module specification

This module reviews the pharmacological treatments of key human illnesses and explores the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved.

CH5011 Drugs: Delivery and Actions

Or: CH5012 Key Concepts in Pharmacology

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

The module aims to give an understanding of how chemical mediators affect the major organ systems of the body and explain the effects of such mediators at tissue, cellular and molecular levels with reference to disease states. It will also provide students with a detailed insight into the process of neurotransmission and illustrate how drugs can be used therapeutically to modulate such processes in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Additionally it will give students experience at analysing, and drawing conclusions from, pharmacological data.  It will thereby provide students with knowledge and capabilities required by pharmacologists.

The pharmacological treatment of diseases of key organ systems will be explored, notably the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems. In addition, there will be coverage of treatments of bone disorders, cancers, and infection. Possible future pharmacogenomic treatment strategies will be explored. Within the context of treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, the roles of key neurotransmitters and their cognate receptors will be covered, and their role in inappropriate neurotransmission in conditions such as anxiety, clinical depression, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.  Mechanisms of action of general and local anaesthetics, CNS stimulants and depressants, and hallucinogens will be studied.  Students will be introduced to the concept of drug abuse and dependence being disease states which themselves can to some extent be treated pharmacologically. With regard to pharmacological therapies in general, attention will be paid to notable adverse reactions to specific drugs.

The module is delivered through a blend of directed learning sessions including lectures, tutorials, and practicals, and through the use of self-managed learning involving on-line learning materials, the analysis of published pharmacological peer-reviewed papers, completion of formative assessments, and preparation for directed sessions.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Explain pharmacological treatments of key human disorders at the cellular and molecular level;
2. Compare and contrast available pharmacological treatments for specified disorders;
3. Illustrate in detail the processes involved in neurotransmission;
4. Critically discuss likely adverse reactions induced by specified drug therapies;
5. Critically analyse and interpret pharmacological data.

The module will be summatively assessed by a mix of time-constrained assessments and coursework.

There will be one in-class test (1.5h) and one end-of-module written examination (1.5h) designed to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes relating to the therapeutic use of drugs in the treatment of disease. The in-class test will take place half way through the module, while the examination will assess accomplishment of learning over the 2nd half of the module.   Coursework will consist of a datasheet to be completed following the collection and analysis of pharmacological data, and a comprehension exercise involving analysis of a peer-reviewed publication. The coursework elements and progress test will also be used to provide formative feedback.

To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.  There will be an attendance requirement for a practical session, which is therefore compulsory in order to pass the module.  If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

Brunton, L, Chabner, BA, Knollman, B. (2011). Goodman and Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (12th edition). McGraw-Hill.
Galbraith, A, Bullock, S, Manias, E, Hunt, B, Richards, A. (2007). Fundamentals of Pharmacology (2nd edition).
Katzung, BG, Masters, SB, Trevor, AJ (2009). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (11th edition). McGraw-Hill.
Rang, HP, Dale, MM, Ritter, JM, Flower, RJ, Henderson G. (2011). Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology (7th edition). Churchill-Livingston. [Core]

Plus on-line material - see the WebLearn site for details.