Course description for 2021/22
Pharmacology 1
FAR2009
Course description for 2021/22
Pharmacology 1
FAR2009
This course examines both fundamental and special pharmacology and builds on previous courses such as cell biology and physiology, microbiology and immunology and the biochemical aspects of bio-organic chemistry. Basic pharmacology looks at how drugs affect the body and what the body does with drugs: pharmacokinetics and dynamics. This creates a foundation for understanding mechanisms of drug actions, effects, side effects, dosing and interactions. It also provides an understanding of how individual variation can affect drug treatment. The course also provides knowledge regarding many of the body's most important chemical mediators. Special pharmacology focuses on the use of drugs in connection with diseases of the respiratory system, the immune system and the eye.
All first semester courses must be passed to start this course.
After completing the subject, the student is able to:
Knowledge
- account for central pharmacodynamic concepts such as ligand and substrate binding, selectivity, dose/response curve, potency and tolerance
- account for the central pharmacokinetic principles of drug treatment - absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion
- describe key factors that cause variability within pharmacokinetics and -dynamics
- describe chemical mediators involved in the most common physiological and pathophysiological processes that are affected by pharmaceutical treatment
- describe aetiology, pathophysiology and symptomatology in connection to certain diseases
- account for the principles of drug therapy related to certain diseases
- describe the use of nonmedicinal treatment for certain diseases
- explain cellular mechanisms of action, pharmacological effects, probable side effects and interactions of certain groups of drugs
- explain how various drug-related problems may arise in connection with the use of drugs
- describe relevant clinical chemical analyses regarding certain diseases covered in the course
Skills
- Identify drug-related problems based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information
- assess how individual variation influences the efficacy, dosage, side effects and interactions of drug treatment
- perform basic pharmacokinetic calculations
General competence
- work both individually and in groups with a problem-based approach to the subject matter
- plan and carry out a project
- convey subject material to fellow students
See description in the curriculum.
Compulsory course
Self-determined study and self-determined activity, lectures, study groups, online lessons and compulsory group work/seminars with chemical mediators and pharmacological cases (problem-based work). Oral presentation/fellow student response in connection to group work/seminars. Written submission may be applicable for certain group work.
There is compulsory participation in this course. Reason for compulsory participation: Participation provides skills and general competence that cannot be acquired alone.
Course evaluations are conducted in all courses, and the students are invited to take an active role in these evaluations. Course evaluations may include mid-term evaluations and/or final evaluations of the courses. The head of the course decides how such evaluations are performed.
There is no professional practice in this course.
Assessment and grading using the letters A - F.
Approved calculator
None