James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

PC3003:03

Integrated Metabolism and Nutrition for Pharmacists

Townsville

Inadmissible Subject Combination: PP1210

36 lectures, 12 tutorials, 36 hours practicals. Second semester.

Available to level 3 Bachelor of Pharmacy students.

Staff: Dr R Rasiah, Dr R Towner, Ms I Patel, Dr M Ridd, Dr E Teleni.

Patients frequently present to pharmacists with common ailments of the gastrointenstinal system and for advice about nutrition and supplements. Students will be taught the fundamentals of the pharmaceutics of liquid dosage forms and their use in therapeutics and the appropriate use of complementary, traditional and alternative medicines. The subject will also cover the formulation, manufacture, storage and transportation of sterile dosage forms, such as total parenternal nutrition and intravenous fluids and the importance of maintaining cold chain in rural areas. The relevance of metabolic processes in designing drug regimes for patients that include the appropriate use of complementary and alternative therapies will also be covered.

Students will explore the pathophysiology, therapeutics and prevention of common gastrointestinal and eating disorders and the fundamentals of pharmaceutics. The nutritional status of the patient and the importance of adequate nutrition will be discussed, including the nutritional needs of infants.

Learning Objectives:

  1. demonstrate and apply the pharmaceutical principles underlying liquid dosage formulations used by the pharmacist in dispensing;
  2. develop an understanding of the principles of nutrition, dietetics and the nutritional requirements of infants;
  3. describe the pathophysiology and therapeutics of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary system and eating disorders;
  4. demonstrate an understanding of the metabolic processes and their relevance to drug metabolism;
  5. demonstrate an understanding of the use of over the counter medications, complementary, traditional and alternative medicines and the contraindications for use with some prescribed medications;
  6. outline the principles of sterile manufacturing.

Assessment by a three-hour written examination (50%); laboratory attendance and reports (5%); assignment (15%), clinical pharmacy dispensing practical examination (30%). Other assessment details should be checked with the academic adviser in Pharmacy.