534-301 Principles of Pharmacology (Lectures)

Credit Points:

Coordinator:

Prerequisite/s:

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

By the end of the teaching programme in Principles of Pharmacology, the student should:

Comprehend:

• the mechanisms of drug-receptor interaction, classification of drug receptors, drug-receptor kinetics and drug-enzyme interactions; second messenger systems involved in cell signalling; molecular biology of targets for drug action;

• principles of selective toxicity; the absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs in the body; and genetically-determined variability of drug action.

Have developed:

• an appreciation of the pharmacological literature and be able to prepare an essay on a specific topic using journal format.

Content:

Classification and sources of drugs; mechanisms of drug action; drug-receptor interaction; characterisation of drug receptors; molecular pharmacology; drug-receptor kinetics; drug-enzyme interaction; principles of selective toxicity; disposition of drugs in the body; drug administration; absorption and elimination; quantitative pharmacokinetics; genetically-determined variability in drug action.

Assessment: