On successful completion of this module, students should be able to ;
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the legislation governing licensing of drugs for use in animals;
Recognise how medication errors occur, and perform basic calculations relating to medication administration
Demonstrate a basic understanding of spectrum, pharmacokinetic, chemical and pharmacodynamic properties, formulations, treatment regimens, side effects, toxicity, drug interactions and basic applications of anti-infectives, antiparasitics and antiinflammatories used in veterinary medicine.
Retrieve and analyse relevant information regarding authorised animal medicines
Critically review pharmaceutical and scientific information and apply this to specific veterinary cases, citing source material appropriately
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the veterinarian in antimicrobial stewardship.

This module combines lectures (including e-lectures) and other online materials to build on those elements and principles of basic pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as studied in the earlier years. The module maps to the pathobiology modules as it introduces the student to the major groups of therapeutic agents for the treatment of pathogen-induced disease, ie antimicrobials, antiparasitics, antifungals and antivirals. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs are reviewed, particularly the natural and synthetic corticosteroids, and the various categories of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
From the beginning, and integrated throughout, important legislation governing the use of animal remedies in Ireland will be covered, and reference will be made to key legislation in other jurisdictions. The importance of judicial use of antimicrobials and anti-parasitics will be emphasised and reinforced throughout the module.

Students are expected to have attempted all aspects of pharmacology taught in earlier years of the MVB course.

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

Practice computer-graded self-assessment tests with inbuilt feedback will be available at regular intervals in the semester. For assignments 1 and 2, feedback will be available after each assignment is graded, within 10 days, and the feedback should be used to inform the next assignment. Feedback for the third assignment will be available before the final open book coursework assessment.