Department of Baic Pharmacology

The Department of Basic Pharmacology provides essential knowledge of medicines that naturopathy students will encounter in clinical settings. General pharmacology covers drug sources, routes of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, receptors, mechanisms of action, adverse reactions, toxicity, poisoning, placebo effects and drug interactions. Systemic pharmacology introduces major drug groups acting on the central and autonomic nervous systems, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, blood, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system, together with antimicrobials, chemotherapy, vitamins, immunotherapy and drugs used in pain, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Teaching pays particular attention to abrupt withdrawal, adverse effects and interactions with herbs, fasting, supplements and lifestyle interventions. The department supports medication reconciliation and safe referral; it does not encourage students to prescribe or discontinue medicines beyond their legal scope.

Students Learning Outcomes

✔ Explain core pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles
✔ Recognise common medicines and clinically important adverse effects
✔ Identify interaction risks relevant to naturopathy and lifestyle care
✔ Communicate safely about prescribed medication and refer appropriately