Course Outline

Faculty of Health Sciences

COURSE CODE (ID): NURS 2102

COURSE TITLE: Pharmacotherapeutics
CREDITS: 3
SECTION: 1
COURSE
MODALITY: Online
COURSE MODALITY
TYPE: ☒ Synchronous ☐ Asynchronous ☐ N/A
COURSE
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Bevans (MO)
PROGRAM: NURS
SEMESTER: 2021-2
CLASS DAYS: Fridays
CLASS TIME: 10am-12:30pm
CLASS VENUE: Online
COMMUNICATION
TOOL: ☐ Zoom ☒ Google Meet ☐ N/A
COURSE
PLATFORM: ☒ MOODLE ☐ Google Classroom ☐ N/A
PRE-REQUISITES: MATH1014 and ALHL2021
CO-REQUISITES: NONE
FIELD TRIP(S): ☐ Yes ☒ No
OFFICE LOCATION: Students are free to send emails whenever.
OFFICE/VIRTUAL
HOURS: By appointment
TELEPHONE: Office: 822-1000 Ext. 329
E-MAIL ADDRESS: obevans@ub.edu.bz and chrystal.samouge@ub.edu.bz
Resources:
Required Text:
Anne Collins Abrams, Sandra Smith Pennington, Carol Barnett Lanmon (2019). Clinical Drug
Therapy Rationales for Nursing Practice (12th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott William &
Wilkins

Recommended Text:
Mckenry, L., Tessier,E., & Hogan, M. (2006). Mosby’s Pharmacology in nursing (22nd ed.).
St. Louis, MI: Elsevier Mosby.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces the student to the role of pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of illness and the

promotion, maintenance and restoration of wellness in clients from diverse cultures and environments. Emphasis

is placed on theories and principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics which

provide a foundation for critical thinking, the application of research findings, and the utilization of the nursing

process in the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents. Specifically, for each pharmacological category, the following

will be covered: basic mechanism of action, routes of administration, basic pharmacokinetics and therapeutic uses

of classes of drugs through the use of nursing process will be examined. The focus is on assessment, client

education, and evaluation of client outcomes.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. describe the general principles of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and

pharmacogenetics.
2. describe the pathophysiology of certain disease states and the rationale for the use of selected
pharmacotherapy interventions.
3. explain the pharmacology (mechanism of action, effects, pharmacokinetics, side effects, etc.) of the
drugs discussed for each disease.
4. describe nursing care implications, including client assessment, education, and evaluation of desired
client outcomes for selected pharmacotherapeutic agents.
5. describe the basic principles of medication administration.
6. perform all calculations necessary for safe and effective medication administration.
7. describe the actual and potential effects of selected pharmacotherapeutic agents on the affective,
biological, and cognitive subsystems of individuals from diverse cultures and environments.

2
MODES OF INSTRUCTION
In this course I will utilize the following methodologies: Lecture and discussion, small and large group
discussion; individual and group presentations, slide show and video presentations and guest speakers. Online
(Moodle).

Disclaimer: This course outline and schedule is articulated as an expectation of class topics, learning activities,
and expected student learning. However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this schedule that,
within my professional judgment, would result in enhanced or more effective learning on the part of the students.
These modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be done within
the policies and procedures of University of Belize.
To meet graduation requirements, you must achieve a C+ or higher in all professional core courses (BPHA). For general core
and support courses a minimum of a C is required for graduation.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Date Course Content Methods, & Readings Assignments

Activities and Due Dates

Wk1 Module 1: Introduction: Orientation to Slide show, lecture, Reading assignments

st Pharmacology (Anne et al., Chapter 1) Moodle and Read Chapters 1- 4 of
21 Jan
i. Historical perspectives discussions recommended textbook
ii. Nursing role in drug therapy
iii. Sources and names of drugs
iv. Classification of drugs
Wk2 v. Legal responsibilities in drug therapy Slide show lecture, Reading assignments
28th Jan (Mosby’s Chapter 2) Moodle and Chapters 3-5
vi. (Belize drug legislation, drug substitution, discussion
international drug control, nursing
legislation)
vii. Prescribing abbreviations and Drug
administration

