Module Title:Drug Actions and Uses
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be taught in three, one-hour lectures plus one, one-hour practical class per week. Pre-reading material (available on Blackboard) will encourage students to explore topics prior to lectures/practical classes and self-assess existing knowledge. Lectures will cover the underlying pathophysiology of common conditions. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies [aligned with international best practice] will be presented in appropriate detail. Q&A sessions, group discussion and prescription review will allow students to relate theory to the management of conditions with an emphasis on a holistic view of patient care within a pharmacy context and strategies to support self-management. The practical element will include prescription analysis and filling and exploration of the management of common conditions through case studies.
Module Aim: On completion of this module the student will have a knowledge of the pathophysiology of common diseases and how pharmacological interventions assist in their treatment. Students will have the skills and competencies needed to dispense drugs safely under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Describe the pathology of common medical conditions and risk factors which contribute to them.
LO2 Outline drugs prescribed in the management of common medical conditions, relate the mechanism of action of drugs to the pathology of the particular condition, explain the rationale behind drug combinations.
LO3 Assess drugs therapy [prescribed for common medical conditions] with regard to appropriateness of drug dosage, drug regimens, treatment durations, common cautions, side-effects and drug-drug interactions.
LO4 Outline evidence-based strategies and advice for patients, to facilitate self-management of common medical conditions, as appropriate for a pharmacy technician.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
Successful completion of year 1 or equivalent
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
The integumentary system
Pathology and treatment of common skin disorders including eczema, psoriasis, acne.
The respiratory system
Pathology and treatment of common respiratory conditions including asthma, chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergic rhinitis.
Musculoskeletal system
Pathology and treatment of common conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and gout.
Endocrine/ reproductive system
Pathology and treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Women's health including hormonal contraception and management of the menopause. Corticosteroids - indications and cautions.
Psychiatric disorders and treatment
Overview of the management of common psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, psychotic disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders.
Miscellaneous
Management of anaemia, liver disease, kidney disease, transplant patients. Overview of commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic agents.
Practicals
The objective of the practical classes is to reinforce the material covered in lectures, to allow students to apply what they are learning and develop a skill set which is needed in practice. Practical classes also allow discussion of any course related queries as they arise. Students will become familiar with the BNF and other reference texts which are used in practice. Students will develop a range of skills including how to check dosages, side effects and drug interactions for prescribed drugs. This will be done by working through a range of mock-up prescriptions and case studies. The mock-up prescriptions will cover drugs being studied in lectures. Students will also learn; 1. The importance of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of the work of a pharmacy technician, 2. Problem solving skills.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment30.00%
Practical30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%
Special Regulation
Learners are required to achieve a minimum grade (35%) in the CA/Practical and Final Exam
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other Weekly / two-weekly Blackboard quizzes, Mid-semester written assessment [similar to end of term assessment, but shorter duration]. 1,2,3,4 30.00 n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Case study and prescription analysis. Dispensing practice. 1,2,3,4 30.00 Sem 1 End
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam 3 hour exam 1,2,3,4 40.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 3.00
Laboratory Every Week 1.00
Estimated Learner Hours 15 Weeks per Stage 13.47
Total Hours 206.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SAPHA_C Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies 4 Mandatory