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PHA503 - Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care B

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Pharmacy

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Must have passed 1 unit in (PHA502)

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit delves into the pathophysiology of the central nervous system and cancer, alongside the pharmacology of medicines that target these conditions. You'll learn to apply this knowledge in real-world contexts, particularly in dispensing and counseling patients on these medicines. A strong focus is placed on developing patient-centered medicines management plans tailored to individual needs.

Building on the ethical, legal, and professional foundations introduced in Introduction to Pharmacy (PHA501), you'll further enhance your triage and communication skills. This will enable you to confidently provide over-the-counter medicines, offer education and lifestyle advice, or refer clients to other healthcare professionals or services when appropriate.

To bridge theory and practice, you'll participate in a weekly professional placement (one day per week, 7.5 hours) in an approved pharmacy setting. This includes an inter-professional practice component, giving you valuable experience working collaboratively within the broader healthcare team.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Reliably predict drug efficacy and patient outcomes using the principles of clinical pharmacology, biochemistry, and pathophysiology for medicines used on the central nervous and gastrointestinal systems and cancer and anti-neoplastic medicines.
2.	Develop a patient centred medication management plan
3.	Confidently apply appropriate clinical skills and communication strategies as part of a multidisciplinary clinical setting and influence as required.
4.	Accurately dispense medicines in accordance with relevant legal, professional, and ethical requirements.
5.	Assist in the management of minor illnesses using over the counter medicines, complementary therapies and referral appropriately.
6.	Develop links between theory and workplace skills through observation and participation while undertaking clinical placement.
7.	Reflect critically on workplace practices and performance feedback to identify professional development learning opportunities.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Weekly Workshop Discussion and Participation (11 x 500 words) (Hurdle)	P/F	1,2,3,4,5
2.	Online Test 1 (30 mins)	5%	1,2
3.	Medication Management Case Study (2 x 1500 words) (Hurdle)	25%	1,2,3
4.	Simulation and Extension Activities (1 hour) (Hurdle)	P/F	1,2,3,4,5,7
5.	Professional Practice WIL Portfolio Weekly Reflections (10 x 750 words) (Hurdle)	20%	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
6.	Professional Practice WIL Portfolio Attendance (10 x 7.5 hours) (Hurdle)	P/F	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
7.	Professional Practice Preceptor Evaluation of Student Competencies (Hurdle)	P/F	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
8.	Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) (25 mins)	20%	1,2,4,5
9.	Final Oral Exam (30 mins)	20%	1,3,4,5
10.	Final Written Exam (60 mins)	10%	1,2

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 2	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
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