Module Catalogue 2024/25

PED1003 : Pharmacology

PED1003 : Pharmacology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Christina Elliott
  • Lecturer: Dr Sarah Judge, Dr Harley Stevenson-Cocks, Professor Richard McQuade, Dr Scott Walker, Dr Alessio Iannetti, Dr Sasha Gartside, Dr Lindsey Ferrie, Dr Simon Wilkinson, Dr Lisa Russell
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credits: 8.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

1. Introduce students to the fundamental principles of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

2. Provide students with an understanding of the mechanisms and targets of drug action

3. Relate drug action at the cellular level to overall pharmacological and toxicological effects

4. Provide students with an understanding of drug discovery/development and safety monitoring.

Outline Of Syllabus

The lectures and seminars cover the following topics:

1. Principles of pharmacology: targets for drug action; quantification of drug action; drug disposition; pharmacokinetics, drug development and discovery, drug repositioning.

2. Neurotransmission in the nervous system.

3. Peripheral Nervous System: drugs acting on the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system; pharmacology of asthma treatment; local anaesthetics.

4. Central Nervous System: pharmacology of anti-parkinsonian drugs; antidepressants; drugs of abuse.

5. Drugs and the endocrine system: steroids, drugs used in thyroid dysfunction; sex hormones and oral contraceptives.

6. Drug effects on other systems such as: anti-inflammatories; antihistamines; anticancer drugs; anti-microbials, toxins, poisoning and overdose; adverse drug reactions

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Explain drug Pharmacokinetics using the principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.

2. Explain the mechanisms of drug action (Pharmacodynamics) of well-known drug examples.

3. Explain how drugs modify the action of chemical mediators to produce therapeutic and adverse effects

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Navigate through module information, content and activities using the VLE (digital skills).

2. Independently locate information related to Pharmacology via the library and the internet to support and reinforce material taught in lectures (information literacy).

3. Work independently and with peers to solve Pharmacology related problems in seminars (problem solving & collaboration).

4. Effectively communicate knowledge of Pharmacology, obtained from lectures and private study, to peers and staff (oral and interpersonal communication skills).

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture271:0027:00In person
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00Formative assessment (mid-semester). In person invigilated via Inspera
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:00In person - Seminars
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1119:00119:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and guided reading
Total150:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.

2. Seminars will encourage students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.

3. Guided independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes reading lecture notes and texts; advanced preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the internet and VLE. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination902A100In-person Inspera Invigilated: Quiz Format questions, maximum 120 questions.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Digital Examination2MIn-person invigilated timed Inspera (45 minutes + 45 questions) Quiz Format questions (time-tabled, mid-semester).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material.

The formative assessment quiz format questions will support learning by providing an opportunity to help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the end of semester exam format.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.