Aims

The aims of the course are to:

Introduce students to the fundamental principles of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Provide students with an understanding of the mechanisms and targets of drug action

Relate drug action at the cellular level to overall pharmacological and toxicological effects

Provide students with an understanding of drug discovery/development and safety monitoring.

This module introduces students to practical skills essential to students studying pharmacology. Students learn practical techniques for quantification of drugs in biological fluids and use these techniques to explore the effect of charcoal on drug absorption and the processes affecting drug metabolism. They also measure the different therapeutic and side effect profiles of commonly used bronchodilators.


The module will also highlight the importance of laboratory health and safety.

Outline Of Syllabus

The lectures and seminars cover the following topics:

Principles of pharmacology: targets for drug action; quantification of drug action; drug disposition; pharmacokinetics, drug development and discovery, drug repositioning.


Neurotransmission in the nervous system.


Peripheral Nervous System: drugs acting on the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system; pharmacology of asthma treatment; local anaesthetics.



Central Nervous System: pharmacology of anti-parkinsonian drugs; antidepressants; drugs of abuse.



Drugs and the endocrine system: steroids, drugs used in thyroid dysfunction; sex hormones and oral contraceptives.



Drug effects on other systems such as: anti-inflammatories; antihistamines; anticancer drugs; anti-microbials, toxins, poisoning and overdose; adverse reactions.

The Pharmacology practical skills module consists of laboratory-based practicals on the following topics: drug metabolism in vitro by liver microsomes; determination of paracetamol pharmacokenetics using spectrophotometry; the bronchodilator effects of inhaled salbutamol and ipratropium; the absorption of paracetamol and the effect of charcoal on drug absorption.


The module is offered ONLY to Study abroad and exchange students. Students on other programmes in the School
of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences may take the same practical classes as part of CMB1011.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.

Seminars will encourage students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.

Guided independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes reading lecture notes and texts; advanced preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the internet and VLE. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.

Practicals will provide experience of laboratory work; information presented in practicals will include knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of essential practical techniques and laboratory health and safety.

Small group teaching will introduce IT skills needed for the practical work.

Students will gain hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques and safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will allow students to develop skills in recording and analysing biological data, carrying out scientific calculations and using computers. Practicals also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in a relatively informal setting. Skills practised include critical thinking, data synthesis, numeracy & use of computer applications.

Independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts relevant to the practicals; preparation for practicals and completing assessments.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester examination assess knowledge and understanding of the course material. The formative quiz format questions will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the format of a quiz format exam via Inspera.

Formative pre and post practical quizzes will support student's understanding of the theory and practical skills associated with each of the 3 labs.

The lab report will help students knowledge and understanding of practical techniques, alongside their ability to record and analyse biological data.