Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

The module builds on the fundamental principles of Pharmacology and Physiology established in these two, level 4 modules.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to provide students with:

• a knowledge and understanding of the physiological control of several major body systems
• a knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms by which drugs can modify the function of such systems
• an opportunity to further develop practical skills specific to pharmacological research
• an opportunity to research an area of drug treatment in further detail

Outline Of Syllabus

The module covers five major systems (themes) including the central nervous system, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine system and immune system. Each theme describes the cellular and physiological control of that system in both health and disease states. The mechanism of action of drug classes used in the treatment of each disease state are then described as well as possible side effects and their causes. Four themes are supported by a consolidation seminar (CNS, Endocrine, Respiratory and Immunology) and the gastrointestinal theme is supported by two in vitro practicals.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

In order to meet these aims students will be able to:

1.Describe the physiological and cellular processes involved in the functioning of major body systems
2.Explain, using evidence from scientific research how these systems are changed in disease states
3.Recall the name of key drug classes used in the treatment of diseases associated with the major body systems
4.Explain and contrast the therapeutic mechanism of action of each drug class.
5.Identify the risks/side-effects associated with each drug class and explain the corresponding PK/PD reasons for this.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to:


1.Demonstrate their manual dexterity in a number of laboratory practices such as making solutions and tissue handling.
2.Describe and explain tissue responses in the presence of an agonist and antagonist.
3.Calculate how to construct dose-response curves for an agonist and for combinations of an agonist with an antagonist.
4.Calculate the pA2 value for an antagonist from dose-response curve data.
5.Demonstrate data acquisition/handling/evaluation skills within laboratory reports
6.Apply theoretical knowledge from lectures to explain practical results.
7.Construct a concise laboratory report which evaluates, contrasts and critiques their scientific findings.
8.Review and analyse the scientific literature on a systems-based therapeutic intervention.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture and Lecture materials are used to impart new information and to support students integrating their knowledge from other stages and modules of the course.

The seminar sessions are designed to reinforce the taught material and provide an opportunity for students to clarify concepts or challenge their learning further through peer and staff discussions.

The workshop introduces students to the ethical issues and considerations associated with in vivo research. The practicals link directly with the GI theme of the module so provide contextual learning for the students in addition to experience of techniques, equipment and safety procedures in the laboratory.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The practical report challenges the students to concisely summarise their experiment design and results in a manner they will have seen before in the literature but have never written themselves without a pro-forma. The report assesses the students’ theoretical knowledge of the GI system as well as their ability to use an evidence-based approach in their scientific writing. This is also useful training before the stage 3 dissertation projects.

General Notes

N/A