Module Details

Module Code: BIOL6026
Title: Introduction to Pharmacology
Long Title: Introduction to Pharmacology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the fundamental principles of pharmacology, with emphasis on key concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Outline the key stages in the drug development process.
LO2 Describe the main targets for drug action and the basic mechanisms of drug-receptor interactions.
LO3 Construct and interpret dose-response curves for agonists and antagonists.
LO4 Explain the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in living systems.
LO5 Perform experimental procedures in basic pharmacology, collate data, interpret results and write scientific reports.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Pharmacology
An overview of the key historical developments in the field of pharmacology. Drug nomenclature and classification. Brief outline of the drug development process (drug discovery, pre-clinical and clinical development).
Pharmacodynamics
Overview of the main biological targets for drug action. An introduction to receptor pharmacology and drug-receptor interactions. Receptor agonists and antagonists. Drug specificity and side effects. Drug-receptor binding and dose-response curves.
Pharmacokinetics
Movement of drug molecules across biological membranes. Binding of drugs to plasma proteins. Routes of drug administration. The basic principles of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.
Practical skills
Calculate concentrations, molarities and volumes required in making solutions and standards. Generate pharmacological data and analyse and interpret results. Estimation of precision and accuracy of experimental results.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Data handling exercise
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 45
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Theory-based assessment of lecture material
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Laboratory reports and data analysis
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class-based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical laboratory instruction Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of lecture notes, report preparation and data handling exercises Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Rang H.P., Ritter, J.M., Flower, R.J. & Henderson, G.. (2015), Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology, 8th. Churchill Livingstone, [ISBN: 9780702053627].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Golan, D.E., Tashjian, A.H., Armstrong, E.J. & Armstrong, A.W.. (2011), Principles of Pharmacology: The Pathophysiologic Basis of Drug Therapy, 3rd. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, [ISBN: 9781451118056].
  • Whalen, K.. (2014), Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology, 6th. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, [ISBN: 9781451191776].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SPHBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 3 Mandatory
CR_SBIBI_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology 3 Mandatory
CR_SFSTE_7 Bachelor of Science in Food and Health Science 3 Mandatory
CR_SCEBS_8 Common Entry Biological Sciences 3 Mandatory
CR_SBIOS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences 3 Mandatory