in {(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or [BMED2401 and 6cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2405)] or 12cp from BCMB2XXX}
N PCOL3012
Semester 1
PCOL3022
Neuropharmacology
6    P (PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2402 and BMED2405) or (ANAT2010 or ANAT2910) or (PSYC2010 or PSYC2910 or PSYC2015)
N PCOL3922
Semester 2
PCOL3922
Neuropharmacology (Advanced)
6    P A mark of 70 or above in [(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2402 and BMED2405) or (ANAT2010 or ANAT2910) or (PSYC2010 or PSYC2910 or PSYC2015)]
N PCOL3022
Semester 2
PCOL3888
Pharmacology Interdisciplinary Project
6    P {(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or [BMED2401 and 12cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2405 or BMED2406)]} and PCOL2022
Semester 2

Pharmacology

For a major in Pharmacology, the minimum requirement is 24 credit points from senior units of study listed in this subject area.
Intermediate units of study
PCOL2021 Key Concepts in Pharmacology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Brent McParland Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online mini-lectures, webinars, discussion forums and self-directed learning activities; Face-to-face seminars, practicals, enquiry-, multimedia module- and data analysis-based workshops (5 hours per week for 13 weeks). Prerequisites: CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903 Prohibitions: PCOL2555 or PCOL2011 or MEDS2002 or BMED2401 or BMED2801 or BMED2802 or BMED2804 or BMED2805 or BMED2806 or BMED2807 or BMED2808 or MEDS2002 Assumed knowledge: [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3) Assessment: Cognitive, problem-based examination (40%), poster presentation (10%), practical exercises (20%), written research topics (10%), online quizzes (10%), and contribution to online discussion (10%). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Pharmacology is the study of the properties and biological actions of drugs and chemicals and the keys role they play in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. In this unit of study you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts in pharmacology: a) principles of drug action, b) pharmacokinetics and precision medicine, c) drug design, and d) drug development and regulation. Additionally, you will learn the tools pharmacologists use in their investigations and develop skills in laboratory and problem-based enquiry. In both face-to-face and online learning environments you will learn the core concepts underpinning pharmacology and will have the opportunity to explore and apply these concepts through practicals, computer-aided learning and problem-based workshops. By undertaking this unit you will not only learn to view health and disease through the lens of a pharmacologist, you will further develop valuable skills in critical thinking and problem solving, communication, digital literacy, teamwork and interdisciplinary effectiveness. This unit will help you to develop a coherent and connected knowledge of the medical sciences and their broad applications, while also giving you the foundations for increasing your disciplinary expertise in pharmacology.
Textbooks
All resources will be made available through the Canvas LMS UoS site. Links to other learning technologies will be available via Canvas LMS. Textbooks will be available for purchase from Co-op bookshop, in hard copy and online via the library.
PCOL2022 Drugs in Contemporary Society

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Hilary Lloyd Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online mini-lectures, webinars, discussion forums and self-directed learning activities; Face-to-face seminars, practicals, enquiry-, multimedia module- and data analysis-based workshops (5 hours per week for 13 weeks). Prerequisites: [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3) and (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903) Prohibitions: PCOL2555 or PCOL2012 Assumed knowledge: PCOL2021 Assessment: Online quizzes (10%), oral presentation (10%), practical exercises (20%), written research topics (10%), online discussion posts (10%), Final Exam (problem-based) (40%). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The prevention, control and treatment of many diseases and conditions remain major challenges within contemporary society. These challenges provide unique opportunities for pharmacologists to discover novel molecular targets for drug action. In this unit of study you will examine six major conditions that affect a range of body systems where improvements in treatment using pharmacotherapies are needed. In learning about unresolved issues, you will also evaluate the complexities of pharmacological treatment, including: ethical considerations, strength of evidence of drug efficacy, as well as safety and tolerability aspects of drug use. Using the tools of pharmacological enquiry you will further your practical and cognitive skills through laboratory- and problem-based enquiry. In both face-to-face and online learning environments you will explore a range of pharmacotherapeutic options currently available and will have the opportunity to research and apply your knowledge and understanding to unresolved health-related problems. By undertaking this unit you will develop your disciplinary expertise in pharmacology and further your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, digital literacy, teamwork and interdisciplinary effectiveness.
