James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

PP3251:03

Systemic Pathophysiology and Therapeutics

Townsville

Prerequisites: PP2101 PP2201

36 lectures, 36 hours practicals. Second semester.

Staff: Dr A-M Babey, Professor P Summers (Co-ordinators).

The pathophysiology of the human organ systems and the rationales behind therapeutic intervention. The organ systems studied include the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and endocrine systems.

Learning Objectives:

  1. how the normal functioning of the human organ systems may become transformed in the disease state, e.g. airway hypersensitivity in asthma;
  2. the biochemical and functional imbalances which lead to pathophysiological changes in organ function;
  3. how drug treatments may be used to correct these biochemical and functional imbalances, helping to restore normal function;
  4. the aims in developing highly specific and selective drug treatments and the problems associated with drug side effects.

Assessment by one three-hour examination (50%); attendance at practical classes and practical examination (30%); assignments (20%).