534-301 Principles of Pharmacology

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Pharmacology 534-201 or in some circumstances 534-202; exemption may be given at the discretion of the Head of Department. Students completing 534-202 normally require a practical based unit in second year. Physiology 536-201 and 536-211 and Biochemistry 521-211 and 521-212 are highly recommended.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The teaching program covers the mechanisms of drug-receptor interaction, classification of drug receptors, drug-receptor kinetics, drug-enzyme interactions and second messenger systems involved in cell signalling. The disposition of drugs in the body, drug administration, absorption and elimination, and genetically-determined variability in drug action will be discussed. The course will cover the pharmacology of the adrenergic and cholinergic nervous systems and autacoids. Students will also acquire skills to set up and carry out laboratory experiments using computer based recording equipment and learn to record accurately and analyse results of a variety of pharmacological experiments. In addition they will learn to appreciate the fundamental importance of good laboratory practice which includes the proper treatment and handling of laboratory animals, the keeping and writing up of laboratory records and the importance of good experimental design and methods of data analysis in investigating mechanisms of drug action.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; continuous assessment throughout the practical component of the subject. An oral examination may also be held for students who do not pass the written examination.