Textbooks
All resources will be made available through the Canvas LMS UoS site. Links to other learning technologies will be available via Canvas LMS. Textbooks will be available for purchase from Co-op bookshop, in hard copy and online via the library.
PCOL2922 Drugs in Contemporary Society (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: lectures, journal clubs, enquiry-led practicals, data workshops, asynchronous online activities, synchronous online discussion Prerequisites: An average mark of 70 or above in [(BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or (BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01)] and (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903). Prohibitions: PCOL2012 or PCOL2022 or PCOL2555 Assumed knowledge: Fundamentals of pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and molecular pharmacology, for example, as taught in PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002 or (BMED2401 and BMED2405). Assessment: online quizzes (10%), journal club presentation (10%), written exercises relating to practicals, including peer review (25%), contribution to online discussions (5%), research topics based on journal clubs (10%), final exam (problem-based exam; 40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The prevention, control and treatment of many diseases and conditions remain major challenges within contemporary society. These challenges provide unique opportunities for pharmacologists to discover novel molecular targets for drug action. In this unit of study you will examine six major conditions that affect a range of body systems where improvements in treatment using pharmacotherapies are needed. In learning about unresolved issues, you will also evaluate the complexities of pharmacological treatment, including: ethical considerations, strength of evidence of drug efficacy, as well as safety and tolerability aspects of drug use. Using the tools of pharmacological enquiry you will extend and deepen your practical and cognitive skills through small-group, mentored, laboratory- and problem-based enquiry. In both face-to-face and online learning environments you will explore a range of pharmacotherapeutic options currently available and will have the opportunity to research and apply your knowledge and understanding to unresolved health-related problems. By undertaking this unit you will extend your disciplinary expertise in pharmacology and deepen your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, digital literacy, teamwork and interdisciplinary effectiveness.
Textbooks
All resources will be made available through the Canvas LMS UoS site. Links to other learning technologies will be available via Canvas LMS. Textbooks will be available for purchase from Co-op bookshop, in hard copy and online via the library.
Senior units of study
PCOL3011 Toxicology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Slade Matthews Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures per week and one 3 hour tutorial/practical every 2 weeks and two practical sessions each 3 hours in length. Prerequisites: (PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2405) Prohibitions: PCOL3911 Assessment: One 2 hour exam, tutorial presentations, assignments (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to introduce students with a basic understanding of pharmacology to the discipline of toxicology. The study of toxicology is central to the assessment of drug safety in drug development and in the explanation of toxicology associated with registered drugs (adverse drug reactions) and drug-drug interactions. These issues as well as the pharmacogenetic basis of adverse reactions will be considered. Environmental toxicology, particularly toxic reactions to environmental agents such as asbestos and pesticides, and target organ toxicology (lung, liver, CNS) are also covered. The diverse world of plants and animal toxins will also be explored. As a final consequence of exposure to many toxicants, the biology and causes of cancer are discussed. As part of the unit students are introduced to basic ideas about the collection and analysis of data from human and animal populations, both in the structured situation of clinical trials, forensic problems and in analysis of epidemiological data.
Textbooks
Klaasen, Curtis D. Casarett and Doull's Essentials of Toxicology 2 ed. McGraw Hill. 2010, or, by the same authors: Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. 7 ed. McGraw Hill. 2008.
PCOL3911 Toxicology (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Slade Matthews Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures per week and one 3 hour tutorial/practical every second week. and two practical sessions each 3 hours in length Prerequisites: a mark of 70 or above in [(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2405)] Prohibitions: PCOL3011 Assessment: One 2 hour exam, tutorial presentations, assignments (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will consist of the lecture and practical components of PCOL3011. Students will be set special advanced assignments and additional practical data management activities related to the material covered in lectures and practical work. These may also involve advanced practical work or detailed investigation of a theoretical problem.
Textbooks
Klaasen, Curtis D. Casarett and Doull's Essentials of Toxicology 3rd ed. McGraw Hill. 2015.. or, by the same authors: Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. 8th ed. McGraw Hill. 2013.