Wk3 Module 2: Principles of drug action (Anne Review and

th et al. 3-5) discussion of
4 Feb Presentation 2
i. Pharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetic and Physiology. Lecture
pharmacodynamics Phases and discussion
ii. Assessment, diagnosis, planning,
implementation, and evaluation.
Wk4 Module 3: Drug therapy in peculiar Video, Moodle and
11th Feb persons/situations (Anne. Chapters 6, 7, 8) discussion Pretest discussion
i. Drug therapy in pregnancy and pregnancy
categorization of drugs
ii. Drug therapy in children
iii. Drug therapy in the aged (geriatrics)
iv. Ethnic and racial differences in drug
response
v. Drug calculations

3
 Date Course Content Methods, & Readings Assignments
Activities and Due Dates

Wk5 Module 4: Drugs affecting the autonomic Video, Moodle and Test 1 covering topics
th nervous system (Chapters 16 - 20)
18 Feb discussion from week 1- 4
i. Review of Autonomic Nervous System
Physiology

Wk6 ii. Cholinergic agonists and antagonists Lecture and Reading assignments
25th Feb iii. Adrenergic agonists and antagonists discussion Chapters 16 - 20

Wk7 Module 5: Central nervous system Drugs Small group Reading assignments
th (Chapters 5 - 15) presentation and Chapters 16 - 20
4 Mar
i. Anesthetics, CNS stimulants discussion
ii. Anxiolytic and Hypnotic drugs

Wk8 iii. Antidepressants Reading Assignments

11th
Mar iv. Drugs used in Epilepsy/convulsions chapters 5 – 15

Presentation 3

Wk9 Module 6: Drugs for analgesia and Slide show lecture and Reading assignments
th inflammation (Chapters 5 - 15) discussion
18 Mar
i. NSAIDs: Anti inflammatory agents Pretest discussion
ii. Non-narcotic analgesics, Narcotic
analgesics and antagonists
iii. Adrenocorticosteriods and antagonist
Wk10 Module 7: Cardiovascular system Drugs Small group Test 2 from week 5 - 9
25th Mar (Chapters 47 - 55) presentations
i. Antihypertensive drugs

Wk11 ii. Drugs used in the treatment of CHF Slide show lecture and
1ST Apr iii. Anti angina agents discussion Chap 47 - 55

Wk12 iv. Anti arrhythmic drugs Slide show lecture and Reading assignment
th v. Drugs affecting the blood: anticoagulant discussion Chap 47 - 55
8
drugs
Apr
EASTER BREAK 12th APRIL TO 18th APRIL 2022
Wk13 Module 8: Drugs acting on other organs Slide show lecture and Reading assignment
22rd Apr (Sections 7, 9, 4) discussion Chap 47 - 55
i. Drugs affecting respiratory system PresentationWeek 13 –
1 (15%)
ii. Gastrointestinal Drugs: emetics, anti ulcer, due April 17 th
anti diarrhea, etc

Wk14 iii. Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemic Slide show, lecture Weekweeks
Test 3 covering 14 11
29th April iv. Thyroid hormones and anti thyroids and discussion – 14 topics
Module 9: Chemotherapeutic agents (one Presentations
or more of the following may be discussed as
time permits) Section 5
i. Antibiotics Week 16
ii. Antiviral agents
iii. Antifungal agents
iv. Antiparasitic
v. Anthelminthic drugs
vi. anticancer agents

4
 Date Course Content Methods, & Readings Assignments
Activities and Due Dates

Wk15 STUDY DAYS

06th – 11th
May
Wk16 Final Examination******Final Examination******Final Examination
12th to 20th
May

COURSE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS:

1. Academic Honesty: The administration of student discipline in the university community
is a responsibility shared by students, faculty, and administrative staff. The University of
Belize Academic Honesty Policy outlines the University’s expectations for the integrity of
student’s academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those
expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty throughout the
process. All students are expected to conform to the Academic Honesty Policy. Lecturers
are expected to consult with academic department chairpersons to prevent and respond to
violations of the Academic Honesty Policy. Students wishing to dispute a charge of
academic dishonesty or a sanction made upon them because of such allegations can do so
by appealing to the Dean of Student Affairs to invoke the Discipline Appeals Process as
detailed in the Student Handbook. (Please visit www.ub.edu.bz for a full description of
violations to the Academic Honesty Policy and sanctions.)

2. Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend and participate in all sessions, and to
be on time. Students must attend or participate in at least 80% of class sessions.
Unexcused absences beyond this point may result in a reduction in your grade. You must
provide the necessary documentation for any other absences e.g. doctors certificate if you
are ill. You are expected to participate fully in class discussions and be prepared to
contribute to class discussions and group work. Because participation in class is imperative
for success, each student’s final grade will be positively or negatively affected based upon
the number of class sessions they attend or participate in. Absent students are responsible
for obtaining class notes, handouts, and activities, as well as any other pertinent
information.

If an instructor is late to a face to face class session or virtual classroom, the students are
required to wait for the instructor at least fifteen minutes after the scheduled start of the
class period. If the instructor has not arrived or logged in by that time, the students are
free to leave unless specifically notified to await the instructor's arrival.

3. Disability Consideration: Where necessary, and with adequate notice, instructors are
required to make special arrangements, to allow students with special needs to participate
in assessment without being placed at a disadvantage, for example use of enlarged fonts or
Braille. Students requiring such considerations must be medically certified as having a
specified special need.

4. Punctuality: Kindly make every effort to arrive or login on time to all sessions. Walking
or logging into a session late is unprofessional and distracting to the rest of your
colleagues. If you will be late for any session, please inform the instructor via an e-mail,
5
 telephone call, or text message.

5. Professional Ethics: In your fieldwork and/or class activities, you are expected to conduct
yourself in an ethical, legal, and professional manner.

6. Readings: Readings will be assigned. You will be expected to attend the class session
prepared to discuss the readings from the required text and/or any additional readings
assigned. The aim is to enhance your understanding and skills related to these materials
and to enable you to share your understanding with class members. Assigned readings
must be completed prior to the class session for which they are intended.

7. Writings: The ability to write clearly and effectively is essential to a profession. Written
assignments represent your best professional abilities and excellence. Assignments must be
written in Standard English. Written assignments should be typed and carefully proofread.
Pages that are disorganized and contain errors in grammar, spelling, syntax, or typing will
receive reduced grades. All written work should adhere to the APA style as directed by the
instructor.

8. Cell phones: As courtesy to your classmates and instructor, please have cell phones turned
off throughout face to face class time. If an urgent matter arises that requires you to have
your cell phone on (on vibrate), please inform the instructor before the session.

9. Microphone: Upon entering a virtual classroom, kindly ensure that all microphones are on
mute. To speak or participate in a discussion online, kindly unmute microphone. Once you
have finish speaking kindly mute microphone in the classroom.
10. Assessments: All assessments for grading are to be submitted via the Moodle Platform.
11. Missed of late Assignments: Students are expected to do all class assignments, and
upload to the Moodle platform based on due dates. If prior approval for late assignment is
not granted by the instructor, points will be deducted from that assignment or the
assignment will not be accepted.

10. Computer and Software Requirement: Students enrolling in a web-enhanced course are
required to complete Moodle for Students available on their course dashboard. Students
enrolled in Blended and Online courses are required to complete Moodle for Students and
E-learning for Students. In addition, students must have the basic computer, Internet and
Keyboarding skills. They must have access to a computer with Internet Service, a web
browser, and a UB email account. Microsoft Office 2016 are standard at the UB Campus
computer labs. Students may use any desktop productivity software of their choice as long
as their instructor can access their work. When compatibility issues arise, it is the student’s
responsibility to resolve the problem with their instructor. Technical support for course
navigation is available through the Office of Open and Distance Learning at
odl@ub.edu.bz.

