PHARMACY 111G Drugs and Society

Schedule
Schedule D: Life Sciences

Semester
Semester Two

Campus
City Campus

Note: this course cannot be taken by any student that is enrolled in a science or science-related course.

This course is designed to enhance understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted and diverse roles that drugs play in human societies particularly in contemporary New Zealand.

Several topics will be covered over six themes, including:

• The basics of how drugs work in the body.
• Their discovery and development.
• Specific types of therapies, including conventional medicines, alternative and complementary therapies.
• Recreational drug use.

This course is for non-science students who are interested in the variety of drugs in our society, and for those who want more insight into how these drugs work and the different available therapies.

By the end of this course, you should:

• Understand the basic principles behind drugs and medicines.
• Be aware of the processes and issues involved with releasing a drug for sale in New Zealand.
• Understand the values and roles of drugs in different societies.
• Be able to discuss common complementary medicines such as nutraceuticals, herbal remedies and supplements.
• Have knowledge of drug treatment options for common medical issues in New Zealand.
• Understand the major aspects of recreational drug use and abuse particularly in modern societies.
• Be aware of the future for drugs and societies, particularly the issues and developments arising in western societies.

• An introduction to drug action
• Drug discovery, development, regulation and advertising
• Drugs in action
• Traditional, complementary and alternative medications
• Recreational drug use in NZ

• Lectures: Thirty 1-hour lectures.
• Tutorials: Six 1-hour tutorials (after each module block to cover the topic).
• One exam tutorial in the last week of semester.
   

Assessment 1
Five multi-choice questionnaire tests — total 20% – one at the end of each block of lectures

Assessment 2
Assignment — total 30% — divided into two parts:

1. Research portfolio
2. 2,000 word essay

Assessment 3
Final examination — 50% of total marks for this paper. The exam is 2 hours long and will comprise of short answer questions covering all aspects of the course.

No required text.
Additional course readings will be supplied.