PMED1300 Pharamacology and Drug Calculations Course description

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their mechanisms of action and use. The subject covers basic knowledge of how drugs affect the body and the effects of drugs in selected disease conditions. The subject also includes drug calculations, which are a prerequisite for safe drug management.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can explain key pharmacodynamic concepts and pharmacokinetic processes
• has knowledge of different types of drugs and routes of administration
• can explain the effect of pharmaceuticals relating to the treatment of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease and neurological disease
• can explain the importance of pharmaceuticals used against pain and nausea
• has knowledge of pharmaceuticals used against diseases of the digestive system, endocrine organs and musculoskeletal system
• can explain the pharmacological effects and probable side effects of relevant groups of pharmaceuticals
• can explain key terms in medication dosage calculations

Skills

The student

• is capable of independently performing faultless medication calculations, and can evaluate and verify one's own and others' computations as part of professionally responsible medication management
• can employ a safe approach in preparation and administration of medications

General competence

The student

• has a basis for familiarising him/herself with the effects of new pharmaceuticals

The work and teaching methods vary between lectures, study groups and self-study. There will also be skills training in drug calculations and in preparation and administration of medication (including placement of peripheral intravenous catheters and establishing infusion therapy).

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Minimum attendance of 90% in simulation and skills training
• Minimum attendance of 80% in study groups

Combined assessment:

Part 1 Pharmacology: Individual oral exam, up to 20 minutes.

Part 2 Drug Calculations: Supervised individual written exam, 3 hours.

Part 1 and Part 2 can be taken independently of each other. The student must have obtained a pass grade on both parts in order to pass the course as a whole and earn the credits. The Drug Calculations exam (part 2) must be entirely without error in order for the student to pass the exam and complete the course.

Part 1 Pharmacology: No aids permitted

Part 2 Drug Calculations: Calculator

Part 1 Pharmacology: Grade scale A-F

Part 2 Drug Calculations: Pass/fail

Part 1 Pharmacology: All answers are assessed by two examiners. An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

Part 2 Drug Calculations: All answers are reviewed by one examiner. An external examiner is regularly involved in the design of assignment sets and assessment criteria, at least every third completion of the course.

• 7.5 credits overlap with the course PARA1410 Pharmacology and Drugs Administration
• 1 credit overlaps with the course PARA1500 Drug Calculations