BPS3032 · Toxicology and advanced pharmacology

Overview

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to advanced concepts in analytical pharmacology and basic toxicology. In the process, you will develop your abilities to analyse experimental results relating to concentration-response relationships and their interpretation. After completing this unit, you will be able to apply these concepts to analyse a number of applications as a basis for later work in other subjects within the pharmacological sciences. This unit will involve the study of: • analysis of concentration-response curves • quantitative pharmacology and toxicology • nature of antagonism • allosterism • ligand biased signalling • probe dependence

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

In-semester assessment 50%; final assessment: 50%.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Interpret pharmacological data in terms of biomolecular interactions.
2. Analyse experimental data using curve-fitting methods and appropriate statistical analysis.
3. Design and conduct experiments involving the cultivation of living cells and the use of cell assays.
4. Discuss how large data sets can be generated and analysed to identify potential drug targets.
5. Analyse evidence to suggest possible mechanisms underlying toxic effects in response to chemical exposure.
6. Outline ways in which a cell may be able to protect itself against a particular toxin.
7. Suggest suitable model systems for pre-clinical drug toxicity studies.
8. Evaluate the benefits and shortcomings associated with different assays of toxicity.
9. Analyse and interpret safety data to suggest risk minimising laboratory practices.

Workload

• Eight 1.5-hour online preparation modules (Discovery) • Twenty-four 1-hour interactive lectures (online modules) • Four 4-hour laboratories • Eight 2-hour workshops

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.