Department of Pharmacology

Student Information

Undergraduate Studies

Research Higher Degree Studies

 

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Undergraduate Courses in Pharmacology

The Department of Pharmacology contributes to the undergraduate teaching of degrees in Science (BSc, BBiomed and BSc(Hons), MSc (RT)), Medicine (MB BS), Dentistry (BDSc), Optometry (BOptom), and Veterinary Science (BVSc). Details regarding the new Pharmacology Major are as follows:

Science

Structure of a Pharmacology major

First year:

Second year:

Third year: 

And one of the following:

Notes:        
* Students enrolled in a Biomedicine degree do not have to study Pharmacology: How Drugs Work as a prerequisite for 300-level pharmacology subjects. They may, however, choose to enrol in the subject as an elective.

** Students interested in Chemistry can consider a Pharmacology specialization of a Chemistry major.

 

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Subject Descriptions

 

200 level:

Pharmacology: How Drugs Work uses specific examples of clinically used drugs to establish the core elements that underpin the discipline of Pharmacology. During this course, students will see that Pharmacologists integrate knowledge from numerous other biosciences to identify molecular targets for therapy and to then design and test the effectiveness of new drugs. The lecture material is supported by practical classes, that will enable students to get hands-on experience in conducting pharmacological experiments and in analysing and presenting their own data.

For more information contact Second Year Coordinator Dr Graham Mackay on 8344 3932.

300 level:

Modern rational drug discovery and development is a coordinated, multidisciplinary undertaking. The cellular and molecular processes that can be targeted and the variety of techniques used at each stage of the drug development process will be presented. Consideration will also be given to executive strategies underpinning this enterprise, such as scientific and economic aspects of target choice, lead optimisation and individual variation.  Students will be encouraged to integrate knowledge from different parts of this subject with their broader studies, reinforcing the multidisciplinary nature of drug discovery and development.

This subject is appropriate for all students interested in biomedical research. Students will learn how to design and perform experiments to investigate biological systems. Students will gain experience in a wide range of molecular and cellular approaches and in analytical techniques used in drug discovery.

Cancer, disorders of the immune system, cardiovascular diseases and acute and chronic lung disorders are the most common types of afflictions affecting people worldwide. This subject will examine the medicines that have been developed, or are currently being researched, to treat these diverse conditions. The mechanisms of action of the major classes of drugs used to treat these disorders and issues relating to their safe use will be covered. The importance of biotechnology to these therapeutic areas will also be considered.

The workings of the brain present one of the last true unknowns in modern medicine and yet it is the target for a multitude of interesting and important drugs. This subject addresses the use of drugs in modulating the processes of neurochemical transmission and neuronal survival in the context of the management of mood and emotional disorders, addictive behaviours, neuro-degenerative diseases, pain and epilepsy. This subject will also discuss strategies for the development of future therapeutics and students will gain an appreciation of how a detailed understanding of pathological processes is important for the rational development of new therapeutics.

For more information contact Third Year Science Coordinator A/Prof Tony Hughes on 8344 8504

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Optometry

Ocular Pharmacology is taught in the third year of the optometry course. The aim of the subject is to make the students aware of the basic mechanisms of drug action with specific emphasis on drugs used in optometry and that might impact on their work as optometrists.

Veterinary Science

Pharmacology is taught in first year Veterinary Biochemistry and Pharmacology and second year Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology to students in Veterinary Science. Over the two units students are taught the mechanisms of drug actions, particularly as they relate to their use in veterinary practice, and the principles and pharmacology of intoxications.

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Students who major in pharmacology and achieve at least second class honours are eligible to enrol in the fourth year Bachelor of Science (Honours) course (BSc(Hons)). This additional year of study is centred around an original research project carried out under the supervision of a member of the Academic or Senior Research Staff on-campus or off-campus at affiliated research institutions.
As well as participating in the ongoing research conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, students attend lectures and seminars in advanced topics in pharmacology and recent advances in research. Assessment is by a number of formats: a thesis describing the results of the student’s research, oral presentations and written reports spread through the year.

For more information click here or contact Honours Coordinator, Dr Ross Vlahos on 8344 7843

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Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Ultrasound and Echocardiography

Certificate, Diploma and Masters

Contact: Edwina Coller at echo-info@unimelb.edu.au

For further information and to register onto this program please click on the link to our website:  http://www.heartweb.com.au/

 

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