Students

MEDI2004 – Pharmacology Fundamentals

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor, Lecturer and Tutor
Marina Junqueira Santiago
Contact via email
Consultation by appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
30cp at 1000 level or above including (BMOL1001 or CBMS104 or CBMS107 or CHEM1001)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit will introduce the fundamental principles of drug action. You will study core concepts relating to drug disposition (pharmacokinetics) and how drugs act on the human body (pharmacodynamics). You will build your knowledge of chemical substances, from both outside and inside the body, and how they influence human health and disease. You will explore the mechanism of action and disposition of some commonly used groups of drugs, as well as reasons for variability in individual drug responses. Learning activities will include interactive tutorials, online activities, and lecture modules.Topics covered in this unit will help you to integrate knowledge of molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry and physiology with the science of drugs.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Apply the principles of pharmacokinetics in describing drug entry, distribution, metabolism and removal from the body.
  • ULO2: Identify major drug targets and mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level.
  • ULO3: Use pharmacodynamic principles to relate the concept of agonist and antagonist to the quantification of a drug effect.
  • ULO4: Describe the mechanism of action, adverse effects and drug interactions of some commonly used therapeutic agents.
  • ULO5: Outline the principles involved in individual variability of drug response and interactions between drugs.
  • ULO6: Discuss key stages of drug development including the regulatory process in Australia.
  • ULO7: Effectively communicate your knowledge of pharmacology at an individual level and within a team environment.
  • ULO8: Reflect on your misconceptions to enhance your understanding and performance.

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark, which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure.

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up to the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

75

0

Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. Submission of assessments after 7 days can be accepted at the discretion of the unit convenor and may be considered in determining whether you have met the learning outcomes of the unit to support passing the unit.

Special Consideration

If you are unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date due to circumstances that are unexpected, unavoidable, significantly disruptive and beyond your control, you may apply for special consideration. This is in accordance with the Special Consideration Policy. Applications for special consideration must be supported by appropriate evidence and submitted via ask.mq.edu.au. Other than in exceptional circumstances, only one (1) opportunity for a supplementary examination will be provided.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Reflective learning assignment 20% No 03/11/2025
Group Role Play and viva 30% No Week 9
End of session examination 50% No Formal exam period

Reflective learning assignment

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: 03/11/2025
Weighting: 20%

 

You will review your answers in online resources, discuss pharmacology misconceptions and reflect on your learning process through critical self-assessment.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply the principles of pharmacokinetics in describing drug entry, distribution, metabolism and removal from the body.
  • Identify major drug targets and mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level.
  • Use pharmacodynamic principles to relate the concept of agonist and antagonist to the quantification of a drug effect.
  • Describe the mechanism of action, adverse effects and drug interactions of some commonly used therapeutic agents.
  • Outline the principles involved in individual variability of drug response and interactions between drugs.
  • Discuss key stages of drug development including the regulatory process in Australia.
  • Effectively communicate your knowledge of pharmacology at an individual level and within a team environment.
  • Reflect on your misconceptions to enhance your understanding and performance.

Group Role Play and viva

Assessment Type 1: Simulation/role play
Indicative Time on Task 2: 27 hours
Due: Week 9
Weighting: 30%

 

You will submit a recorded group role-play video and individually answer viva questions to demonstrate your ability to apply fundamental pharmacology concepts to the drugs assigned to your group.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply the principles of pharmacokinetics in describing drug entry, distribution, metabolism and removal from the body.
  • Identify major drug targets and mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level.
  • Use pharmacodynamic principles to relate the concept of agonist and antagonist to the quantification of a drug effect.
  • Describe the mechanism of action, adverse effects and drug interactions of some commonly used therapeutic agents.
  • Outline the principles involved in individual variability of drug response and interactions between drugs.
  • Effectively communicate your knowledge of pharmacology at an individual level and within a team environment.
  • Reflect on your misconceptions to enhance your understanding and performance.

End of session examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: Formal exam period
Weighting: 50%

 

You will complete a formal exam that uses a combination of question types assessing content delivered across the session. You will complete this assessment under examination conditions during the University examination period.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply the principles of pharmacokinetics in describing drug entry, distribution, metabolism and removal from the body.
  • Identify major drug targets and mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level.
  • Use pharmacodynamic principles to relate the concept of agonist and antagonist to the quantification of a drug effect.
  • Describe the mechanism of action, adverse effects and drug interactions of some commonly used therapeutic agents.
  • Outline the principles involved in individual variability of drug response and interactions between drugs.
  • Discuss key stages of drug development including the regulatory process in Australia.
  • Effectively communicate your knowledge of pharmacology at an individual level and within a team environment.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities, including tutorials, online modules, videos and lectures. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Recommended Readings

Unit readings are available via Leganto and the university library website.

The recommended textbook for this unit is:

  1. Rang and Dale's Pharmacology, 9th Edition. H. P. Rang, J. M. Ritter, R. J. Flower, and G. Henderson, (Elsevier 2020)

Technology Used

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. 

Unit Schedule

Proposed schedule. Note that due to unforeseen events, changes may happen.

 

Topic

Learning activities

Assessment task
Week 1

MEDI2004 Introductory Lecture

Introduction to Pharmacology (Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics)

Lecture (face-to-face and online module) and tutorial   
Week 2

Drug absorption and distribution

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial  
Week 3

Drug elimination: metabolism and excretion

Drug elimination: pharmacokinetics parameters

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial  
Week 4

Introduction to Pharmacodynamics

Quantification of drug effect

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial  
Week 5

Drug targets - Receptors, Enzymes and Transporters

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial  
Week 6

Ion Channels and diseases

Drug safety: Poisoning, adverse effects and drug interaction

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial  
Week 7

Small molecules vs biological drugs, and gene therapy

Pharmacogenomics (Individual variation)

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial  
Week 8

Rational drug design, clinical trials and Placebo effect 

Drug regulation in Australia: TGA, drug schedule and PBS 

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial

 

Week 9 

Native Plants and Traditional Aboriginal Medicines 

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial Group Role Play and viva
Week 10

Pharmacology of the Autonomic Nervous System

Anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs and corticosteroids

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial  
Week 11

Drugs and the respiratory system

Antihypertensives

Lectures (online modules) and tutorial  
Week 12

 Lipid-lowering drugs

Lecture (online module) and tutorial  
Week 13

Clinical Pharmacology (no tutorial)

Lecture face-to-face (no tutorial) Reflective Learning Assignment
Exam period     End of Session Examination

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

One assessment task has been modified to align with the new Macquarie University Assessment Principles. In previous offerings, students completed short quizzes, which have now been replaced by the Reflective Learning Assignment.

Inclusions and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join the activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook