91707 Fundamentals of Pharmacology
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 2025 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 AND 91823 Principles of Drug Actions AND 91824 Mechanism of Drugs in Treatment AND 91825 Drugs in the Human Body
Description
Fundamentals of 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 Advanced Pharmacology. 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. Students examine the concept of drug targets and the importance of receptors in drug action. 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 are discussed. Other topics covered include toxicology, precision medicine, drug design, development, registration, and marketing and drugs of abuse and addiction. 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 follow 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 can communicate their research findings to other scientists in the form of structured scientific reports that are published in peer-reviewed journals, but it is becoming increasingly important to also communicate science effectively to the general public and to people working in other disciplines. Students 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. | Understand the principles underlying adverse reactions to drugs. |
| 6. | Apply key pharmacological concepts to use of drugs in pregnancy and the treatment of acute poisoning |
| 7. | Understand the metabolism and the acute and chronic effects of alcohol consumption. |
| 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. |
| 10. | Research, interpret and effectively communicate a pharmacology topic you have researched in a written form suitable for online presentation to the general public |
| 11. | Understand the process of drug discovery from native Australian plants based on First Nations knowledge. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Explain how diseases arise and disrupt normal physiological function and appraise the technologies used to diagnose, treat, and cure diseases. (1.1)
- Collect, accurately record, interpret, and draw conclusions from data to solve real-world medical problems, and infer how the results of medical research can be translated to improve patient outcomes. (2.1)
- Evaluate ethical, social, and cultural issues in medical science in local and global contexts and work responsibly, safely and with respect to diversity and regulatory frameworks. (3.1)
- Reflect upon, independently evaluate, and critically appraise current evidence-based literature to identify medical problems or unmet medical needs and creatively translate medical research results to improve the clinical care of patients. (4.1)
- Effectively communicate medical science knowledge and research information, and the importance thereof, to a range of audiences using a variety of modes, independently and collaboratively. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject develops the following graduate attributes:
1.0 Disciplinary knowledge
In this course you will gain a broad understanding of the theoretical principles that underlie the discipline of pharmacology and their practical applications. You will develop skills and competency in domain knowledge and analytical techniques relevant for professional practice and research in pharmacology. These attributes will be developed through integrated exposure to theoretical content, current pharmacological research and practical examples of the principles underlying the key concepts.
This will be assessed in the final exam, written science communication task and group presentation (SUMMER)
This will be assessed in the final exam, written science communication task and dose-response tutorial online report (AUTUMN)
2.0 Research, inquiry and Critical Thinking
In this course you will complete online 'live' tutorials involving problem-based learning scenarios to develop your ability to apply knowledge of the pharmacology theory and formulae to relevant real-world situations. These, as well as interactive online modules, will develop your skills in problem solving, critical thinking and data analysis.
This will be assessed in the online quizzes, science communication task and live tutorial sessions.
3.0 Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
In this course you will develop your ability to apply the technical concepts and principles at the heart of pharmacology to relevant professional and clinical scenarios.
This will be developed in the live tutorial sessions and online modules.
4.0 Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
In this course you will work to create a written piece of 'science communication' based on a recent, current innovation in pharmacology. In addition to this assessment, you will develop these attributes completing the online modules.
5.0 Communication
AUTUMN: In this course you will develop the ability to clearly communicate pharmacological concepts in the live tutorial/workshop. You will learn the principles behind effective communication of pharmacological concepts and submit scientific content on a topic allocated to you by the subject coordinator in a style that would be suitable for online delivery (website, blog, message forum or social software).
SUMMER: In this course you will develop the ability to clearly communicate pharmacological concepts in the live tutorials and in the group assignment, where you will work collaboratively to develop an engaging and clear presentation on a pharmacology topic.
Teaching and learning strategies
Summer session
The content for Fundamentals of Pharmacology will be delivered as outlined below, except that all learning will take place online. Given the condensed timeline of the summer term, some lectures and modules will be omitted.
Autumn session
The content of Pharmacology 1 will be delivered as Modules (equivalent to around 20 lectures). The modules can be completed in your own time and at your own pace. Modules contain question sets that allow you to test your understanding of the module content. The modules are supported by interactive ‘live’ zoom sessions with the lecturer. In these sessions, the lecturer will provide a brief overview of the topic covered in the modules and you can compete against other students in a ‘kahoot-type’ quiz based on the module content. These sessions are designed to be ‘student-directed’ and you will have a chance to ask the lecturer questions and you can request that they review any parts of the topic that you don't fully understand. The aim of the live zoom sessions is not to provide new material but to help your understanding of the content of the online modules.
In the modules, emphasis is 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.
Resources and activities required to prepare for the module content will be available in the module folder and can be accessed anytime. Regular online quizzes will be available throughout the teaching period for revision and self-assessment. Tutorial and workshop classes will be accompanied by a general group discussion of the relevant material. You will work in groups and apply the principles you have learned in the lectures.
There will be two on-campus workshops, one online tutorial, and one practical session on the UTS campus.
There is one three-hour practical class in the Hive Superlaboratory (cholinesterase and its Inhibitors).
In the Pharmacokinetics Workshop, 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.
Communicating scientific concepts in a way that is interesting, accurate, and can be easily understood by non-scientists (lay people) is becoming an increasingly important task for scientists. In the Science Communication Workshop you will learn some important concepts on how to communicate science in writing. You will be given a topic to research, and you will have communicate it in two pages (with images) in a blog-style article which you will submit as an assignment. In the tutorial we will look at examples of how this is done well, what to do and what to avoid, and how you could best approach this task. After the tutorial your topic to research and write about will be posted online.
In the Drug Response Curve Tutorial (online) you will learn how to use XL to draw dose response curves and use these data to interpret which type of antagonist based on the change in the shape of the dose-response curve.
The practical classes and workshops are an integral part of this subject. Their aims are twofold: First, to 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.
Content (topics)
Pharmacokinetics: factors controlling drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion Concepts of potency, drug-receptor interactions, agonists and antagonists and the mechanisms underlying adverse drug reactions. Toxicology of alcohol, drugs of abuse and drug use in pregnancy. Mechanisms of action of venoms and insecticides. Treatment of acute poisoning by drugs and chemicals. Drug development, registration and marketing, including drug development from Australian native plants.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online science communication task
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the following graduate attributes: 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| 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): 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| 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: Dose-response curve tutorial results
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Criteria: | Marking criteria will take into account the following: accuracy and level of understanding of agonists and antagonists. You should be able to accurately determine the ED50 of agonists alone and agonists in the presence of antagonists from log-dose response curves and understand the differences between the mechanism underlying the action of reversible competitive, irreversible competitive and non-competitive antagonists. |
Assessment task 3: Examination
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 11, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 3 hours in total |
| 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. |
Minimum requirements
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 submitted, you will need to produce appropriate documentary evidence (eg. medical certificate) to avoid a penalty.
You must deliver the completed assignment to Dr Mike Kendig 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 an 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. You need to contact the subject coordinator in the first 30 minutes of the scheduled exam time if you are having technical problems
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
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Cardiovascular
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Endocrinology
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Gastrointestinal
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Neurology
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Psychotropic
- THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES LTD, Therapeutic Guidelines: Respiratory