CQUniversity Unit Profile
PODI13015 Advanced Pharmacology for Podiatry Practice
Advanced Pharmacology for Podiatry Practice
All details in this unit profile for PODI13015 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

The unit will be divided into two main components: pharmacotherapeutics and anaesthesia, specific to podiatry practice. In pharmacotherapeutics, you will gain an understanding of Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 8 medicines administered in common diseases seen in podiatry practice and learn further about their role in the management of disease. In anaesthesia, you will gain advanced knowledge of anaesthetics pertinent to podiatry practice. Topics covered will include pre-surgical history and physical assessment, informed consent, charting, maximum safe dose, and injection instrumentation. You will also begin to practice injection techniques in a simulated setting.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisite: PODI13007 Clinical Practice 2; BMSC13010 Pharmacology; MPAT12001 Medical Pathophysiology - and Corequisite: PODI13011 Clinical Practice 3

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2024

Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. On-campus Activity
Weighting: 20%
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
Weighting: 30%
3. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator/Lecturer

Feedback

Students appreciated clinical case study activities during lecture and tutorials.

Recommendation

It is recommended to continue incorporating clinical case studies in tutorials to further increase student engagement and promote interactive discussions.

Feedback from Students enrolled in the unit.

Feedback

Students expressed the advantages of a dedicated face-to-face OSCE revision session.

Recommendation

It is recommended to conduct a scheduled practical revision session face-to-face before OSCE assessments. This approach aims to enhance engagement and provide timely feedback within a group setting.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator

Feedback

Individualised Assessment feedback turn-around time can be improved.

Recommendation

It is recommended that assessments for this unit be appropriately scheduled, ensuring sufficient time for feedback within the two-week policy for providing grade feedback.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Summarise the major classes of therapeutic drugs that affect the primary systems of the body, including identifying the barriers to suitable pharmacotherapy, describing the mechanisms of drug action and the potential for drug-to-drug interactions
  2. Evaluate Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines prescribed and administered for the treatment of disease states encountered in the scope of podiatry practice
  3. Examine legal, ethical and professional responsibilities associated with prescription and administration of medications within podiatry
  4. Develop an anaesthetic plan based on a physical examination that includes: appropriate drug selection; correct dose calculation; appropriate method of drug administration; and other supportive care
  5. Integrate an evidence based approach in pharmacological practice within podiatry.

Per NPC1303

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 30%
2 - On-campus Activity - 20%
3 - In-class Test(s) - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Benjamin Peterson Unit Coordinator
b.peterson@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1- Introduction & Revision of Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture introduces the unit and revises pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2- Drugs and Poisons Legislation Relevant to Podiatry Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture discusses Australia's drugs and poisons legislation relevant to prescribing podiatrists.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3- Polypharmacy & Complications Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture explores the concept of polypharmacy, its complications, and the specific implications of cardiovascular and lipid-modifying medications within podiatry practice.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4- Pharmacology of Local Anaesthetics and Associated Emergency Management Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture focuses on the pharmacological properties of local anaesthetics, coupled with overview of related emergency management in podiatry.

Chapter

 

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5- Pharmacology of Antimycotic agents Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture delves into the pharmacology of antimycotic agents, specifically focusing on the most common types and presentations of mycotic infections affecting the foot.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6- Pharmacology of Antibacterial Agents Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture provides an in-depth view of the pharmacology of antibacterial agents, with a focus on managing common foot bacterial infections such as gram positive/negative bacteria, infected onychocryptosis and pitted keratolysis.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

 

 

Week 7- Pharmacology of Anti-inflammatory Agents Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture delves into the pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications of anti-inflammatory agents, providing insights into their usage within podiatry.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Medications Review Due: Week 6 Friday (23 Aug 2024) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 8- OSCE Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9- Pharmacology of Analgesic Agents Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture investigates the pharmacology of analgesic agents, highlighting their mechanisms of action and practical applications in pain management within podiatry.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) Due: Week 8 Wednesday (4 Sept 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Week 10- Pharmacology of Anti-histamines and Anti-anxiety Medication Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

