PHA3011 - Principles of drug action - 2019

This unit provides a basic understanding of the principles of drug action - including the targets of drug action (receptors, enzymes, ion channels), drug receptor interactions, receptor families and signalling pathways - as well as the principles of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). Particular examples of neurotransmitter systems and mediator systems (including histamine, 5HT, eicosanoids and the renin angiotensin system) as targets for drug action are studied in detail.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Discuss mechanisms by which drugs can act to produce changes in living systems;
2. Utilise the basic principles of pharmacokinetics to explain individual differences in responses to drugs;
3. Apply knowledge of endogenous mediator systems to predict the potential therapeutic and adverse effects of drugs;
4. Access relevant scientific literature to design a set of experiments to address a specific hypothesis relating to a drug's mechanism of action;
5. Demonstrate the ability to execute pharmacological experiments to obtain, present and interpret data relating to mechanisms of drug action;
6. Demonstrate the ability to source, critically evaluate and use scientific literature to address a defined pharmacological problem;
7. Demonstrate the ability to work individually and collaboratively.

Examination (3 hours): 55% (Hurdle)

In-semester tests: 15%

Group written assignment (1000 words): 15% (Hurdle)

Practicals/in-class exercises: 15% (Hurdle)

This unit is subject to the Hurdle and Threshold Standards policiesHurdle and Threshold Standards policies (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy-2017.html) of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences.

Two 1-hour lectures and three hours of laboratory or self-directed learning/ tutorial per week

See also Unit timetable information

Pharmacology