534-304 Pharmacology of Therapeutic Substances

Experiments involving animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible. Credit cannot be given for 534-304 and 534-305 and 534-306 prior to 1998.

534-301 Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology

The teaching program covers the benefits and risks associated with the use of drugs in a variety of systemic diseases. In particular, drugs affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal systems, in addition to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs. Drug action in the central nervous system; anaesthetics, sedatives and hypnotics, analgesics, drugs used in neurodegeneration and disorders of motor function will be addressed. In the practical component of the course, students will develop skills to set up and carry out experiments using computer-based recording equipment, and learn to record and analyse the results of pharmacological experiments demonstrating the use of drugs in a variety of settings. Through this process, it is envisaged that students will come to appreciate the importance of good laboratory practice, including the proper handling of laboratory animals, keeping of laboratory records, and the need for good experimental design. Thus a basis of understanding of the therapeutic benefit of drugs will be developed.

Students will gain skills in:

• participating effectively in group work;

• applying quantitative analysis to data; and

• information gathering and report writing.

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.