PTEC 126 Pharmacology I is part one of a two-part course that covers the study of drugs and their properties, effects, and therapeutic value in the major drug categories. Upon completion, students will be able to place common drugs into correct therapeutic categories and examine indications, side effects, trade and generic names, major drug interactions and storage considerations. Students will learn the essentials of pharmacology and how it relates to dispensing and patient safety. Students will explore and practice assessing when a patient should be referred to a pharmacist, identify drug-related problems and discuss appropriate monitoring parameters. Knowledge gained in this course will support the pharmacy technician within their scope of practice in a collaborative interprofessional health care team.
Prerequisites: PTEC 101 with a CRG and PTEC 102 and PTEC 117 both with a minimum grade of 80%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 18 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 120 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | ~6.5 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Examine drug classifications, generic and brand names, indications, mechanisms of action, adverse reactions, and important drug interactions
- Outline drug dispensing, administration and storage requirements
- Explain factors that influence the effects of drugs including strengths, dosage forms, route of administration, and metabolism
- Describe the diagnostic tests, measurements, and medical devices used to monitor the effects of drugs
- Assess patient information to identify drug related problems for referral to the pharmacist or other health care professional
- Apply evidence-based knowledge to support patient-centred care within the pharmacy technician’s scope of practice
- Discuss how cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors may shape patients’ perceptions of medication and their interaction with the healthcare system
Teaching and Learning Approach
Drugs used to treat common conditions and illnesses will be introduced to the student through text book
readings, power point slides, lesson videos, online resources and forums, using a body system’s based
approach. Unit quizzes and the drug information assignment will evaluate the student's understanding of the core
concepts of pharmacology including drug classification, mechanism of action, indication, side effects, drug
interactions, storage requirements and monitoring. Students will use class discussion forums and case study
presentations to explore assessment of drug related problems and opportunities for intra- and inter-professional
collaboration and referral. A mid-term and final exam will evaluate learning from all aspects of the course.Learning Resources
Required:
McKennon, S., Alvarez, S. & Danielson, J. (2021). Pharmacology for technicians (7th ed.). Minneapolis, MN:
Paradigm Education Solutions.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction, Fundamentals of Pharmacology
2. Antimicrobials
3. Dermatology
4. Opthalmic and Otic
5. Gastrointestinal
6. Case Study Presentations
7. Midterm Exam
8. Vitamins, Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Products, Indigenous Plant Medicines
9. Respiratory
10. Musculoskeletal
11. Anesthetic, Analgesics, Opioids and Opioid Agonist Treatments
12. Chemotherapy and Cancer Treatment
13. Case Study Presentations
14. Final ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Case Study Presentations | 1, 4, 5, 6 | 20% |
| Unit Quizzes | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 20% |
| Discussion Forums | 5, 6, 7 | 10% |
| Drug Information Assignment | 1, 2, 3 | 10% |
| Mid-term Exam | 1-6 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 1-7 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Nursing Unit Clerk, Medical Transcription, Editing and Documentation, and Pharmacy Technician Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 96 - 100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 92-95 |
A |
4.00 |
| 89-91 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 86-88 |
B |
3.00 |
| 83-85 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 80-82 |
C |
2.00 |
| 79 & lower |
F |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.