PHA2022 Drugs and society
Faculty of Science
PHA2022 Drugs and society is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 4 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 20%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PHA2022
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After PHA2022
2 units list PHA2022 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit provides an introduction to the pharmacological principles underlying drug action, and the factors that influence their use as therapeutics. Specific examples of drugs used for therapeutic and social reasons are discussed with an emphasis on the social issues associated with drug availability and use. You will learn about how new drugs are discovered and the processes by which they are taken from the bench to the marketplace. .
Throughout this unit, the emphasis is on the application of knowledge and the development of a range of skills, including critical thinking, teamwork and communication, that will help prepare you for a range of career paths, including postgraduate study.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- Laboratory and workshop activitiesExerciseThreshold hurdle30%
- Team assignmentWritten25%
- In-semester quizzesQuiz / Test25%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination20%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Discuss the targets of drug action, their mechanisms of action and the factors that influence their use as therapeutics;
- 2
Apply knowledge of drug action to discuss the risks and benefits of drug use and some of the non-pharmacological issues associated with drugs in our society;
- 3
Discuss the steps involved in the discovery, development and regulation of drugs from bench to market;
- 4
Demonstrate the ability to obtain, present and interpret data from pharmacological experiments;
- 5
Demonstrate the ability to source, evaluate and use information from a range of sources to critically analyse socially relevant drug controversies;
- 6
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team to complete in-class and project activities.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories9 hours
- Workshops27 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
Up to 12 hours per week consisting of:
- 6 hours of directed learning including online activities, lectures, laboratories or workshop activities and
- 6 hours of self-directed
Enquiry based learning will provide an opportunity for you to explore how drugs are developed and used as therapeutics.
Online activities will provide preparation activities for lectures, labs and workshops. In addition, interactive post-class activities will provide opportunities to consolidate your knowledge and test your understanding.
Active learning is incorporated into all teaching activities to facilitate the development of skills in the application of fundamental concepts.
You will work together to bring your own perspective to the use of drug use and misuse in our society.
In addition, the PeerWise MCQ writing and evaluation exercise encourages students to support each other in their learning.
Laboratory sessions will illustrate and reinforce concepts as you develop experimental skills relevant to pharmacology, including skills in presentation and interpretation of data and logical reasoning.
You will draw on research skills for the team assignment to develop arguments for and against a current societal issue related to drug use.
Learning resources
Required resources
Lab coat
Recommended resources
Neal MJ Medical Pharmacology at a Glance 9th edition, Wiley Blackwell, 2020
Rang HP, Ritter JM & Flower RJ Pharmacology 9th edition, Churchill Livingstone, 2019
Where it fits
PHA2022 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr John Ling
- Dr Jennifer Irvine
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Tracey Gaspari
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHA2022?
PHA2022 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PHA2022?
PHA2022 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including PHA3011 and PHA3021. Those lead on to 4 units in all.
When is PHA2022 offered?
In 2026, PHA2022 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does PHA2022 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 20% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include PHA2022?
PHA2022 is part of Pharmacology.