VCP2041

Pharmacology IA ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Karen Kerr and Dr Ian Coupar

Offered:
Parkville First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Pharmacology of neuroeffector systems. Autacoids. Drug-receptor interaction. Cardiovascular pathophysiology and pharmacology. The central nervous system. Practical classes provide experience through in vivo and in vitro experiments, seminars and discussion groups.

Objectives: Students will develop an: - Understanding of principles of receptor differentiation, drug-receptor interactions and receptor transduction mechanisms; pharmacological mechanisms by which drugs of various classes may alter biochemical, physiological or pathophysiological parametres to produce therapeutic or unwanted effects. - Ability in the area of observation and measurement of pharmacological processes; assessment and integration of pharmacological information as it relates to wanted and unwanted effects produced by drugs. - Appreciation of integrated physiological functions, pathophysiological sequelae and pharmacological perturbations as they affect bodily functions; the differing pharmacological approaches available for the treatment of individual diseases; the pharmacists role in optimising drug therapy.

Assessment: Examination: 80% (2 hours), On-going assessments 10 %, Practical work 10 %

Contact Hours: 24 hours of lectures, 4 practical classes and 2 tutorials Successful completion of this unit will require participants to allocate an average of 4.6 hours per week for 13 weeks (a total of approximately 60 hours per study period).

Prerequisites: All 1st year Bachelor of Pharmacy units