11. E-mail Accounts: Students taking courses will be assigned a UB e-mail account.
University and course-related emails will be sent to this account. The emails inside of
MOODLE will be used as the main communication tool for the University of Belize. All
online students are expected to check their e-mail accounts on a regular basis to avoid
missing important information sent out from the instructor or from the University.

6
12. Virtual Classroom: Online students are encouraged to log into the virtual classroom as
stipulated by the course instructor. This will allow students access to the instructor to seek
clarity regarding an assessment, a course activity or to view the course weekly lecture.
Virtual Classroom sessions are announced via the course page. This notification should
include the day(s), time(s) and communication tool for the sessions.

13. Denying Course Access: Approximately ten (10) workdays after the beginning of each
semester, the office of Finance may purge students who have not paid their fees for the
semester. Before students can be reinstated, they must pay their fees through the Office of
Finance. Students may have their access reinstated completing the reinstatement form and
getting the proper signatures for reinstatement. For Financial concerns kindly email
accountsreceivables@ub.edu.bz

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Methods of assessment may include tests, projects, presentations, assignments and readings, paper/essay/research and
examination.

GRADING SCALE
The final grade will be assigned in adherence with the University of Belize’s Grade Policy. Thus, final grades will be
computed using a combination of semester grades (including homework assignments), essays, tests and quizzes, portfolios
etc, and a final examination. The final letter grade will be assigned using the following University Grading Scale:

95-100 A 80-84 B 65-69 D+

90-94 A- 75-79 C+ 60-64 D
85-89 B+ 70-74 C 0-59 F

CLASS ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENT:

Video discussion forum (3) 15%

Presentations (3) 15%
Tests (3) 30%
Final Exam 40%

Presentation one (5%) – (Total Points = 160pts)

Students are required to complete a minimum of 48 clock hours of volunteer pharmacy service. During the
experience students are required to
1. Learn and be familiar with the most commonly dispensed products, their uses and corresponding
generic/brand names (20points – evidenced by a class presentation)
2. Learn the basics of drug names, uses, dosages, routes of admin, adverse effects and contraindications.
3. Keep a journal of all professional activities such as (20points)
a. Routine Activities
b. Drugs Reviewed
c. knowledge gained
d. skills gained
4. Make a folder with collection of drug inserts/leaflets (innovations shall be rewarded) (20points)
5. Write a 2-page reflection essay to summarize your experience. (100pts).

7
Presentation 1
Due date: 22nd April 2022
Worth: 100

Description of the Presentations: (there will be 2 presentations of this type a 5 pts each) Students shall be shared into
groups and given various topics on anti-infective drugs. Students shall prepare and present to the class the topics given to
them.

Objectives of the Presentations:

To discuss the drugs, dosages, routes of administration, mechanisms of action and side-effects of the assigned drugs.
To appreciate the nature of team work as futures nurses
To develop skills in presentations as future nurses.

Scoring Rubric for Oral Presentations

Total
Category Scoring Criteria Points Score
The type of presentation is appropriate for the topic and 5
audience.
Organization
Information is presented in a logical sequence. 5
(15 points)
Presentation appropriately cites requisite number of references. 5
Introduction is attention-getting, lays out the problem well, and 5
establishes a framework for the rest of the presentation.
Technical terms are well-defined in language appropriate for 5
the target audience.
Content
Presentation contains accurate information. 10
(45 points)
Material included is relevant to the overall message/purpose. 10
Appropriate amount of material is prepared, and points made 10
reflect well their relative importance.
There is an obvious conclusion summarizing the presentation. 5
Speaker maintains good eye contact with the audience and is 5
appropriately animated (e.g., gestures, moving around, etc.).
Speaker uses a clear, audible voice. 5
Delivery is poised, controlled, and smooth. 5
Presentation
(40 points) Good language skills and pronunciation are used. 5
Visual aids are well prepared, informative, effective, and not 5
distracting.
Length of presentation is within the assigned time limits. 5
Information was well communicated. 10
Score Total Points 100

