Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Year 0, Semesters 1&2 Core Chemistry Medical Science

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Code CLS5013-B
Credits 20
Graduate Attributes
Syllabus Clinical Pharmacokinetics. Compartmental and non-compartmental analysis of drug distribution. Drug absorption and bioavailability. Effect of renal and liver disease on pharmacokinetics. Pathways of drug metabolism. Population pharmacokinetics. Pharmacogenomics - metaboliser phenotypes and clinical implications for response and dosing. Drug interactions, inhibition, induction. Drug therapy and clearance in pregnant and nursing women, neonates and children, elderly patients. Routes of administration. Prodrugs. Modern therapeutics: selected examples
Lecture 23 
Workshop 18 
Private Study 159 

Unit Learning Outcomes

  • 1 Discuss how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated from the body and explain how these processes may differ in various sub-populations.
  • 2 Evaluate the basis of drug interactions based on pharmacokinetic and metabolic parameters
  • 3 Discuss how different drug delivery methods can be used to modify pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
  • 4 Discuss the mechanism of action and pharmacological properties of modern treatments for cancer, pain and inflammation.
  • 5 Interpret individual and population pharmacokinetic profiles.
  • 6 Evaluate critically and draw conclusions from clinical and scientific data.
  • 7 Interpret numerical data; select and perform appropriate data analysis and presentation techniques

Course Learning Outcomes

  • 16 Develop and evaluate personal and professional skills including effective oral and written presentation, problem-solving, decision making and team-working skills.
  • 17 Research, review and critically analyse science and health-related literature and experimental data using independent learning skills.
  • 18 Demonstrate a critical understanding and application of the underlying principles relating to the pathology and treatment of common diseases and disorders.

Assessment Breakdown

Pharmacology and Therapeutics aims to develop an understanding of pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism and transport, dosage requirements in different population and patient groups, drug delivery strategies and selected modern therapeutics. The open book assessment format focusses on ability to apply available scientific and clinical information to solve clinical problems.