Program Overview

Introduction to the Pharmacology Unit

The Pharmacology unit, coded as CSA231, is an intermediate-level course that provides an introduction to the study of therapeutic agents. This unit explores the fundamental concepts of therapeutic agent-target interactions and the intricate processes governing therapeutic agent metabolism within the human body.

Unit Details

• Unit Name: Pharmacology
• Unit Code: CSA231
• Credit Points: 12.5
• College/School: Health
• School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Discipline: Pharmacy
• Coordinator: Ms Nicole Dilworth
• Available as an Elective: No
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Intermediate

Availability

The unit is available at multiple locations, including Cradle Coast, Hobart, and Launceston, during the Spring study period. Attendance options vary, but the unit is generally offered on-campus.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Explain the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents.
• Describe the mechanisms of action of therapeutic agents, emphasizing both their intended effects and potential adverse effects.
• Communicate pharmacological concepts to a range of audiences.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $2,862.00

Requisites

Prerequisites

• CSA230
• (CZZ101 or CXA137)
• (CZZ102 or CXA144)

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: 3-hour workshops weekly (for 7 weeks) plus online learning resources (equivalent to 3 hours of independent learning activity per week).
• Assessment: Test 1 (30%), Test 2 (30%), Test 3 (40%).

Textbooks

• Required: Although there are no prescribed textbooks for Pharmacology, the following textbook is recommended as it will be a useful resource throughout studies in this unit: Rang and Dale's Pharmacology, Tenth edition, Churchill Livingstone.
• Recommended:
  • Katzung BG, Masters, SB & Trevor, AJ (12th ed). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 11th edition, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 978--5.
  • Pharmacology: An Introduction (Edition 6e) by Hitner & Nagle.
  • Golan D, Tashjian AH, Armstrong EJ, Armstrong AW (3rd ed) Principles of Pharmacology, "The Pathophysiological Basis of Drug Therapy". Lippincott Williams & Wilkins - Wolter Kluwer, ISBN 978--2

Key Dates

• Study Period: Spring
• Start Date: 2/11/2026
• Census Date: 17/11/2026
• WW Date: 3/12/2026
• End Date: 3/1/2027