Units / CVP5005
CVP5005 · Biochemistry and pharmacology for perfusion
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
In this unit you will learn about biochemical and pharmacology principles relevant to clinical practice as a perfusionist. You will gain knowledge and skills regarding the underlying cellular and metabolic functions that support homeostasis and how cardiopulmonary bypass affects this. You will learn about acid/base management and the essential role that a variety of pharmacological agents play in maintaining equilibrium for patients during cardiac surgery. You will explore the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs relevant to clinical practice as a perfusionist and how to administer these pharmacological agents in accordance with the National Safety and Health Quality Service (NSHQS) Standards and within your scope of practice.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching is all online (ONLINE) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Written assignment (2,000 words) | Written | 40% | — |
| 2 | Medication safety project (Part A 1,000 words & Part B 8-12 minutes) | Project | 40% | — |
| 3 | Quiz (90 minutes) | Quiz / Test | 20% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
corequisite
Learning outcomes
- Examine biochemical processes and how they are affected by cardiopulmonary bypass to inform clinical practice
- Evaluate the therapeutic and physiological effects of common medications used during cardiac surgery to ensure safe practice
- Appraise contemporary cardioplegia solutions and techniques for myocardial protection in cardiac surgery to support clinical practice
- Examine and apply legal, ethical and professional responsibilities in medication administration to support practice in line with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards
- Communicate complex concepts and scientific content in a variety of formats
Workload
3 hours of teacher-directed study per week, including 2 hours of lectures per week and 2 hours of tutorials per fortnight 9 hours of self-directed study Total per week = 12 hours
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Tutorials | — |
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