Module Specifications..
Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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Repeat examination The reassessment of this module is a formal examination. The resit examination follows the same format as the original assessment of 100 multiple choice questions spanning the entire course content which the students have not previously been examined on. |
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Description The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the principals of clinical pharmacology as applied in health care settings. In this module, students will develop an applied basic knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Students are introduced to the major drug groups that affect the differing bodily systems. Throughout this module, students are enabled to become self-directed learners; specifically in relation to the most appropriate means of accessing information about individual drugs, their usages, contraindications, dosages, and routes of administration. The practise of clinical skills; specifically, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration of medications are mandatory for completion of the module. Underpinning the above, the importance of the role of the nurse in drug administration and evaluation of their effectiveness is emphasized and students are given specific instruction on drug calculations. Participants are expected to attend lectures, contribute in class, attend clinical skills sessions, an engage in formative assessment throughout the module. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe their understanding of the concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in pharmacology. 2. Show their understanding of the differing drug groups and how each respectively acts on and influences the major bodily systems. 3. Express their application of the mathematical formulations required in the calculation of drug dosages. 4. Demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and clinical skills of administering subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Overview of module content.The students will be introduced to the structure of NS204, before an overview of the inception and evolution of clinical pharmacology to what it is today is examined.Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamicsThis section will introduce students to the key fundamentals and principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, while also introducing cell signaling and receptor activity in the context of pharmacology.Antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal drugsThis section will focus on the major groups of antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals used in healthcare today. A history of the development these drug groups will be given, whilst highlighting the issues relating to drug resistance in microorganisms.The Respiratory SystemThe students are introduced to the major drug groups that are used in disorders and diseases of the respiratory system. Clinical conditions are addressed to enable students link the theory of pharmacology to the medical treatment of various conditions / disease states.The Cardiovascular SystemThis section focuses on the major drug groups that are used in disorders and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Clinical conditions are addressed to enable students link the theory of pharmacology to the medical treatment of various conditions / disease states.The Central Nervous SystemThe role of the nervous system in neurotransmission and drug interactions will be outlined. Students will then be introduced to the major drug groups that are used in disorders and diseases of the central nervous system including neurodegenerative diseases, and also those used in mental health such as antidepressants, antimanic, and hypnotics. Clinical conditions are addressed to enable students link the theory of pharmacology to the medical treatment of various conditions.The Gastrointestinal SystemThe students are introduced to the major drug groups that are used in disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal system. Clinical conditions are addressed to enable students link the theory of pharmacology to the medical treatment of various conditions / disease states.The Endocrine SystemThe students are introduced to the major drug groups that are used in disorders and diseases of the endocrine system. Clinical conditions are addressed to enable students link the theory of pharmacology to the medical treatment of various conditions / disease states.The Urinary SystemThe students are introduced to the major drug groups that are used in disorders and diseases of the urinary system. Clinical conditions are addressed to enable students link the theory of pharmacology to the medical treatment of various conditions / disease states.Pain ManagementThis section focuses on the concept of ‘pain’ and the pharmacological management of acute and chronic forms of such.Injection Technique in all Client GroupsThis section focuses on training the students to practically deliver intramuscular and subcutaneous injections in all client groups. Theory which highlights the differing sites for both intramuscular and subcutaneous injections in all client groups, the respective advantages and disadvantages associated with such, and evidence-based evolution of each respective technique is presented to the students in the administration of these injections.Concordance and Self-MedicationResearch-based evidence is discussed with the students which focuses on a) issues which affect client concordance with medications and b) societal and cultural issues surrounding self-medication.Drug Calculations and MathsThis section focuses on introducing the students to the most common mathematical calculations employed in the calculation of drug dosages. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 60983, Website, 0, Rxlist website, http://www.rxlist.com, 60984, Website, 0, Medicines Ireland -regulatory website for Irish medicines, http://www.medicines.ie, 60985, Website, 0, Drug Calculation online test, http://www.testandcalc.com/, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes
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| Date of Last Revision | 06-OCT-10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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