Program Overview

Introduction to Pharmacology Module

The Pharmacology: Introduction to Drug Action module is designed to introduce students to the subject of pharmacology, with a focus on therapeutically useful drugs. Students will apply their knowledge of biochemistry and physiology to understand the mechanism of action of key current drugs.

Module Overview

The module will cover various systems, including cardiovascular, neurological, anti-inflammatory, infectives, and cancer. Students will also consider how the body deals with drugs, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).

Module Details

• Module code: BMS2047
• Module provider: School of Biosciences
• Module Leader: TRINDER Sarah (Biosciences)
• Number of Credits: 15
• ECTS Credits: 7.5
• Framework: FHEQ Level 5
• Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Student Workload

• Workshop Hours: 5
• Independent Learning Hours: 83
• Lecture Hours: 12
• Tutorial Hours: 17
• Laboratory Hours: 1
• Guided Learning: 12
• Captured Content: 20

Module Availability

The module is available in Semester 2.

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

• BMS1032 - Introduction to principles of physiology and practical skills

Module Content

Indicative content includes:

• Introduction to drugs and receptors
• Drugs and peripheral nervous system
• Drugs for cardiovascular diseases
• Inflammation and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Central nervous system neurotransmitters
• Anxiolytics and hypnotics
• Anti-epileptic drugs
• Anti-depressants
• Anti-psychotics
• Drugs for motor disorders
• Opioids and centrally-acting analgesics
• Chemotherapy
• Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism & excretion (ADME)
• Pharmacokinetics
• Factors affecting ADME

Assessment Pattern

• Assessment type: Coursework and Examination
• Unit of assessment: COURSEWORK - ESSAY and INVIGILATED IN-PERSON EXAM - MCQ & SAQ - 90 MINUTES
• Weighting: 40% for coursework and 60% for examination

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the topic and ability to find, evaluate, and use additional material to answer coursework and exam questions.

Module Aims

• To provide an overview of pharmacology with an emphasis on therapeutically useful drugs
• To provide a framework, based on physiology and biochemistry, for understanding the mechanism of action of drugs

Learning Outcomes

| | Attributes Developed
---|---|---
001 | Describe how drugs can modify the activity of various body systems | KCP
002 | Explain the action of drugs can be therapeutically useful and also how this can give rise to side effects | KCP
003 | Be familiar with the major classes of drugs in therapeutic use | KCP
004 | Know how the body handles drugs, and how this can influence the response of other drugs | KCP
005 | Refine and reflect on personal communication skills in relation to learning outcomes 1-4. | PT

Attributes Developed

• C - Cognitive/analytical
• K - Subject knowledge
• T - Transferable skills
• P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to introduce students to the key fundamentals of pharmacology. The learning and teaching methods include:

• Captured video content and supporting tutorials
• Organ-bath simulation
• Writing workshops

Programmes this Module Appears In

The module appears in the following programmes:

• Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
• Biochemistry MSci (Hons)
• Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science MSci (Hons)
• Medicinal Chemistry BSc (Hons)
• Medicinal Chemistry MChem
• Microbiology BSc (Hons)
• Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons)