Overview
Nursing 316 Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice 1 provides an integrated review of disease pathology and pharmacological interventions. This course covers the foundations of pathophysiology and pharmacology related to fluids and electrolytes, immunity, infection and inflammation, cancer, the neurological system, the endocrine system, and genetics.
Outline
NURS 316 is comprised of seven units. Each unit includes recommended readings and related learning activities.
Unit 1: Foundations of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Unit 2: Genetics
Unit 3: Fluids, Electrolytes, Acids and Bases
Unit 4: Immunity, Infection, and Inflammation
Unit 5: Cancer
Unit 6: Hematological System
Unit 7: Neurological System
Learning outcomes
After completing Nursing 316: Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice 1, you will achieve or exceed the following learning outcomes:
- Analyze how clinical signs and symptoms relate to the underlying pathophysiological processes of common diseases.
- Evaluate diagnostic tests by explaining how they reflect or confirm specific pathophysiological changes across the lifespan.
- Examine the principles of homeostasis, compensation, and adaptation and how these principles appear in both normal and altered physiology.
- Differentiate major pharmacotherapeutic drug classes by interpreting their actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions.
- Integrate safe medication‑administration practices by applying dosage calculations, lifespan considerations, and the ethical and legal responsibilities of the Registered Nurse.
Evaluation
To receive credit for NURS 316, learners must complete and submit all assignments, achieve a minimum pass grade of 64% on the Cumulative Unit Assessment (Units 1-7), and an overall composite grade of a C (64 percent).
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Cumulative Unit Assessment (Units 1-3) (Invigilated) | 25% |
| Assignment 2: Cumulative Unit Assessment (Units 4 and 5) (Invigilated) | 35% |
| Assignment 3: Cumulative Unit Assessment (Units 1-7) (Invigilated) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Undergraduate nursing (NURS) courses require the use of ProctorU as the only approved invigilation platform. This requirement applies to all assessments designated as invigilated, regardless of whether they are identified as exams, quizzes, tests, cumulative unit assessments, or any other invigilated course activities. There are no exceptions.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Elsevier. (2023). Sherpath [Online learning platform].
Power-Kean, K., Zettel, S., & El-Hussein, M. T. (Eds). (2023). Huether and McCance's understanding pathophysiology (2nd Canadian ed.). Elsevier Canada.
Sealock, K., & Seneviratne, C. (2025). Lilley's pharmacology for Canadian health care practice (5th ed.). Elsevier.