UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to the role of therapeutics in podiatric practice and assuring safe practice. It provides students with foundational knowledge and understanding of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug classification and prescription protocols for schedule 2, 3 & 4 drugs of interest to podiatrists in detail and they will also evaluate drug-drug interactions and the adverse effects and potential complications of medicines. Students will be able to describe common human pathogenic organisms, their associated diseases and the role of therapeutics in the management of common infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites as seen in podiatric practice - in terms of clinically relevant microbiology and immunology. Students will also gain knowledge common medications used in podiatric practice, over-the-counter medications and alternative/complementary medicines. Students are introduced to their professional requirements to guide students in demonstrating and assuring safe practice including; relevant regulatory and ethical resources, antimicrobial stewardship, the Quality Use of Medicines (QUMs), the National Prescribing Standards (NPS), the National Strategy for Quality Use of Medicines(NSQHS), the Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe clinically relevant foundational knowledge of principles of microbiology and immunology; (2) describe common human pathogenic organisms, their associated diseases and the role of therapeutics in the management of common infectious diseases

; (3) explain the principles of pharmacology (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics), drug delivery, drug metabolism and associated pharmacological aspects

; (4) outline the common medications used in podiatric practice including their indications, contraindications and management of adverse reactions; including ESM; (5) explain safe use of medicines by describing regulatory, legislative, ethical and professional conduct requirements; (6) explain the application of therapeutic management of patients and the principles underpinning the quality use of medicines (QUM)

; and (7) demonstrate how to write a prescription. that complies with all legislative and regulatory requirements.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignment(s); (2) examination(s); (3) clinical assessment(s); and (4) professional behaviour assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the clinical assessment(s) and professional behaviour assessment components.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Matthew Keating and Dr Alex Park

Unit rules

Prerequisites

(1) a.
96 points credit including completion of all level 2 units in Major of Podiatric health and Medical Sciences Major (MJD-PHMSC).
or b.
Enrolment in

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine 91870.
and (2) students enrolling in this unit via the assured pathway MJD-PHMSC and/or the graduate entry DPM must comply with the requirements of the School's Infection Control, First Aid, Working with Children's check and Police Clearance check requirements prior to the commencement of Level 3 PODI units, as detailed in the DPM course rules.

Co-requisites

PODI3000 Professionalism in Practice (ID 7835).
PODI3114 Podiatric Biomechanics (ID 7820).
PODI3116 Clinical Podiatric Practice 2 (ID 7822).
PODI3118 Research and Evidence in Practice (ID 7840)

Contact hours

Approximately 6 hours per week