Module Details

Module Code: DRUG C1101
Module Title: Drugs and How They Work 1
Title: Drugs and How They Work 1
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Fiona Leonard
Domains:  
Module Description: On completion of this modules, students will have gained an understanding of the principles of how drugs work [when administered to human patients], the regulation of medicines [i.e. the role of the HPRA and EMA], drug safety, risk mitigation strategies and sources of information, i.e. SmPCs, drug formularies such as the IMR or BNF and antibioticprescribing.ie.
Students with also be introduced to how antimicrobial agents work, anti-microbial stewardship and antimicrobial resistance.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain key principles of drug development, regulation, generic and interchangeable medicines.
LO2 Describe basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and their impact on how drugs work and choice of route of administration.
LO3 Outline how antimicrobial agents work, basic principles of antimicrobial resistance and stewardship.
LO4 Dispense basic prescriptions on MPS (McLernons community pharmacy dispensary software) and locate appropriate information about drugs in SmPCs and IMF or BNF.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Theory
Regulation of licensed medicines/drugs: explain the role and functions of the HPRA and EMA as drug regulators, generic medicines, interchangeable medicines.
Theory
Routes of administration: List routes of administration and their advantages/disadvantages for different patient groups.
Theory
Basic pharmacokinetic processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism & excretion of drugs. Factors which influence these processes in different patient cohorts. Drug half-life.
Theory
Basic pharmacodynamics including: agonists, antagonists, therapeutic index.
Theory
Use of antimicrobials; Principles of antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobial stewardship and resistance. Overview of antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal and antimalarial and agents.
Practical
Dispense basic prescriptions using MPS.
Practical
Access information regarding drug use and safety, using a range of reference materials.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Practical50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Weekly blackboard quizzes.
5 minutes screen-recording about drugs regulation/safety or other module content.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem 1 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Dispensing basic prescriptions.
Locate drug-related information using appropriate sources.
No End of Module Formal Examination

Part Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Ongoing Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Weekly blackboard quizzes.
5 minutes screen-recording about drugs regulation/safety or other module content.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Dispensing basic prescriptions.
Locate drug-related information using appropriate sources.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Laboratory Contact Practical class 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Independent learning 15 Weeks per Stage 6.80 102
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Per Semester 1.28 32
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Self-Direct Independent Learning - an emphasis on independent learning will develop a strong and autonomous work and learning practices. Review of teaching material, readings, notes. Per Semester 8.72 218
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.28
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Pharmaceutical Press.. BNF.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: