91707 Pharmacology 1
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2020 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 91181 Principles of Drug Actions AND 91182 Mechanism of Drugs in Treatment AND 91183 Drugs in the Human Body
Description
Pharmacology is a biomedical discipline that is involved with the study of the effects of drugs on living systems. This subject provides the introductory principles governing drug action that are developed further in 91709 Pharmacology 2. These subjects are designed to foster a problem-solving approach to pharmacology with particular emphasis on applying molecular pharmacology concepts to pathophysiological problems.
The major objectives of this subject are to develop the concept of dose-response relationships and an understanding of the sites, mechanisms and specificity of drug action. It explores the chemical nature of drugs, the relationship between structure and activity, and how the physicochemical properties of drugs affect their distribution and metabolism in the body. Other topics covered include the concept of selective toxicity and the therapeutic index of drugs. The interaction between drugs and receptors and ion channels are examined as determinants of drug action in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Lectures are complemented by a tutorial/practical program which emphasises the clinical nature of the subject and develops lecture material using a variety of experimental and tutorial approaches.
The study of pharmacology is a desirable part of any general medical or bioscience education and is also relevant to those intending to pursue careers in teaching, law, and local government. For this reason, this subject is directed not only towards training specialist pharmacologists but aims at providing a broad education about drugs/chemicals that may affect living organisms and impact on society. In order to do this, the fundamental principles of pharmacology must be fully understood before the applied aspects of drug action can be discussed.
Scientists communicate their research findings to other scientists in the form of structured scientific reports that are published in peer-reviewed journals. It is becoming increasingly important to also communicate science effectively to the general public and to people working in other disciplines. In this subject, students build on the knowledge they have gained on how to structure formal scientific reports and submit a report based on the data they generate in practical classes. Students also learn the principles behind effective communication of scientific concepts to the general public and submit scientific content on a pharmacology topic in a style suitable for online delivery, e.g. website, blog, message forum or social software.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply the principles of pharmacokinetics in describing drug uptake, transport, metabolism and excretion from the human body |
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| 2. | Explain drug activity through interactions with target molecules including receptors, transporters and enzymes. |
| 3. | Understand the principles governing individual variation to drugs and drug interactions |
| 4. | Apply the concept of selective toxicity to insecticides, venoms and toxins |
| 5. | Describe the pharmacology and therapeutic uses of the drugs used to treat diabetes, asthma, and epilepsy |
| 6. | Apply key pharmacological concepts to use of drugs in pregnancy, the treatment of acute poisoning and the acute and chronic effects of alcohol |
| 7. | Describe the pharmacology of local and general anaesthetics and the benzodiazepine class of drugs based on an understanding of the human nervous system |
| 8. | Perform enzyme-inhibitor kinetic experiments and explain the principles of substrate specificity and the structure activity relationships |
| 9. | Develop the analytic skills required to interpret and summarise experimentally generated pharmacology data and create a formal scientific report |
| 10. | Research, interpret and effectively communicate a pharmacology topic you have researched in a written form suitable for online presentation to the general public |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Apply: Identify how disease can arise and disrupt normal physiological function. (1.1)
- Analyse: Select and appraise the technology and tools to detect and diagnose diseases. (1.2)
- Synthesise: Combine the principles of precision medicine and human genetics to solving problems and analysing case studies in the medical field. (1.3)
- Apply: Identify health and medical solutions for local and the global communities. (3.1)
- Analyse: Demonstrate ethical practice in medical science sector. (3.2)
- Synthesise: Work responsibly, safely, and with respect to diversity, within ethical, academic, and regulatory frameworks relevant to medical science. (3.3)
- Apply: Engage in reflective practices as a lifelong learner and incorporate these into everyday practice as a medical scientist. (4.1)
- Apply: Communicate medical science effectively in a number of multimedia forms to a wide range of audiences. (5.1)
- Analyse: Establish high-quality writing and oral skills to effectively communicate reports and other relevant ideas to a range of audiences. (5.2)
- Synthesise: Practice the requirements for presentation of research data through preparation of oral and written works. (5.3)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The following are desired Science graduate attributes this subject will link to, and how these links will be made:
1.0 Disciplinary knowledge
2.0 Research, inquiry and Critical Thinking
3.0 Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
4.0 Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
5.0 Communication
6.0 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and Connection with Country
Teaching and learning strategies
Teaching and learning strategies
Face to face classes will incorporate a range of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, tutorials, short presentations and videos, which will be complemented by independent student reading and other online material. Students must prepare with the online material before the classroom as they will use the knowledge for active discussion with their peers.
