Pharmacology

The unit begins with an introduction to the general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A wide range of drug groups will then be studied with attention focused on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical uses, and side effects of each drug. Aspects relating to medicinal chemistry, toxicity testing, clinical trials and requirements for the admission of new drugs are covered in topics that relate to new drug development. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, sensitivity and resistance to drug therapies are further topics that address variation in drug outcomes. Social drug abuse and types of drug dependence are also discussed in this unit.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Interrogate the general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics;
2. Analyse and investigate the mechanism of action for the major drug groups affecting (autonomic nervous system, cardiorespiratory system, clotting, kidney, gastrointestinal system, endocrine system, mood, signal conduction, inflammation, cell cycle (cancer, anti-microbials), to then provide relevant examples;
3. Conceptually map the processes involved in new drug development and requirements for the admission of new drugs; and
4. Articulate an understanding of agonist/antagonist actions.