Module Information
Module Identifier
BR36120
Module Title
Molecular Pharmacology
Academic Year
2023/2024
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Case study - group work Group work in which provided clinical case notes are used to formulate a diagnosis and course of treatment. This information is then used to compile a written report. 1500 Words | 35% |
| Semester Assessment | Workshop/practical report This assignment is in two parts: Students are shown how to calculate two key outputs from supplied data of radiolabelled ligand binding to membrane vesicles. IThe students interpret these results using knowledge gained in the module. 1000 Words | 35% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay with Timed Release Written essay reviewing a key scientific paper/ report/ study and evaluating the importance this work to the field 2000 Words | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Supplementary Assessment - Workshop/practical report Students will calculate key outputs from supplied data of radiolabelled ligand binding to membrane vesicles. The results will be then interpreted using knowledge gained in the module. 1000 Words | 35% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Supplementary Assessment - Case Study Students will be provided clinical case notes are used to formulate a diagnosis and course of treatment. This information is then used to compile a written report. 1500 Words | 35% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Supplementary Assessment - Essay with Timed Release Written essay reviewing a key scientific paper/ report/ study and evaluating the importance this work to the field 2000 Words | 30% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Discuss the biochemistry and the molecular biology of human disease.
2. Discuss the pharmacological options for treating specific diseases and the mechanisms by which these treatments work.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the issues involved in developing and/or testing drugs intended for human use.
4. Analyse and present experimental results to a professional standard.
5. Supplement and integrate primary sources with the taught material.
Brief description
This module focusses on drugs and their modes of action in humans, with emphasis on drug/ receptor interactions in the autonomic and central nervous system . The module considers clinical conditions including heart failure, psychosis, asthma, depression and many more.
Content
An understanding of interactions between drugs and their targets is central to both the use and development of pharmaceuticals. In addition, the actions and side effects of these drugs reveal much about the molecular mechanisms underpinning the functioning of the human body. In this module we will examine the biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical use of drugs.
Following a brief introduction to some key pharmacological principles we will focus on drugs in the context of specific systems in the human body. Diseases of the systems selected will be outlined with a particular focus on the biochemistry and molecular biology of these conditions. Other aspects of the healthy functioning of these systems may also be discussed. Focusing on the molecular biology of health and disease allows us to discuss the latest research in these areas, and the range of illnesses chosen will highlight significant new developments in our understanding of both the disease and its treatment
For each system/disease the pharmacological options will be discussed with an examination of the mechanisms by which the drugs work, the evidence for their efficacy, and the problems associated with their use (and abuse as appropriate). Throughout there will be a significant critical focus on the primary literature so that students encounter real data and understand the limitations and problems of studying drugs intended for humans.
As well as encountering a wealth of experimental data in the lectures, you will also have the opportunity of analyzing relevant data yourselves and developing skills in presenting and discussing the results to a professional level.
Following a brief introduction to some key pharmacological principles we will focus on drugs in the context of specific systems in the human body. Diseases of the systems selected will be outlined with a particular focus on the biochemistry and molecular biology of these conditions. Other aspects of the healthy functioning of these systems may also be discussed. Focusing on the molecular biology of health and disease allows us to discuss the latest research in these areas, and the range of illnesses chosen will highlight significant new developments in our understanding of both the disease and its treatment
For each system/disease the pharmacological options will be discussed with an examination of the mechanisms by which the drugs work, the evidence for their efficacy, and the problems associated with their use (and abuse as appropriate). Throughout there will be a significant critical focus on the primary literature so that students encounter real data and understand the limitations and problems of studying drugs intended for humans.
As well as encountering a wealth of experimental data in the lectures, you will also have the opportunity of analyzing relevant data yourselves and developing skills in presenting and discussing the results to a professional level.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Processing, analysis and presentation of experimental or workshop data. |
| Communication | Preparation of professional workshop and case study reports. |
| Information Technology | Use of software to analyse and prepare data for presentation. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | A subject specific careers talk will be timetabled into the module to inform students interested in working in the pharma sector |
| Problem solving | Data interpretation for case study . |
| Research skills | Use of online bibliographies and search engines to source literature for practical and case study reports. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Analysis of biochemical and clinical data. |
| Team work | Demonstration of pro-active team membership via production of professional minutes and/or reflection on team contribution. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6