THEORY
You will learn theory in the subject through a weekly one-hour lecture and a weekly two-hour lecture complemented by two three-hour practical classes, and two three-hour tutorials run in certain weeks throughout the teaching period.
In the lectures, emphasis will be placed on modes of drug action, structure-activity relationships and drug targets. An in-depth knowledge of the pharmacology of the drug will allow an understanding of its clinical applications, side-effects and potential for interactions. You will also be introduced to the principles of toxicology and the concept of selective toxicity in the case of insecticides. During the lectures, there will be opportunities to assess your understanding of the topic and provide feedback through the use of feedback response systems. Resources and activities required to prepare for the lectures will be available in the weekly folder and can be accessed the week before the lectures. Regular online quizzes will be available throughout the teaching period for revision and self-assessment and two one hour revision sessions will be held throughout the session.
Tutorial classes will be accompanied by a general class discussion of the relevant material. You will work in groups and apply the principles you have learned in the lectures.
In the Pharmacokinetic Tutorial, you will work in groups to tackle a range of pharmacokinetic problems based on real-life examples relating to the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. Your group will also work through a number of case studies involving drug interactions to determine the mechanism, potential consequences for patients and alternative therapeutic strategies. In the final 30 minutes of the tutorial, your group will be given a number of drug interaction and pharmacokinetic case-studies to analyse and a series of questions based on these case studies. You will submit the group answers to the questions at the end of the tutorial and it will be worth 10% of your final mark.
In the Venoms and Toxins tutorial, you will work in groups to solve a case study involving an envenomation. Using information on the patient history and a description of their symptoms you will identify the venomous animal responsible for the attack, determine the best laboratory test for diagnosis, and decide on the best treatment option. You will be required to present your findings and reasoning to the class in a 2-3 minute presentation. In the final 30 minutes of the tutorial, your group will be given a number of questions based on the case studies and lecture material. You will submit the group answers to the questions at the end of the tutorial and it will be worth 10% of your final mark.
Attendance at tutorial classes is compulsory.
Practical classes (laboratories) will involve group work in which different activities have to be carried out by individuals in the group to perform the practical tasks in the allocated time. The final group and class data (from laboratory 1) will be made available so that a lab report can be written and this will be submitted as an assignment.
The practical classes are an integral part of this subject. Their aims are twofold: First, they expand, reinforce and supplement theoretical material from lectures and second, in a hands-on practical class, you have an opportunity to develop the basic techniques of observation, scientific experimental technique and critical thinking. Practical classes encourage you to work in teams and also allow you to have a one-to-one relationship with your tutor, which permits tuition specific to your individual learning needs. During practical classes LABORATORY COATS, SAFETY GLASSES AND CLOSED FOOTWEAR ARE ESSENTIAL AND NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO DO A PRACTICAL WITHOUT WEARING THEM. A calculator will be required for each practical but not tutorial class. The practical work is designed to help you understand the theory and applications of Pharmacology. It is essential that each experiment is performed and recorded as scientifically as possible. Particular effort should be directed to the presentation of results and discussion because this will help your critical reading and synthesis of knowledge. Attendance at laboratory, tutorials and workshops is compulsory and a report cannot be submitted if the laboratory class is missed.
