PHA3032 Neuro and endocrine pharmacology
Faculty of Science
PHA3032 Neuro and endocrine pharmacology is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- 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
Overview
This unit provides you with an integrated understanding of how drugs affect neuronal and endocrine function. Four major areas are covered: major neurotransmitters within the brain; reproductive endocrinology, metabolism and disorders of pancreatic and thyroid function; mood and pain; and, neurodegenerative disorders. The unit will focus upon mechanisms of action, use and side effects of drugs affecting a range of neuronal and endocrine functions and includes topics such as drugs used in anaesthesia and sedation, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, schizophrenia and psychoses, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, reproduction and contraception, diabetes, thyroid function and metabolism and calcium homeostasis.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In-semester theme testsQuiz / Test25%
- In-semester laboratory and workshop assessmentsWrittenThreshold hurdle30%
- In-semester assignmentsWritten25%
- Final assessment - Exam (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
Apply knowledge of central neurotransmitter and endocrine systems to predict the effects of drugs;
- 2
Integrate and reconstruct knowledge underlying the cellular mechanisms of neuro- and endocrine pharmacology to predict outcomes in the whole animal;
- 3
Present, analyse and interpret data from a range of experiment types and discuss this in the context of current scientific literature;
- 4
Collect, analyse and report the data obtained from experiments in neuropharmacology and endocrine pharmacology;
- 5
Source, integrate and critically evaluate the scientific literature to address a defined clinical problem relating to neuro- or endocrine pharmacology.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures24 hours
- Assessments6 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Laboratories12 hours
- Teaching approachRole play
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachWork-integrated learning
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 learning/study.
You will be required to investigate a drug class and promote its safe and effective use to a lay consumer.
Case study-based workshops focused on neurological and hormonal mechanisms are used to contextualise unit content and apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.
This unit uses a student-centered, active learning approach that aims to encourage the build-up of knowledge and understanding that is required to achieve a deeper level of learning to facilitate efficient use of knowledge.
Workshops will utilise case studies that will allow you to collaborate with your peers to apply and share your understanding of related content, making links between theory and the clinic.
Online activities will be used to help you consolidate and apply key concepts
Workshops will utilise case studies that will allow you to collaborate with your peers to apply and share your understanding of related content, making links between theory and the clinic.
Learning resources
Required resources
Neal, MJ. Medical Pharmacology at a Glance 7th edn, Blackwells Scientific Inc, 2012
Rang HP, Ritter JM & Flower RJ Pharmacology 8th edn, Churchill Livingstone, 2016.
Nestler EJ, Hyman SE, Malenka RC. Molecular Neuropharmacology 2nd edn, McGraw Hill, 2009.
Where it fits
PHA3032 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Klaudia Budzyn
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Klaudia Budzyn
- Dr John Ling
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHA3032?
PHA3032 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is PHA3032 offered?
In 2026, PHA3032 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does PHA3032 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 20% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include PHA3032?
PHA3032 is part of Pharmacology.