James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

PC3301 - Integrated Therapeutics 2

Subject Description

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Australian population. Multiple factors contribute to a person's overall cardiovascular risk including nutrition, metabolism and other medical conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, renal disease and diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and smoking also play a role. Diabetes is a particularly important disease amongst this group, as it can lead to the failure of multiple organ systems, and has been increasing in Australia, particularly amongst Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the complex pathophysiological origins of cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes, and how these diseases inter-relate and affect each other. Students will also gain an understanding of renal disease, and its implications on patient health. Students will become proficient in recommending suitable treatment options to manage patients with multiple co-morbidities relating to the cardiovascular system. This subject provides a foundation for over-the-counter prescribing and the provision of unscheduled products, S2 and S3 medications, for patients who present to a pharmacist. Finally, students will also examine the implication of genetics in pharmacy practice focusing on common genetic disorders, the molecular biology of cancer, and an understanding of inter-patient variation in drug response.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop skills relating to the use of clinical guidelines and their application to the management of patients
• Describe the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of common cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases relevant to pharmacy practice
• Demonstrate appropriate screening, communication and clinical skills necessary for the prevention, identification, and management of these conditions and an understanding of the influence of genetics in pharmacy practice
• Recommend suitable drug treatments, including prescription, over-the-counter (unscheduled, S2 and S3), complementary and non-pharmacological treatment options and demonstrate knowledge and skill to refer when appropriate
• Demonstrate communication skills that are appropriate for practice as a pharmacist in a community or hospital pharmacy setting

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > End of semester exam - (30%)
• Invigilated > Other exams - (20%)
• Quizzes and tests - (25%)
• Assignments - (25%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students will be expected to have completed all core level 1 and 2 subjects.

Availabilities