Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Health and Human Services
Course Prefix and Number: HLTH 135
Course Title: Pharmacology for Health Professionals
DATE PREPARED: November 1, 2005
DATE REVISED:
PCS/CIP/ID NO: 1.2-51.0707
IAI NO. (if available):
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: 08/17/06
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS:
LECTURE HOURS: 3
3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (Include specific prerequisites):
This course provides a broad overview of the history, applications, metabolism, and
terminology of prescribed drugs for the allied health professional. It will also include a
systemic review of the most commonly prescribed drugs/medications and pharmacological
references. This course cannot be substituted for NURS 113 or any other NURS course.
TEXTBOOKS:
Turley, S. M. (2003). Understanding pharmacology for health professionals (3rd ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
RECOMMENDED:
 Access to a medical dictionary
 Access to drug reference books
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
HLTH 135 was designed to meet the specific needs of an Associate of Applied Science
degree or certificate program and not necessarily as a transfer course, particularly in relation
to the Illinois Articulation Initiative. This course may transfer to various institutions in a
variety of ways. Please see an academic advisor for an explanation concerning transfer
options.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes)
Outcomes
Gen. Ed.
Outcomes
Range of
Assessment Methods
1. List the sources of drugs and
medications.


classroom assessment technique
tests/quizzes
2. Describe the history of use, legislation,
and research of drugs.



concept map
time lines
paper on legislation/specific
legislation
3. Explain how the form, administration,
and age/size affect the absorption and
excretion of drugs.




4. Use health professional references to
gain information about the nature of
prescribed medications.

poster presentation
concept map
case studies
paper on interactions of a medication
paper on contraindications of a
medication
completion of assignments using
references
5. Discuss medical applications, body
system, and adverse effects of commonly
prescribed medications.
6. Recall abbreviations related to
administration, amounts, and frequency of
dosages as well as terminology used in
reference to medications.
7. Identify and list generic and brand name
of medications with a high degree of
accuracy.
CT2
CO2








short presentations
concept maps
poster presentations
matching worksheets
case studies
paper on a medication
translate prescription orders
tests/quizzes


include as criteria in assignments
tests/quizzes
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
Historical Overview of Drug/Medications Use and Legislation
Research & Marketing of Drugs/Medications
Forms and Administration of Medications
Abbreviations and Terminology
Principles of Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
Resources & References for Pharmacology
Classification of Drugs
A.
Antibiotics and Antifungals
B.
Anti-Diabetic Medications
C.
Anticoagulants & Thrombolytic Medications
D.
Obstetric/Gynecological Pharmacology
E.
Psychotropic Medications
F.
Chemotherapy
Pharmacological Use for System Disorders
A.
Cardiovascular System
B.
Nervous System
C.
Integumentary System
D.
Urinary System
E.
Gastrointestinal System
F.
Musculoskeletal System
G.
Pulmonary System
H.
Endocrine System
I.
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Medications
Pharmacological Agents to Control Pain
A.
Analgesics
B.
Narcotics
C.
Anesthetics
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
Example 1
Class Participation
Papers
Assignments
Quizzes
Total
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
10%
25%
35%
30%
100%
Example 2
Paper
Presentation
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Final Exam
Total
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
59% and below
30%
10%
15%
15%
15%
15%
100%
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
Writing assignments may include, but not limited to, research and reaction papers, essay, and
assigned discussion questions (both on exams and as assignments). In all, students will be
writing the equivalent of a 10 -12 page paper either as one paper or over the duration of the
semester.
Students should read the required readings, which may include textbook chapters and/or
supplemental readings before the topic is introduced in class. Chapters are usually
approximately 20-30 pages, and supplementary readings may be up to fifteen pages.
Supplemental readings are short articles taken from chapters of textbooks, professional
journals and magazines, newspapers, popular magazines, and the Internet. Reading the
material before class is important because less time can be devoted to presentation, and more
to activities that apply the information. In the latter cases, students seem to enjoy and learn
more when less time is allotted to lecture of basic information and more time is allotted to
apply the concepts in ways they will encounter in the workplace.