Scientific Basis of Drug Action

Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Applied Sciences

Credit Rating:

Level (including FHEQ):

F (FHEQ Level 4)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Version Valid From:

2021-09-01

Module Leader:

Farideh Javid

Version Number

2024.01

Learning Methods

Lecture

Practical Classes and Demonstrations

Guided Independent Study

Synopsis

This module will provide an introduction to drug action in the body including their molecular and cellular targets, it will also provide an introduction to basic pharmacokinetics. The structure and function of biological macromolecules that interact with drugs, for example enzymes, receptors and membrane transporters will be outlined. DNA replication, transcription and translation will be covered. A basic introduction to innate and adaptive immunity will also be given. Drugs used for treating inherited diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal system, skin, musculoskeletal system as well as for the eye, ear, nose and throat will be considered as these are referred to in dealing with minor ailments in SFP1001 and SFP1006.

Learning Strategy

In addition to lectures and tutorials laboratory practicals and simulated practicals will be used to develop an understanding of the scientific and research methods used to investigate pharmacological phenomena and the molecular a cellular basis to this. Collaborative structured problem-solving activities will be available in the form of study workshops … For more content click the Read More button below. The laboratory sessions will facilitate the acquisition of basic laboratory skills in cell biology Directed study will use the designated course texts, BNF and library resources to prepare for and reflect on teaching. Teaching will be structured so that the physiology and cell biology of the body system will be very briefly revisited then the pathophysiology of each disease will be discussed followed by the pharmacology of the classes of drugs & side-effects used for each disease.

The laboratory sessions will facilitate the acquisition of basic laboratory skills in cell biology Directed study will use the designated course texts, BNF and library resources to prepare for and reflect on teaching. Teaching will be structured so that the physiology and cell biology of the body system will be very briefly revisited then the pathophysiology of each disease will be discussed followed by the pharmacology of the classes of drugs & side-effects used for each disease.

Outline Syllabus

Cells and the foundation of lifeThe structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharidesDNA replication and gene expressionMetabolic pathways with respect to normal and abnormal body functionComparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular and molecular biologyAn introduction to the principles of drug action including receptor binding, agonists and antagonist actions, … For more content click the Read More button below. -skin -the eye, ear, nose and throat -the gastro-intestinal tract -the musculoskeletal system -inherited and metabolic diseases

Cells and the foundation of life
The structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides
DNA replication and gene expression
Metabolic pathways with respect to normal and abnormal body function
Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular and molecular biology
An introduction to the principles of drug action including receptor binding, agonists and antagonist actions, dose response relationships and translocation.
The molecular basis of drug action and the actions of drugs within living systems, signal transductions and secondary mechanisms (pharmacodynamics).
Chemical transmission in the peripheral nervous system and possible targets for drugs, including contraindications and drug interactions
Introduction to immunology and the use of antibiotics
Practical methods to separate proteins and analysis enzyme kinetics
Simulated practicals that demonstrate the action of pharmacological agents.
Introduction to basic Pharmacokinetics - ADME
Pharmacology of drugs used to treat diseases of:

-skin

-the eye, ear, nose and throat

-the gastro-intestinal tract

-the musculoskeletal system -inherited and metabolic diseases

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will

be able to recount the structures, and function of, biological macromolecules

be able to describe the metabolic pathways and related pathology

be able to compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells;

be able to describe the flow of information from DNA to protein

be able to elucidate and discuss the factors that affect the rates at which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted giving pertinent examples;

be able to describe the process of chemical transmission in the peripheral nervous system

be able to give accounts of the mode of action and therapeutic applications of a range of commonly used drugs with a focus on inherited diseases and those to treat ailments of the skin, the gastro-intestinal tract, musculoskeletal system as well as the eye, ear, nose and throat;

be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the principles of drug action and communicate their findings effectively via presentations and written assessments.

be able to apply their knowledge of pharmacokinetics to measure the kinetic aspects of drugs: to process drug concentration vs time profiles and calculate pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs following a single IV or oral dose application.

10.

be able to demonstrate laboratory competence in basic biological methods

11.

be able to apply structured problem solving to translate knowledge and analyses and interpret quantitative data in a laboratory report

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: Other

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Written Assignment

Description:Coursework Practical – lab report and data processing Must be passed separately at 40% in order to achieve a pass in the module. Students must pass all components of assessment.

Assessment Weight:10

Assessment Length:500 Words (Word Count)

Module Learning Outcomes:MLO10

Individual or Group:Individual

Final Assessment Component:No

Marked Anonymously:No

Eligible for Tutor Reassessment:Yes

Assessment 2: Written Assignment

Assessment 3: Written Assignment

Assessment 4: Exam

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed for their understanding of the application of the knowledge and skills included in the module to the actions and therapeutic uses of drugs and their cellular and molecular interaction, especially those in common use in the practice of pharmacy. The module handbook will provide additional guidance … For more content click the Read More button below.

Students will be assessed for their understanding of the application of the knowledge and skills included in the module to the actions and therapeutic uses of drugs and their cellular and molecular interaction, especially those in common use in the practice of pharmacy. The module handbook will provide additional guidance for students on the specific assessment criteria and marking schedules applied to individual pieces of work.

Course and Module Catalogue