PED1003 : Pharmacology
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Lindsey Ferrie
- Lecturer: Dr Lisa Russell, Dr Simon Wilkinson, Dr Beth Lawry, Dr Richard McQuade, Dr Sarah Judge, Dr Sasha Gartside, Dr Scott Walker, Dr Mohammed Shoaib
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
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.
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 antiparkinsonion drugs; antidepressants; drugs of abuse.
5. Drugs and the endocrine system: steriods, drugs used in thyroid dysfunction; sex hormones and oral contraceptives.
6. Drug effects on other systems: Inflammation and anti-inflammatories; antihistamines; anticancer drugs; antibiotics/antiprotazoal, toxins, poisoning and overdose; adverse drug reactions
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 25 | 1:00 | 25:00 | PIP |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Formative assessment (mid-semester). Online via Canvas |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | PIP - Seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 121:00 | 121:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and guided reading |
| Total | 150:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
1. Lecture materials 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.
Public Health Contingency:
All lectures and seminars can/will move online either as synchronous online or non-synchronous delivery.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | Invigilated MCQ exam, 120 questions |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | Online timed (45 mins) MCQ/fill in the blanks exam (remote) via Canvas (mid-semester). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The end of semester examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material.
The formative assessment MCQ 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.
Public Health Contingency:
Written exam can/will move to remote online, timed exam to be completed in 24-hour period (120 questions, expected completion time 90 mins).
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PED1003's Timetable