Overview

Put simply; pharmacokinetics is the study of what the body does to a drug and pharmacodynamics is the study of what the drug does to the body. Principles of Pharmacology will investigate these two broad topics in more detail. Focusing on how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated, as well as the mechanisms through which they exert their pharmacological effects.

This module will develop pre-existing knowledge gained during the first year foundations in therapeutics module and expand upon it significantly. The module will cover of the following topic areas:

1. Pharmacokinetics, which include the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Students will gain an understanding of the systemic availability of drugs, and the influence of route of administration; protein binding and tissue distribution; phase 1 and 2 drug metabolism; and renal excretion. Students will be able to perform pharmacokinetic calculations.

2. Pharmacodynamics, which describes the mechanism of drug action, and includes interactions with receptors, transporters, and enzymes. Students will learn about dose-response relationships, and properties of the dose-response curve.

Assessment Strategy

2000 word essay 2 x 1 hr examination (mid-module and final)

-threshold -Category D (40-49%):Completed assessments present sufficient relevant accurate taught material to satisfy the learning outcomes of the module. Essays, answers and reports are sufficiently coherent and well presented to demonstrate threshold level 5 knowledge and understanding of module material. -good -Category B (60%-69%):Completed assessments present overall good accurate relevant taught material, integrated with some directed core text outside-reading. Essays, answers and reports are well organised and structured, contain good coherent arguments, and demonstrate good overall knowledge and understanding of all module material. -excellent -Category A (70%-100%):Completed assessments present very accurate relevant taught material, integrated with numerous directed outside core text-reading and some self-researched information sources. Essays, answers and reports present very coherent and well organised arguments that demonstrate excellent overall knowledge and understanding of all module material. Evidence of in depth critical thinking and wider reading are important for grades of A+ and above

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the quantitative relationships between drug concentration, effects and time

• Appraise how aspects related to pharmacokinetics and ADME affect the actions of drugs

• Evaluate the mechanisms by which drugs exert their pharmacological, and toxicological, actions and explain how this relates to their pharmacodynamic properties.