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On Drugs: Pharmaceuticals, Medicine, and Culture - ARTS2303
History and the Philosophy of Science

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 30 units of credit at Level 1
 
 
Equivalent: HPSC2665
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 
Available for General Education: Yes (more info)
 
 

Description

Subject Area: History and Philosophy of Science

Drugs are powerful forces of change. This course examines the 'life cycles' of successful medicines developed in the past century, from sex hormones to amphetamines to the latest genetically engineered protein drugs. It offers a historical perspective on how the pharmaceutical industry today creates new drugs, how regulation affects industry activity, how marketing interacts with doctor and patient behavior, and how medicine, culture and politics are all remade in the process of drug innovation. The course communicates key concepts specific to understanding pharmaceuticals and drug policy, and also applies general concepts regarding the way scientific, technical, and social change are connected to help understand drugs and their impact.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.