Module Title:Drugs and How They Work 2
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: The material will be delivered in three, one-hour lectures per week. Pre-reading material and class notes will be on blackboard and students will be required to access the material prior to classes. Theory relating to pathology and pharmacology will be outlined in lectures. Regular quizzes and MCQs will consolidate lecture material. Case studies (in lectures and practical classes) will allow students to apply what they are learning and explore it’s relevance to practice.
Module Aim: On completion of this module, students will have gained knowledge, skills and competencies in principles of pathology (i.e. underlying mechanisms which cause disease) and pharmacology (i.e. how drugs work) relevant to a range of common medical conditions.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Describe in simple terms the underlying pathology of a range of common diseases, including factors contributing to an individual's risk.
LO2 Outline/list drugs used to treat/manage a range of conditions. Explain the basic mode of action and rationale behind the use of commonly prescribed drugs. (Students should be familiar with both generic and trade names of drugs.)
LO3 Describe common side effects and drug-drug interactions.
LO4 Provide basic advice to patients on the correct use of certain commonly prescribed drugs.
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.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Theory
Autonomic nervous system; basic physiology of the autonomic nervous system and neurotransmission therein. Overview of drugs which work by acting on the autonomic nervous system, including antimuscarinic agents, α blockers and β blockers.
Theory
Cardiovascular system; basic pathology of cardiovascular system, with emphasis on management of hypertension, dyslipidaemias, coronary heart disease (including angina ,myocardial infarction), heart failure, arrhythmias and stroke. Overview of drugs used to treat/manage all above forms of cardiovascular disease; including antihypertensives, drugs used to treat heart failure, dyslipidaemias, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, anti-platelet agents, anticoagulants.
Theory
Gastrointestinal system; Basic pathology of peptic ulcer disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Theory
Drugs affecting the CNS; basic pathology and drugs used to treat Parkinson’s Disease, pain syndromes, epilepsy, headache, migraine and glaucoma.
Theory
Drug abuse and dependence; overview of drug dependence and its management. Overview of drugs used to manage dependence and withdrawal from opioids, alcohol and nicotine.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other Weekly or two-weekly Blackboard quizzes. Mid-semester assessment, similar to end of semester examination [shorter duration]. 1,2,3,4 50.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Exam 1,2,3,4 50.00 End-of-Semester
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Essay Assignment 1,2,3,4 50.00 Sem 1 End
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Examination of all learning outcomes 1,2,3,4 50.00 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 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Estimated Learner Hours 15 Weeks per Stage 5.93
Total Hours 125.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Per Semester 0.64
Independent Learning Time Per Semester 3.16
Work - based Learning Per Semester 1.20
Total Hours 125.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SAPHA_C Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies 2 Mandatory