PCOL3012 Drug Design and Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Rachel Codd Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures and one 3 hour tutorial/practical per week. Prerequisites: (PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or [BMED2401 and 6cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2405)] or 12cp from BCMB2XXX Prohibitions: PCOL3912 Assessment: One 2 hour exam, class and online quizzes, assignments (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study is designed to introduce students with a basic understanding of pharmacology to the field of medicinal chemistry associated with drug design and development. The course covers the fundamental aspects of drug discovery and development with reference to the essentials of chemistry and illustrates drug development with examples that include neuraminidase inhibitors and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The role of computers in drug design is emphasised by classwork and assignments on molecular modelling and structure-activity relationships. The course also extends to a section on the design of diverse pharmacological agents which include compounds for imaging by positron emission tomography (PET), and kinase inhibitors.
Textbooks
Patrick, Graham L. An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry. 5th edition. Oxford University Press. 2013.
PCOL3912 Drug Design and Development (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Rachel Codd Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures and one 3 hour tutorial/practical per week. Prerequisites: a mark of 70 or above in {(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or [BMED2401 and 6cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2405)] or 12cp from BCMB2XXX} Prohibitions: PCOL3012 Assessment: One 2 hour exam, in class and online quizzes, assignments (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will consist of the lecture and practical components of PCOL3012. Students will be set special advanced assignments related to the material covered in core areas. These may also involve advanced practical work or detailed investigation of a theoretical problem.
Textbooks
Patrick, Graham L. An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry. 5th edition. Oxford University Press. 2013.
PCOL3022 Neuropharmacology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sarasa Mohammadi Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures per week, five 1 hour tutorials, eight 2-4 hour practicals (total 24 hours) Prerequisites: (PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2402 and BMED2405) or (ANAT2010 or ANAT2910) or (PSYC2010 or PSYC2910 or PSYC2015) Prohibitions: PCOL3922 Assessment: One 2 hour theory exam, tutorial presentation, practical report, lecture quizzes and elective project (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study builds on pharmacological knowledge acquired in the 2000 level pharmacology units of study with a major emphasis on gaining an understanding of neuropharmacology. The neuropharmacology of the major neurotransmitters and their role in neuropsychiatric diseases is explored together with the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, movement disorders, stroke, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, pain and schizophrenia.
Textbooks
Nestler, EJ, Hyman, SE Holtzman, DM and Malenka, RC. Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundations for Clinical Neuroscience, 3rd ed. McGraw Hill, 2015.
PCOL3922 Neuropharmacology (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sarasa Mohammadi Session: Semester 2 Classes: Two 1 hour lectures per week, five 1 hour tutorials, eight 2-4 hour practicals (total 24 hours) Prerequisites: A mark of 70 or above in [(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2402 and BMED2405) or (ANAT2010 or ANAT2910) or (PSYC2010 or PSYC2910 or PSYC2015)] Prohibitions: PCOL3022 Assessment: One 2 hour theory exam, tutorial presentation, practical report, lecture quizzes and elective project (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study builds on pharmacological knowledge acquired in the 2000 level pharmacology units of study with a major emphasis on gaining an understanding of neuropharmacology. The neuropharmacology of the major neurotransmitters and their role in neuropsychiatric diseases is explored together with the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, movement disorders, stroke, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, pain and schizophrenia.
Textbooks
Nestler, EJ, Hyman, SE, Holtzman, DM and Malenka, RC. Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundations for Clinical Neuroscience, 3rd ed. McGraw Hill, 2015.
PCOL3888 Pharmacology Interdisciplinary Project

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Tina Hinton Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hrs lectures and 3hrs workshop/group work per week Prerequisites: {(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or [BMED2401 and 12cp from (BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2405 or BMED2406)]} and PCOL2022 Assessment: Assignments and written exam (50%), Project report (20%), Project oral presentation (10%), Team work participation and evaluation (20%). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Block mode
Our ever-changing world requires knowledge that extends across multiple disciplines. The ability to identify and explore interdisciplinary links is a crucial skill for emerging professionals and researchers alike. This unit presents the opportunity to bring together the concepts and skills you have learnt in your discipline and apply them to a real-world problem. For example, you will work on a project dealing with the big complexities and controversies in pharmacology. In this unit, you will continue to understand and explore disciplinary knowledge, while also meeting and collaborating with students from across the University through project-based learning; identifying and solving problems, collecting and analysing data and communicating your findings to a diverse audience. All of these skills are highly valued by employers. This unit will foster the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and this is essential for both professional and research pathways in future.