Unit name | Pharmacology 1B |
---|---|
Unit code | PHPH10004 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Hodge |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Pharmacology 1A-PHPH100003 |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience |
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit builds upon the principles introduced in unit 1A and focuses on more applied/systematic aspects of pharmacology. Students gain an understanding of the processes involved in drug design and development, from molecule to the clinical evaluation of new therapeutic agents. The pharmacology of endocrine systems are described and drug selectivity, in particular selective toxicity, is further pursued with the study of antimicrobial and cancer chemotherapy. Students undertake a group-based clinical and web based pharmacological dissertation, designed to develop transferable skills including teamwork and effective time management. Practical work, computer assisted learning (CAL), as for unit 1A.
Aims: To understand:
•The molecular basis of how drugs interact with proteins including the different forces and bonds involved
•The importance of stereoisomerism in pharmacology
•Key concepts involved with drugs in solution for instance their hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and acid/base properties
•How drug design is performed using a number of illustrative examples
•The processes involved in drug development from discovery to making a prescription drug
•The biochemical foundations underlying antibacterial drugs, their clinical use and problems associated with bacterial resistance
•The mechanisms of action of drugs, clinical uses and adverse effects of drugs that modulate the function of the major endocrine glands
•To explain the mechanisms of action and adverse effects of drugs used in the treatment of cancer, fungal infections, protozoal infections and helminth (worm) infestations,
•The basic ways in which drug binding can be investigated, analysed and presented using radioligands
Outcomes:
Recommended textbooks
Multiple copies are available from the Lifezone. However Pharmacology Honours students may wish to have their own copy of “Pharmacology” to use throughout their degree course (a new 7th edition of this textbook is now out but the older editions are still fine to use; note that Professor Graeme Henderson from this School co-authored the latest edition). A handout is provided for most lectures but 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 first year course:
Other useful books and websites include:
* Basic & Clinical Pharmacology (11th Edition) B.G. Katzung. Has a lot of clinically-orientated material.