Key facts
UNE unit code: PHAR370
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
An in-depth understanding of selective toxicity and the chemical properties governing drug-target interactions provides an essential foundation for you to understand therapeutic innovation.
This unit introduces you to mechanisms of action of antimicrobial and anti-neoplastic drugs, their strengths and limitations and mechanisms by which resistance to these drugs develop.
You will examine the molecular basis of cancer and the impact of genetic markers in cancer treatment, along with the effect and the importance of stereoisomers on biological properties and receptor interactions.
You will also explore the technologies and knowledge at the forefront of innovation in drug design, including the drug design cycle and lead optimisation, biological targets, molecular test systems, quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR), and molecular modelling. You will learn to employ pro-drugs to improve absorption and use bioisosteric modification to enhance activity.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe the mechanisms of action of anticancer drugs, describe the impact of genetic markers in cancer treatment and discuss the development of drug resistance and the role of the choice of anticancer drugs in this process;
- describe the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial drugs, evaluate their advantages and limitations in the treatment of bacterial, viral and fungal infections and discuss the development of drug resistance and the role of the choice of antimicrobial agent in this process;
- describe the processes involved in Phase 1 and Phase 2 drug metabolism in humans and relate these processes to drug interactions, the occurrence of individual differences in metabolism, and the detoxification and toxification of clinically used substances;
- discuss the different approaches to the discovery of novel bioactive structures;
- critically apply knowledge of structure/pharmacokinetic relationships to new and unfamiliar molecular structures; and
- demonstrate an understanding of factors which may influence drug design.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Written report No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Written report and Viva Voce (oral presentation) To pass this unit, you must attempt this task and achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% across all assessments. No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Final Examination. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must attempt this task and achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% across all assessments. |
| Tutorial Engagement and Workbooks | No | 10% | All offerings | Engagement with the tutorials (attend live or watch recording) and submission of tutorial workbooks. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Rang and Dale's Pharmacology
ISBN: 9780323873956
Ritter, J.M., Flower, R.J., Henderson, G., Loke, Y.K., MacEwan, D., Robinson, E. and Fullerton, J., Elsevier 10th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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