MHP113 Introduction to Pharmacology in Mental Health (8)

This subject introduces a broad theoretical overview of the mechanisms of drug action of commonly prescribed and used pharmacotherapies within mental health disorders.  Students will learn terminology and drug nomenclature used in the primary health care context. A focus in this subject will be on commonly prescribed and used medications in mental health, which provides the framework for the development of the necessary skills and abilities required to engage within a multidisciplinary team within the health system.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MHP113. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Restricted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science- Mental Health 

Prerequisites

MHP109

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to research, identify and discuss the mechanism of action of drugs at a fundamental level using current digital mediums;
  • be able to describe the relationship between social, emotional and physical wellbeing and the effects of specific medications used within the mental health context;
  • be able to discuss selected drug groups specific to mental health;
  • be able to research, identify and discuss the need for various dose forms for commonly used medications in mental health; and
  • be able to apply the skills required to effectively communicate with patient/clients and with peers and other health professionals.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Module 1 - Overview of selected dose forms;
  • Module 2 - Commonly prescribed medications used in mental health;
  • Module 3 - Overview of mechanisms of actions of identified medications from Module 2;
  • Module 4 - Secondary side-effects to medications (wanted or unwanted); and
  • Module 5 - Evidence-based practice. Is all information equally good?

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of MHP113 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Residential school attendance
0
2
Fact sheet
40
3
Medication summary - community case study
60

Residential School

This subject contains a 1.5 day Compulsory Residential School.

The residential school is compulsory as it forms a significant component of the teaching strategy in this subject. Further details about the residential school will be provided by your Subject Coordinator. Students will attend a total of 20 days at residential schools throughout the year for this subject and other subjects in the course.

Students undertaking subjects within the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)  Djirruwang Program may be eligible for federal government funding to attend the compulsory residential schools. This funding is set at 20 days across two academic sessions which meets the requirements for support from Indigenous Student Services.

Special Resources

Students will be required to attend compulsory residential schools throughout the year for this subject and other subjects throughout the course.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back