Basic pharmacology and therapeutics is an introductory course that provides students with a foundation in the fundamental principles and concepts of drug action and clinical applications. It covers the study of drugs, their actions, interactions, and therapeutic uses in the treatment of diseases. This course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles and mechanisms of drug action, as well as the factors that influence the effectiveness and safety of drug therapy. The course begins by introducing students to the classification and sources of drugs, as well as the various routes of drug administration. It then covers the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as well as the mechanisms of drug action at the cellular and molecular levels. Students will also learn about the principles of drug interactions and toxicology, as well as the factors that influence drug response, such as age, gender, genetics, and environmental factors. The course will cover the use of experimental models in pharmacology, as well as the role of drugs in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological disorders, as well as infectious diseases and cancer. Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they analyze case studies and discuss the ethical and legal aspects of drug therapy.
A. Define the major classes of drug action principles at molecular and cellular levels, focusing on receptor types and enzyme-mediated mechanisms. B. Illustrate the fundamental principles of pharmacokinetics (ADME) and pharmacodynamics. C. Identify the major drug classes, their specific mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications in cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrinal, neurological, infectious, and oncological conditions. D. Critically apply theoretical pharmacological knowledge to analyze case studies. E. Explain and evaluate the current understanding of factors influencing individual variations in drug response, drug interaction, and toxicology. F. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and apply the knowledge of drug development, including its ethical, legal, and regulatory dimensions, in real-world scenarios.
Course content will be delivered primarily via standard lectures and tutorials that will be accompanied by suitable lecture handouts. Students will also be guided to sections of specific textbooks and/or reading of specific reviews.