The aim of this topic is to introduce students to the wonders of modern medications, issues associated with their use in modern society, and challenges to meet to ensure best practice in that usage of medications. In the jargon of the topic students will be delving into the diversity of the human being, physiology of old age, pharmacokinetics, social settings, adverse events, pharmacology, and quality use of medications. There will be need to at least consider complimentary and alternative medicines too. If students can see the value of medications to their contemporary society and be part of a system striving to improving its outcomes, then we will all have achieved. By the completion of this topic, a student should understand the diversity of the makeup of older people; be aware of the possible changes in physiology of any one older person; be familiar with pharmacokinetic terms and their useful application in therapeutics; have an understanding of the drivers impacting on the usage of medications in old age; become familiar with the issues of adverse events; be aware of challenges to be met around best practice in the use of medications; be competent and confident to find valid drug information; and be able to contribute to individual and public education around medication usage.
Students should complete the application form, including details of all the topics they wish to enrol in and post the form to Enrolment Services, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001.
Flinders University's main campus is located on Sturt Road at Bedford Park, just south of the Central Business District (CBD) of Adelaide, the capital city of the State of South Australia. The most direct routes from the CBD are via: Anzac Highway and South Road, or Goodwood Road, Ayliffes Road and South Road.