Newcastle University > Undergraduate > Find a Degree > Module

• Offered for Year: 2020/21

• Module Leader(s): Dr Lindsey Ferrie
• Lecturer: Dr Cole Sims, Dr Richard McQuade, Dr Sarah Judge, Dr Lisa Russell, Dr Sasha Gartside, Dr Scott Walker, Dr Mohammed Shoaib, Dr Harley Stevenson-Cocks, Dr Simon Wilkinson

• Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

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; pharmacology of antidepressants; drugs of abuse.

5. Drugs and the endocrine system: the endocrine system; 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

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

Teaching Activities

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 and Q&A sessions 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; submitting questions for the Q&A session, using learning resources on the internet and VLE. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.

Assessment Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

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

Exams

Formative Assessments

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.

Reading Lists

• PED1003's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• PED1003's Timetable