In this lecture, the focus lies on the pharmacology of anti-histamines and anti-anxiety medications, exploring their use, effects, and relevance to podiatric practices.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11- Pharmacology in Rheumatic Conditions Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

This lecture will delve into the pharmacological management of rheumatic conditions such as gout and osteoarthritis, and its implications for podiatry.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12- Self-directed Revision Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

There is no class scheduled for Week 12. Students should use this time to revise for their In-Class Test.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 13- In-Class Test Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In-Class Test Due: Review/Exam Week Wednesday (9 Oct 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Assessment Tasks

1 On-campus Activity

Assessment Title
Medications Review

Task Description

Students will perform a systematic assessment of a patients medication with the aim of optimising quality use of medicines and minimising medications-related problems. Students will be required to complete four medications reviews to satisfy the requirements of the on-campus activity.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (23 Aug 2024) 11:59 pm AEST

Students must submit their medications reviews to Moodle by the due date.


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (6 Sept 2024)

Results will be made available via Moodle.


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Students medications reviews will be marked according to a rubric designed specifically for this assessment item. The medications review proforma and marking rubric will be made available via Moodle. Each of the four medications reviews will have a weighting of 5% to contribute to a total weighting of 20% for the on-campus activity. A minimum mark or grade of 50% is applied to this assessment item.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines prescribed and administered for the treatment of disease states encountered in the scope of podiatry practice
  • Examine legal, ethical and professional responsibilities associated with prescription and administration of medications within podiatry
  • Integrate an evidence based approach in pharmacological practice within podiatry.

2 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)

Assessment Title
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)

Task Description

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) will include both written and practical stations of up to 15 minutes in length.

  • The OSCE will last for up to 75 minutes.
  • All assessments may be video and/or audio-recorded for moderation purposes.
  • You are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the allocated start time for the OSCE and to wear full clinical uniform with enclosed shoes.
  • The OSCE is closed book.

More details and information regarding the on campus activities will be made available at the start of term.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Wednesday (4 Sept 2024) 9:00 am AEST

Will be held during the Lecture/Tutorial time.


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Wednesday (18 Sept 2024)

Results will be released via Moodle following the finalisation of grading of all student OSCEs.


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria for OSCE: In order to be eligible to PASS the OSCE you must achieve a minimum overall grade of 50% for the OSCE.

If you do not meet the above criterion of a minimum overall grade of 50%, you may be eligible for a supplementary assessment providing you meet the requirements as stipulated in the CQUniversity HE Assessment Policy and Procedure and this will be determined by the Unit Coordinator.

If you are granted a supplementary assessment then the maximum grade that you can receive is a pass (P) irrespective of how well you performed in the supplementary exam.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Summarise the major classes of therapeutic drugs that affect the primary systems of the body, including identifying the barriers to suitable pharmacotherapy, describing the mechanisms of drug action and the potential for drug-to-drug interactions
  • Develop an anaesthetic plan based on a physical examination that includes: appropriate drug selection; correct dose calculation; appropriate method of drug administration; and other supportive care

3 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In-Class Test

Task Description

Students will complete a 120 minute in-class test which will cover material delivered from Week 1 to 11. This is a closed-book assessment item.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Wednesday (9 Oct 2024) 9:00 am AEST

The test will occur in-class on Wednesday of Week 13 (Review/Exam Week)


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)

Results and feedback will be made available via Moodle


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

This In-Class Test will be marked according to a purpose made marking sheet designed specifically for this assessment item.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Submission Instructions
The test will occur in-class on Wednesday of Week 13 (Review/Exam Week)

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Summarise the major classes of therapeutic drugs that affect the primary systems of the body, including identifying the barriers to suitable pharmacotherapy, describing the mechanisms of drug action and the potential for drug-to-drug interactions
  • Evaluate Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines prescribed and administered for the treatment of disease states encountered in the scope of podiatry practice
  • Examine legal, ethical and professional responsibilities associated with prescription and administration of medications within podiatry
  • Develop an anaesthetic plan based on a physical examination that includes: appropriate drug selection; correct dose calculation; appropriate method of drug administration; and other supportive care
  • Integrate an evidence based approach in pharmacological practice within podiatry.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?