VNUR20330 Veterinary Applied Pharmacology

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module focuses on the application of pharmacology in veterinary therapy, with particular emphasis on drugs used in veterinary practice in dogs, cats, cattle, sheep and horses. The module also outlines the regulations determining how animal therapies may be legally stored, prescribed, sold or dispensed, and administered to animals in the Republic of Ireland.

Although the module is geared towards Stage 2 veterinary nursing students, this module offers a limited number of elective places, and may also be of interest to BAgSci or BSc students (2nd year and above) with a strong grounding in Biology. Note that demand for elective places may exceed supply.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module the student should be able to:
Apply a basic understanding of the concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to clinical situations
Demonstrate an understanding of Irish and European legislation affecting the use of animal remedies,
Apply the principles of safe practice in working with pharmacological hazards,
Identify the correct application of specific therapeutics for the treatment of infection and inflammation, and for treatment of conditions of the different body systems while recognising the importance of antimicrobial stewardship
Recognise how medication errors may arise in veterinary practice; calculate dosages
Read and cite appropriate sources to explain how to correctly advise animal owners on treatments in veterinary species.

Indicative Module Content:

This module commences with an overview of drug interactions on cells and in the body. This module also deals with aspects of drug dispensing including the legislation relating to animal remedies in EU and Irish legislation. The module then deals in overview with the therapeutic drugs used in veterinary medicine, presented by the therapeutic group and body system. This course is not expected to provide a full overview of the therapies used in veterinary practice, however.
Agents used in anaesthesia are covered in a different module in the veterinary nursing programme.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Tutorial

2
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Total

124
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is expected to be taught through blended learning and may have a substantial online component. Supporting material will be available in Brightspace. The student will also be expected to work independently to complete online assignments. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students taking this module should have taken previous courses which provide a grounding in the normal structure and function of the mammalian body.
This module may be suitable as an elective for Science or Agricultural Science students who, at a minimum, have completed their first year.
This module is not suitable for Veterinary Medicine students as it duplicates learning in that course, and a core module in Stage 3 is incompatible.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
VET20040 - Biological Fluids, VET30050 - Applied Therapies


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: This assesses engagement with online formative assessments. The grade will be based on engagement, 100% or zero, and not on the "grade" obtained. Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

5
Assignment: Two online assignments, offered in term Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

45
Assignment: End of trimester "take-home, open-book" assignment-style examination and is therefore listed as an "Assignment". The paper will be available for 24 hours to complete. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be available to the student on in-term assignments within 15 working days of the submission date.

Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians, 5th Edition. Authors: Boyce Wanamaker Kathy Massey.
Available as an e-book in the UCD library via Onesearch.
Name Role
Professor Alan Baird Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Niamh O'Donoghue Lecturer / Co-Lecturer