PHA3801 · Principles of pharmacology

Overview

This unit discusses the core principles on how drugs interact with the human body with the focus on concepts, mechanisms, and applications of drugs in pharmacology. Begins with the fundamental understanding of drug interaction, especially how drugs exert their effects at cellular levels, explores the mechanisms behind drug-targets interactions, signalling pathways, and modulation of physiological processes. Followed by the pharmacokinetics process of drugs covering the adverse drug effects and concepts of pharmacogenomics in tailored pharmacology therapy. The unit then embarks on drug classification and their actions in different organ systems providing a comprehensive overview on application of drugs in therapeutic applications. Finally, the unit examines ethical principles and explores the innovations with the future prospects of pharmacology research, development and application.

Areas of study: Medicinal chemistry

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. Assess pharmacology principles, theories and concepts to real world applications;
2. Classify pharmacology drugs in organ systems;
3. Apply ethical principles of pharmacological research in a real world scenario;
4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively to deliver pharmacology principles, theories and concepts.

Workload

• Three hours of practicals (5 weeks); • Three hours of lecture recordings; • One hour of workshop and • Six- seven hours of independent study per week

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