Unit information: Mechanisms of Drug Action 1A in 2011/12

Unit name	Mechanisms of Drug Action 1A
Unit code	PHAR10200
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Kelly
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	A'Level Chemistry
Co-requisites	A-level Biology is not essential but students will be required to study basic cell biology during the unit
School/department	School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit provides students with a broad introduction to pharmacology. The unit begins with an introduction to the physiology of the different cell types in the body and how drugs modulate their function. Fundamental principles of drug-receptor theory are discussed. Neurotransmission, as a major target for selective drug action and clinical intervention, is illustrated by consideration of the pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system. Drug toxicity, adverse reactions to drugs, and general toxicological principles contribute an important and interesting aspect to the unit. Data handling sessions are organised to improve analytical skills. A workbook has been designed to ensure students understand the lecture material.

Aims:

To understand:

• The physiology of the different cell types in the body and how drugs modulate their function

• The nature of the interaction between drugs and their cellular receptors

• Neurotransmission as a site of drug action with particular reference to the action of drugs on the Autonomic Nervous System

• The adverse effects of drugs and drug toxicity

• The basic ways in which drug action can be investigated, analysed and presented using tissue preparations in the laboratory class

Intended Learning Outcomes

• A thorough knowledge of each of the areas covered in the unit, to enable further study of pharmacology in Mechanisms of Drug Action 1B

• The ability to measure drug action using isolated tissue preparations

• The ability to integrate information from lectures, laboratory work and workbooks

• The ability to critically assess the work of others by peer marking

Teaching Information

• lectures
• practicals

Assessment Information

Exam paper (end of year) 60% Workbook 20% Laboratory work 10% Mid-sessional exam 10%

Reading and References

Recommended textbooks

NB It is not necessary to buy these books. Multiple copies are available from the library

A handout is provided for most lectures. However, it is a good idea to consult a textbook to supplement your lectures notes and to clear up any problems you have with the lecture material. The three textbooks listed below are particularly relevant to the course:

• Pharmacology, (7th Edition) H.P. Rang, M.M. Dale, J. M. Ritter, R. J. Flower and G. Henderson, Churchill Livingstone. Price £40-£50.
• Introduction to Toxicology (3rd edition), J.A. Timbrell, Taylor & Francis Useful for toxicology lectures in Unit 1A
• Patrick, G.L.: Introduction to medicinal chemistry 2nd-4th edition. Copies available in the Chemistry library. An excellent introduction to drug design and also contains an introduction to the biology you need to know.

Other useful books and websites include:

• Instant Pharmacology, K Saeb-Parsy, RG Assomull, FZ Khan, K Saeb-Parsy & E Kelly. A textbook containing concise descriptions of the different drug classes as well as an extensive dictionary of drugs which you may find useful.
• Stereochemistry, David G. Morris, 2001, Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK, ISBN 0-85404-602-X. An excellent introduction to stereochemistry with worked problems and excellent examples illustrating stereochemical principles. Copies are available in the Chemistry and Medical school libraries.
• The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (11th Edition). L.S. Goodman & A. Gilman. Extensive detail about many drugs.
• Basic & Clinical Pharmacology (11th Edition) B.G. Katzung. Has a lot of clinically-orientated material.
• Integrated Pharmacology, (2nd edition) CP Page, MJ Curtis, MC Sutter, MJA Walker & BB Hoffman. Has a lot of clinically-orientated material.
• Medical Pharmacology at a Glance (6th edition) M. Neal, Blackwell Scientific Press. A revision aide, not a complete textbook.

FOR THOSE WITHOUT PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OF BIOLOGY THE FOLLOWING TEXTS ARE RECOMMENDED:

These texts should be consulted when you are having problems understanding the fundamental biological principles/nomenclature mentioned in lectures.

• Roberts: Biology 2nd edition (2001) Designed to cover the 2001 GCSE specifications for Biology
• Patrick, G.L.: An Introduction to medicinal chemistry 4th edition.

The following websites may also be helpful:

• http://www.revisiontime.com/aBio.htm
• http://www.s-cool.co.uk/
• Google is an excellent resource for obtaining definitions of terminology you are unsure about.