UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

PHR3041 Comprehensive care: Blood, brain and cancers

Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHR3041 Comprehensive care: Blood, brain and cancers is a level 3, 12-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Malaysia and Parkville. It needs PHR1021, PHR1022, PHR1031, PHR1012, PHR2011, PHR2012, PHR2021, PHR2042, PHR2041, PHR2142, PHR2141 and PHR1011 and unlocks 9 units.

Credit points
12
Offered in 2025
Semester 1
Malaysia, Parkville
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 7 other tasks

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Overview

This unit provides the knowledge and skills required for the therapeutic management of patients with selected blood and brain conditions as well as cancers. Specifically, the unit will cover conditions involving the brain such as depression and schizophrenia, conditions affecting blood such as anaemias, and cancers such as leukaemia and lung cancer. You will relate the pathophysiology and epidemiology of these conditions to the rational design and clinical use of medicines. The pharmacology, disposition, and clinical and therapeutic aspects of medicines associated with each condition will be presented in an integrated fashion. This unit will involve the development of pharmacy relevant skills such as critical thinking and oral and written communication skills. Quality use of medicines principles will be emphasised, enabling you to acquire the skills necessary to optimise patient outcomes in different cultural settings.

Offerings in 2025

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterMalaysiaOn campus
First semesterParkvilleBlended

Assessment

  • Individual Readiness Assurance testsQuiz / Test
    5%
  • MyPharm engagementPortfolio
    5%
  • Workshop case-based assessment 1Demonstration
    5%
  • Workshop case-based assessment 2Demonstration
    5%
  • Workshop case-based assessment 3Demonstration
    5%
  • Mid semester testQuiz / Test
    15%
  • Workshop case-based assessment 4Demonstration
    10%
  • Final examinationExaminationCompetency hurdle
    50%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical aspects of disease state management of selected blood and brain conditions, and cancers 

  2. 2

    Interpret the signs and symptoms, and laboratory parameters associated with a range of blood and brain conditions, and cancers 

  3. 3

    Explain the molecular basis of drug action and/or the mechanism of action of drugs used in treatment of selected blood and brain conditions, and cancers, and predict therapeutic outcomes and potential adverse effects based on pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic principles

  4. 4

    In the context of a pharmacist and a standardised approach to patient centred care (e.g. Monash Model of CARE) in patients' with a blood or brain condition and/or cancer: 
    (i) Gather and integrate information concerning the pharmacology pharmacokinetic characteristics of medicines, clinical aspects of disease state
    management, and patient specific factors to identify and appraise potential management options 
    (ii) Create a medication management plan which incorporates established clinical guidelines and a comprehensive clinical review of medicine-related problems
    (iii) Prioritise and rationalise drug and non-drug therapy options for condition management 
    (iv) Evaluate clinical scenarios to determine when medical referral is necessary, particularly for symptoms indicating urgent care
    (v) Create, apply and communicate education strategies that provide support and optimise patient-centred relationships and outcomes

  5. 5

    Reflect on the development and implementation of the Monash model of CARE plan and other key skills relevant to pharmacy practice.

  6. 6

    Demonstrate effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary healthcare team to develop and articulate evidence-based clinical and communication strategies for the management of selected blood and brain conditions, and cancers.

  7. 7

    Demonstrate an integrated understanding of key concepts from previous professional practice and comprehensive care topics, promoting a holistic approach to patient care.

Workload and teaching

  • Applied sessions59 hours
  • Workshops36 hours
  • Assessments3 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • One hundred and forty-four hours of independent study
  • Forty-eight hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week)
  • Fifty-nine hours of active learning applied sessions (4 hours a week)
  • Thirty-nine hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week)
  • Three 1-hour skills coaching sessions

Learning resources

Required resources

Therapeutic guidelines

Australian Medicines handbook (AMH)

 

UptoDate: Evidence-based Clinical Decision Support

MIMS Online

 

Recommended resources

Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF)

Pharmacology for Health Professionals, 4th edition, 2014 - Optional

Rang, Dale, Ritter and Flower; Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology, 8th edition, 2016

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Daniel Malone
Dr Yen Jun Wong
Chief Examiners
Associate Professor Daniel Malone

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for PHR3041?

You need PHR1021, PHR1022, PHR1031, PHR1012, PHR2011, PHR2012, PHR2021, PHR2042, PHR2041, PHR2142, PHR2141 and PHR1011 before you enrol.

What can I take after PHR3041?

PHR3041 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 9 units, including PHR1101, PHR3042, PHR3062, PHR4012, PHR4042 and PHR4061.

When is PHR3041 offered?

In 2025, PHR3041 runs in Semester 1 at Malaysia and Parkville.

Does PHR3041 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 7 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
12
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.250
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Not available