Module BISS2141: PHARMACOLOGY

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS2141: PHARMACOLOGY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module will provide an introduction to the history, science and practice of pharmacology with particular reference to the molecular nature of receptors and ion channels as targets for drug action.

Content

• Receptor theory and the molecular nature of receptors.
• the classification of receptors.
• receptors and ion channels as the major targets through which drugs act to produce their pharmacological actions.
• competitive and non-competitive drugs and the quantification of drug-receptor interactions.
• the fate of drugs introduced into the body, the methods used for the introduction of new medicines.
• An overview of the anatomical and functional organisation of the nervous system.
• the importance of receptors and ion channels in neuronal membrane potential and signalling events.
• neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction.
• myasthenia gravis and anticholinesterase drugs.
• chemical transmission in the autonomic nervous system.
• the site and mechanisms of action of drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system.
• The heart and drugs that affect cardiac function including cardiac glycosides and other cardiotonic agents.
• antidysrhythmmic and antianginal drugs.
• the neural basis of pain.
• opioid and non-opioid analgesic drugs.
• The practicals and workshops will include: guinea pig ileum.
• rat neuromuscular junction.
• the heart and circulation.
• neural communication.
• frog reflexes.
• human sensory physiology.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon completion students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms by which drug molecules act to produce their therapeutic and adverse effects.

• Students should have developed practical skills to design and undertake pharmacological experiments in the laboratory

• Students should show an ability to handle and interpret experimental data

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures provide a foundation for knowledge and understanding, both practical and theoretical, and form a framework for students' self-directed learning.
• Laboratory sessions are used to reinforce the subject knowledge identified in other teaching and learning modes, but also serve to enhance subject specific skills such as of accuracy, reproducibility, data recording and interpretation as well as health and safety in the biomedical laboratory.
• CAL is used both to enhance subject specific knowledge and skills.
• Learning knowledge and understanding will be assessed by course work and end of year examinations

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical reports and CAL workshops

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University