Module Details

Module Code: PHAR S8017
Full Title: Physiology & Pharmacology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Mark Hollywood
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aims of this module are;
• To provide an overview of the physiological control of selected body systems.
• To examine how these body systems are affected by drugs.
• To show how drug activity depends upon the route of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of the drug.
The aims of this module are;
• To provide an overview of the physiological control of selected body systems.
• To examine how these body systems are affected by drugs.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Summarise the fundamental principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, explaining how plasma drug concentration is affected by the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.
MLO2 Construct concentration-response curves and interpret concentration-response data of selected agonists and antagonists through a combination of in-vitro and in-silico experimentation.
MLO3 Describe the cellular basis of drug action.
MLO4 Examine the process of autonomic neurotransmission and drugs which affect it.
MLO5 Discuss the physiology of selected body systems and how these are affected by clinically relevant drugs.
Pre-requisite learning
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 DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
• Physiological control
A review of cellular physiology and signalling mechanisms: intracellular Ca2+, ion channels and action potentials. The autonomic nervous system: structure and function, parasympathetic nervous system, sympathetic nervous system. Cholinergic neurotransmission: synthesis, storage, release and effect of acetylcholine at autonomic synapses, parasympathetic junctions and the neuromuscular junction. Adrenergic neurotransmission: synthesis, storage, release and actions of noradrenaline at sympathetic junctions.
• Basic pharmacological principles
Targets of drug action: ion channels, receptors, transporters and enzymes. Receptor pharmacology: agonists & antagonists, affinity vs efficacy and concentration-response curves. Receptor superfamilies and signal transduction mechanisms. Pharmacokinetics: the routes of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs. The effects of lipid solubility, ionisation and pH partition upon drug accumulation
• Drugs and the body
An overview of the physiology and pharmacology of the renal system, cardiovascular system and nervous system. Lectures will include an examination of how clinically relevant drugs interact with each system.
Practical work:
Practical classes will include a combination of lab-based experiments and computer-simulations of classical pharmacology experiments. Computer based simulations of the effects of agonists and antagonists acting upon the isolated guinea pig ileum will be provided. These practicals provide an insight into the regulation of contractility of the gastrointestinal tract and the generation of concentration-response curves in the presence of reversible and non-reversible antagonists. Computer based simulations will also be used to assess the effects of different routes of administration, changing rates of absorption, altering patterns of drugs distribution and altering elimination rate constants upon the time course of plasma drug concentration. More traditional, laboratory based practicals will utilize isometric tension recordings and permit students to gain hands on experience working with live tissues and performing pharmacological experiments. These practical’s investigate the effect of autonomic receptor agonists on spontaneous contractile activity of smooth muscle and investigate how these are affected by a range of ion channel modulators and selective receptor antagonists.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work10.00%
Practical40.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be assigned to groups of four and will deliver an oral presentation describing clinical conditions that affect the body and the pharmacological basis of their therapeutic treatment.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 120
Assessment Description
Students will complete a range of practical classes, including computer based simulation experiments, in-vitro isometric tension recordings and blood pressure monitoring from human volunteers. Students will be supplied with a practical manual with details of each experimental procedure. Marks will be awarded for successful completion of the manual.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Reattendance
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. Therefore reassessment on this module will require the student to reattend (i.e. retake) the module in its entirety.
Reassessment Description
If students fail the exam or coursework, they must repeat these. If they fail the practical classes, they must repeat attend.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Study Non Contact Library study, Lab write up, CA preparation, exam revision Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Rang, Dale, Ritter & Moore. (2015), Rang and Dales Pharmacology, 8th. Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier.
  • Golan DE, Tashjian AH, Armstrong EG, Armstrong AW. (2016), Principles of Pharmacology, 4th. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, USA.
  • Guyton & Hall. (2016), A Textbook of Medical Physiology, 13th. Elsevier, Saunders, USA.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources