91604 Introductory Pharmacology and Microbiology

6cp; 5hpw; only available to Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health students

This subject is divided into two components and provides the introductory principles governing drug action and microbial infections. Lectures are complemented by a tutorial/practical program that emphasises the clinical nature of the subject and develops lecture material using a variety of experimental and case study approaches.

Microbiology: This section of the subject covers the biology of the main groups of micro-organisms, concepts of normal flora, opportunistic pathogens, and microbial infections acquired via gastrointestinal, urinary, respiratory, and the genital tracts. Several key topics in the study of microbiology are also discussed including sources and modes of transmission of micro-organisms, factors determining microbial virulence, and prevention of hospital acquired infections. Additional topics include the epidemiology of infectious diseases, susceptible population groups, isolation procedures, and the collection and transport of microbiological specimens.

Pharmacology: This section of the subject introduces the concepts of potency, drug/receptor interactions, agonists and antagonists and provides some introductory concepts of pharmacokinetics. Other key topics include the site and mechanism of action of drugs affecting the cardiovascular system, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antimicrobials and drugs used in the treatment of asthma.

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus

Fee information

2007 contribution for post-2004 Commonwealth-supported students: $889.75
2007 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,250.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.125
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2007 for Commonwealth-supported students who commenced after 2004 and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported students should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students webpage.
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places, and not all subjects are available to Commonwealth supported students. Domestic fee-paying students and international students should refer to the Fees webpage.

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.