PHA2022

Drugs and society

(SCI)

Professor R J Summers

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures per week and one 3-hour practical per fortnight alternating with one 3-hour computer assisted learning task or debate + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: SCI1010, SCI1020, BIO1011, BIO1022 + Corequisites: BCH2022 and/or PHY2022 are highly recommended

Synopsis: The history of drug use, the pharmacological principles underlying the action of drugs, basic mechanisms of drug absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism. Drugs and neurotransmission. How disease, age, genetic susceptibility, dietary habits, and the concomitant use of other drugs can alter the response to drugs. Drugs of abuse. Drugs in sport. Drug discovery and development. Basic mechanisms of toxicology. Venoms, toxins and poisons. Environmental contaminants and chemical carcinogens.

Assessment: Written examination: 45% + Test:15% + Essay (2000 words): 25% + Laboratory work and assignments: 15%