This module is a core requirement for all Pharmacology students. The module complements concepts delivered in Principles of Pharmacology with Research Methods (LS5003) and applies them to a number of physiological system disorders. The main feature of this module is, in each case, to study and discuss the disease pathophysiology and the types of drugs used in therapy of such disorders, alongside a rationale for their usage and any associated side effects.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Lectures will cover topics outlined above, the objective being to provide a broad overview of current pharmacological treatment approaches to a number of disease processes in physiological systems, including clinical indications. It is expected however that students will engage in significant guided (tutor directed) and independent study in order to gain sufficient breadth of knowledge. In support of this approach, relevant material will be made available on StudySpace (e.g. original research papers/review articles and case studies) and discussed in tutorial sessions. Study in selected topics will be enhanced by the undertaking of practical laboratory work which will also enable students to develop skills in undertaking, recording, analysing and interpreting pharmacological measurements. In support of this approach, tutorials will include sessions that consider aspects of practical work, including the use of appropriate analytical techniques. This approach aims to develop general laboratory skills for use in the workplace, in addition to the learning of subject specific material. Students will meet with personal tutors periodically to discuss their personal and academic development, with particular emphasis on planning for careers within the pharmacology field.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 51 hours of lectures/tutorials 3 practical sessions 2 presentation sessions 2 workshop sessions | 75 |
| Guided independent study | Directed reading, problem solving and data handling | 225 |
| Study abroad / placement | ||
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative: Examination: 60%, Coursework, 40% (Practical Assessment 20%, Presentation 20%)
Formative: typically practical, presentations, peer assessed essay and practical data handling workshops.
A part of the strategy is to provide formative assessment as a means to prepare the student for elements of summative assessment. This applies to both the practical and presentation components of assessed coursework in which the first of each undertaken over the course of the module will be a formative exercise that will enable a feed forward approach to be adopted. Specifically, formative feedback can be provided to inform preparation for the summatively assessed practical and presentation that take place later in the module. These elements of assessment address not only subject specific material, but also transferable skills such as communication skills, data handling skills, and the development of ability to assess research based literature and powers of critical analysis.
The examination component of the summative assessment also serves to address assessment of subject specific knowledge and development of the skills necessary to attain this (e.g. assessment of research based literature)
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Discuss clinical indications for, mechanisms of action and adverse effects produced by drugs acting on inflammatory responses and the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine and nervous systems (peripheral and central). | Written examination (S), Practical (F/S), Presentation (F/S) |
| Critically evaluate experimental design and results generated. | Written examination (S), Practical (F/S), Presentation (F) |
| Assess research based literature, and evaluate current state of knowledge of drugs acting on inflammatory responses and the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine and nervous systems (peripheral and central). | Written examination (S), Practical (S), Presentation (F/S) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | MCQs and Essay | 60% |
| Practical Exam | Practical, Presentation | 40% |
| Coursework | ||
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
The current edition of the following text
Dale, M M, Ritter, J M, Flower, R & Henderson, G, Rang, H P. Rang & Dale's Pharmacology Churchill Livingstone, Oxford.
Waller, D.G., Renwick, A.G., Hillier, K. Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Elsevier Saunders, London
Relevant journal articles and reviews will be recommended by the module team on individual topics and will form a core part of the students' independent study within this module.