PHAR20040 Pharmacology:Biomedical Scienc

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module forms part of the core curriculum for the B.Sc. degree in Pharmacology. This module first covers the fundamental principles of interactions of the body with drugs (drug absorption, metabolism and excretion), interactions of drugs with the body (drug targets, receptor agonists and antagonists and intracellular receptor signalling) and neurotransmitter signalling. In addition, this module introduces the student to the basic biology and pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system and the peripheral organ systems it regulates. A particular emphasis will be on diseases of cardiovascular system and students will explore the mechanisms and therapeutic effects of drug classes which modulate cardiovascular function. In addition, students will learn the actions of drugs that influence other organ system such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems and how different pharmacological interventions are used to provide therapeutic benefit in disease states.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe the principles of drug-body and body-drug interactions;
2. Discuss neurotransmitter signaling in the peripheral nervous system;
3. Comprehend the major divisions of the nervous system;
4. Explain the drugs classes that can influence control of peripheral organs;
5. Describe the biology of the cardiovascular system and discuss the various drug classes that treat its dysfunction in diseases including hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, thrombosis and cardiac failure;
6. Describe the pharmacology of the respiratory system, including the drug treatments for asthma;
7. Describe the pharmacology of the gastro-intestinal tract, including the treatment of gastric ulcer disease.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36

Specified Learning Activities

15

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Total

111

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students will be provided with powerpoint lecture notes in advance of all lectures.
Following each block of lectures a review lecture will enable students to review the topic and prepare for exams by answering sample questions and addressing student specific questions.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PHAR20030 - Pharmacology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Essay Exam (50%) and MCQ exam (25%) on second part of course 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

75

Continuous Assessment: MCQ Exam on first part of course Week 6 n/a Graded No

25


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Following the first MCQ exam students will be offered feedback on learning requirements and approach to final exam.

Name Role
Dr Colm Collins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Derek Costello Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Liz Hannon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Breandán Kennedy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Keith Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer