Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Optometrists have achieved a legislative framework that enables them to use pharmaceutical agents both in the examination of the eye and in the treatment of eye disease. This unit relates pharmacological principles introduced in the unit Pharmacology For Health Professionals to the eye and ocular conditions.

Designated unit
This is a designated unit. Designated units include professional experience units, units requiring the development of particular skills, and units requiring the demonstration of certain personal qualities, and are deemed to be critical to progress in your course. At the end of each semester, if you fail to achieve a passing grade in this unit you may be eligible for a period of probation or exclusion.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide students with the appropriate knowledge of pharmaceutical agents used to examine the eye and to treat eye diseases.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should:

1. Have a detailed understanding of essential pharmacological principles and terminology, as they apply to the eye.

2. Be able to compare and contrast the mechanisms of drugs used in ocular diagnosis and therapy.

3. Be able to use diagnostic eye drops safely and appropriately.

4. Be able to advise patients on their ocular medications, through improved knowledge and communication skills.

Content

Ocular pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles. Pharmaceuticals used in the diagnosis of eye disease and in eye examination. Therapeutic drugs used in the treatment of ocular infection and inflammation, allergy, glaucoma and ocular emergencies. Clinical aspects of drug use. Iatrogenic reactions. Legal aspects.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

There will be a series of lectures each week supported by practicals related to the use of diagnostic ocular agents.

Assessment

Formative Assessment:
Quizzes will posted to blackboard so students can assess their learning. Students will be given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues at the end of lectures.

Graduate Capabilities
Students will develop knowledge of ocular pharmacology, a particular area of pharmacology that informs the therapeutic treatment of ocular pathology (Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4; Assessment 1, 2). Students will enhance their communication skills by writing an assignment and presenting a tutorial (Outcome 4; Assessment 1).

Assessment name: Practicals
Description: The assessment will include writing a report and presenting a tutorial on one practical exercise and completing quizzes about each practical. Quizzes will be held during the practical classes and will include multiple choice and short answer questions.
Relates to objectives: 1,2, 3,4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: This will involve a written examination encompassing your understanding of pharmacologic principles applied to the eye, mechanisms of ocular drugs, their effects, side effects and application.
Relates to objectives: 1,2, 3
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central exam period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Editors: Jimmy D Bartlett, Siret D Jaanus
Title: Clinical ocular pharmacology (5th edition)
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann, Elsevier
Year: 2008

Authors: Bruce AS, Loughnan MS
Title: Anterior eye disease and therapeutics A-Z
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, New York
Year: 2003, reprinted 2007

Authors: Roy, Fraunfelder, Fraunfelder
Title: Roy and Fraunfelder's current ocular therapy ( 6th edition)
Publisher: Elsevier Saunders New York
Year: 2007

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Jun-2012