Content (topics)
Concepts of potency, drug/receptor interactions, agonists and antagonists; pharmacokinetics – factors controlling drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Pharmacology of neuromuscular blockers, opioid analgesics, local and general anaesthetics, benzodiazepines and drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy, diabetes and asthma. Toxicology of alcohol, insecticides, drugs used in pregnancy and treatment of acute poisoning by drugs, chemicals and toxins.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online science communication task
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the following graduate attributes: 2. An inquiry-oriented approach 3. Professional skills and their appropriate application 5. Engagement with the needs of Society 6. Communication Skills |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 10, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | Two pages |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to communicate a pharmacology topic in a language and style that could be understood by the general public. Submitted assignments will be marked on scientific accuracy, clarity of expression and thoroughness of research into the topic. |
Assessment task 2: Practical class report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application 2. An Enquiry-oriented approach 3. Professional skills and their appropriate application 6. Communication skills |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria will take into account the following: accuracy of the calculations, presentation of the data, clarity of the report, correctness of conclusion, effectiveness of group work, appropriateness of the bibliography |
Assessment task 3: End-of-Session Examination
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application 2. An Enquiry-oriented approach |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 2 hours |
| Criteria: | You will be tested on your ability to apply the principles of pharmacology to a range of problems relating to drug activity and toxicology. In this multiple choice exam, you will be assessed on the accuracy of your answers. |
Assessment task 4: Pharmacokinetics and drug interaction, venoms and toxins case studies
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application 2. An Enquiry-oriented approach 3. Professional skills and their appropriate application |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 10 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to apply pharmacokinetic principles to a number of case studies involving drug problems and drug interactions and solve a case study involving an envenomation. |
Minimum requirements
Any assessment task worth 40% or more requires the student to gain at least 40% of the mark for that task. If 40% is not reached, an X grade fail may be awarded for the subject, irrespective of an overall mark greater than 50.
Students are expected to attend all lectures and practical sessions.
Missed Assessments
The class reports and the end-of-session exam are all compulsory pieces of assessment. If you are having any personal problems or your personal circumstances affecting your ability to do this subject or complete any assessment task at any time during the session you should ensure that the subject co-ordinator is made aware of your circumstances. With most problems there are other options available to you but you must let us know early in order to be able to take advantage of them.
Missed/late practical or tutorial assignment
If you are unable to complete a practical/tutorial report by the due date, or if you are absent on the day the assignment is to be handed in, you will need to produce appropriate documentary evidence (eg. medical certificate) to avoid a penalty. One mark will be deducted for each day that the assignment is late with no marks awarded for reports 2 weeks beyond the due date.
You must deliver the completed assignment to Dr Alen Faiz as soon as possible after your absence. You will need to include with your assignment some form of documentation covering the period of absence.
Missed end-of-session exam
If you miss the end-of-session Examination entirely through illness, or other circumstances beyond your control, on the day of the examination you MUST apply for an alternative assessment by submitting a Request for Special Examination Illness/misadventure Form (using the on-line application system) no later than two working days after the date of the examination. They will advise you if your reasons are accepted, and when the Special Examination will be held.
Note: Unless it can be proven that a student was prevented from applying for an 'Alternative assessment' or 'Special consideration' by the due date, an appeal against the grade obtained (on the grounds of illness or misadventure) will NOT be accepted.
Recommended texts
The UTS Coursework Assessment Policy and Procedure Manual is required reading. Students should possess at least ONE of the following three textbooks.
EITHER
- RANG, H.P., DALE, M.M. & RITTER, J.M. FLOWER, R., HENDERSON, G. Pharmacology, 8th Edn, Elsevier, 2015, 777 pages (Recommended textbook)
This book is extremely clear and points are made with sufficient background for understanding. The basic science of pharmacology in section 1 is quite outstanding with recent information integrated with historical background. The text is remarkably up-to-date, even in rapidly developing areas and the information is presented in such a way as to make the book stimulating to read. The book does not contain all the toxicology that is covered in Pharmacology 1 but is suitable for the majority of the topics in Pharmacology 2.
New to this Edition- Stay up to date with new information in the field, including an all-new chapter on drugs that affect the skin.
- Take advantage of new and unique features online, including 500+ chapter-specific multiple choice questions for immediate self-assessment.
- eBook version included! For the first time, you can access the entire book online or offline across all devices with the Student Consult eBook!
Comment:
Rang, Dale and Ritter is highly recommended for Science students on the grounds of price, accuracy and the up-to-date quality of the information, clarity and conciseness. Goodman & Gilman provides a very comprehensive treatment of a wide range of topics in pharmacology and toxicology. Some students, however, may find the detailed treatment of each topic daunting.
Other resources
Most recent publications from the THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Analgesic
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- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Gastrointestinal
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Neurology
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Psychotropic
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Respiratory