8
 Journal Reflection Rubric
Can be done as an independent study to be able to reflect and prepare for exam.
Criteria Unsatisfactory-Beginning
Content 0-34 points
Reflection Reflection lacks critical
thinking. Superficial
connections are made with
key course concepts and
course materials, activities,
and/or assignments
Personal 0-13 points
Growth Conveys inadequate evidence
of reflection on own work in
response to the self-
assessment questions posed.
Personal growth and
awareness are not evident
and/or demonstrates a
neutral experience with
negligible personal impact.
Lacks enough inferences,
examples, personal insights
and challenges, and/or future
implications are overlooked.
Writing 0-13 points
Quality Poor writing style lacking in
standard English, clarity,
language used, and/or
frequent errors in grammar,
punctuation, usage, and
spelling. Needs work.
Timelines Deduct 11 points-overall
s failing
Journal reflection is submitted
2-3 days (49-72 hours) after
the deadline.
Video discussion (3) will be given throughout the course as needed
Students will be placed in groups. 5 questions on a topic will be given. Students will prepare a 30 min video
Developing
35-39 points
Reflection demonstrates
limited critical thinking in
applying, analyzing,
and/or evaluating key
course concepts and
theories from readings,
lectures, media,
discussions, activities,
and/or assignments
Minimal connections
made through
explanations, inferences,
and/or examples.
14-15 points
Conveys limited evidence
of reflection on own
work in response to the
self-assessment
questions posed.
Demonstrates less than
adequate personal
growth and awareness
through few or simplistic
inferences made,
examples, insights,
and/or challenges that
are not well developed.
Minimal thought of the
future implications of
current experience.
14-15 points
Average and/or casual
writing style that is
sometimes unclear
and/or with some errors
in grammar,
punctuation, usage, and
spelling.
Deduct 6-10 points
Journal reflection is
submitted 1-2 days (25-
48 hours) after the
deadline.
9
Accomplished Exemplary Total
40-44 points 45-50 points /50
Reflection demonstrates Reflection demonstrates a
some degree of critical high degree of critical
thinking in applying, thinking in applying,
analyzing, and/or analyzing, and evaluating
evaluating key course key course concepts and
concepts and theories theories from readings,
from readings, lectures, lectures, media, discussions
media, discussions activities, and/or
activities, and/or assignments. Insightful and
assignments. Connections relevant connections made
made through through contextual
explanations, inferences, explanations, inferences,
and/or examples. and examples.
16-17 points 18-20 points /30
Conveys evidence of Conveys strong evidence of
reflection on own work reflection on own work with
with a personal response a personal response to the
to the self-assessment self-assessment questions
questions posed. posed. Demonstrates
Demonstrates satisfactory significant personal growth
personal growth and and awareness of deeper
awareness through some meaning through inferences
inferences made, made, examples, well
examples, insights, and developed insights, and
challenges. Some thought substantial depth in
of the future implications perceptions and challenges.
of current experience. Synthesizes current
experience into future
implications.
16-17 points 18-20 points /20
Above average writing Well written and clearly
style and logically organized using standard
organized using standard English, characterized by
English with minor errors elements of a strong writing
in grammar, punctuation, style and basically free from
usage, and spelling. grammar, punctuation,
usage, and spelling errors.
Deduct 1-5 points 0 points deducted /--
Journal reflection is Journal reflection is
submitted within 1 day (24 submitted on or before
hours) after the deadline. deadline.
TOTAL POINTS (sum of 4 Criteria) /100
discussing the questions and their answers and send the video to lecturer.

1. Answer all 5 questions appropriately. (50pts)

2. Engaged, students are prepared to answer questions and are knowledgeable of the content being discussed.
(20pts)
3. Speaks proper English. (10pts)
4. Finish the video within the time frame given. (5pts)
5. Discussion flows, students allow each other to complete an idea before adding or rebutting. (15pts)

Name of Course: NURS2102: Pharmacotherapeutics 2021-2

Developed by __Danladi Chiroma Husaini______ Date: __November 2020__________

Reviewed by ___Dr. Omie Bevans (MO)____ Date: January 2022

Peer Reviewer/s:

External Reviewer/s (if Applicable) ______________Institution: __________ Date__________

Dean: __________________ 20/1/22

Date: _______________________

10