Program Overview

Foundational Pharmacology (PF6046)

Course Fact File

Outline

Module Goal

To teach the basic principles of pharmacology.

Module Content

• Pharmacodynamics (drug action, agonism and antagonism, specificity and dose effects); dose response.
• Receptor pharmacology and cell signaling.
• Neurotransmission and general autonomic nervous system pharmacology.
• Application of basic principles in selected examples of drug use including drug effects on major body systems.
• Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.
• Introduction to Pharmacokinetics.
• Drug interaction, side-effects and adverse drug reaction.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

• 4 x 1 hr(s) online synchronous (live) activities
• 12 x 1hr(s) tutorials
• 8 x 1 hr(s) mentoring/coaching
• 100 hr(s) online asynchronous (any time learning) activities

Practicalities

Continuous Assessment - 100 marks

• E-tivities - online assessment - quizzes (100 marks)

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Define how drugs and other exogenous chemicals produce effects in living systems.
2. Identify the molecular mechanisms of action of various drug classes.
3. Relate mechanisms of drug action to management of specific diseases.
4. Interpret and design pharmacological experiments to quantitatively assess drug action.
5. Appraise current drug interventions from a pharmacological perspective.
6. Assess novel approaches to drug design and development.

Requirements

• A candidate must have obtained at least a Second Class Honours in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8).
• Consideration will be given to applicants with sufficient equivalent professional qualifications or significant industrial experience. These applicants will be reviewed by the Programme Lead on the basis of their relevant work experience and motivation statement.
• All applicants whose first language is not English are expected to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual section lower than 6.5, as per UCC requirements outlined at the following link.
• Internet connection for the online course and seminars.

Fees and Costs

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning.

The fee for this micro-credential is €900 but applicants who meet the subsidy requirements can attend this micro-credential for €450.

Check your eligibility on the HEA Website.