PHA3011 · Principles of drug action

Overview

This unit provides you with a basic understanding of the principles of drug action - including the targets of drug action (receptors, enzymes, ion channels), drug receptor interactions, receptor families and signalling pathways - as well as the principles of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). You will study in detail particular examples of neurotransmitter systems and mediator systems (including histamine, 5HT, eicosanoids and the renin angiotensin system) as targets for drug action. This core pharmacology unit aims to build a solid foundational knowledge of core concepts of pharmacology. This will include discussion of the principles of pharmacodynamics and the molecular targets of drug action (receptors, enzymes, ion channels and transporters. The mechanisms underlying interaction with these targets will be drawn on as you explore how drugs modulate the major neurotransmitter and mediator systems involved in normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Finally, importance of pharmacokinetic parameters and how these influence the response of individuals to drugs will be studied by exploring factors influencing the movement of drugs into, around and out of the body. Throughout the unit, the emphasis will be on the application of concepts to predict and explain the use of drugs as therapeutics. In completing the teaching and learning activities of this unit, you will strengthen important skills, including teamwork, communication, time management and critical thinking which will prepare you for a range of career options, including biomedical research, industry, medicine or allied health professions.

Areas of study: Pharmacology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

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. Compare and contrast mechanisms by which drugs can act to produce changes in living systems;
2. Apply principles of pharmacokinetics to predict and explain individual differences in responses to drugs;
3. Apply knowledge of endogenous neurotransmitter and mediator systems to predict the potential therapeutic use and adverse effects of drugs;
4. Use relevant scientific literature to develop a pharmacological hypothesis and design a set of experiments to address this;
5. Demonstrate the ability to execute pharmacological experiments to obtain, present and interpret data relating to mechanisms of drug action;
6. Demonstrate effective team membership in the completion of in-class and project activities.

Workload

Up to 12 hours per week consisting of: • 6 hours of directed learning including online activities, lectures, laboratories or workshop activities and • 6 hours of self-directed study

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