This course aims to explain to the students on the fundamental basics of Pharmacology and drug actions, including receptor mechanisms, drug distribution and metabolism, and pharmacokinetics. It also aims to provide students with extensive knowledge on the drug classes covered by this course, including, mechanisms of action, clinical uses, side effects contraindications and drug-drug interactions.
This course aims to explain to the students on the fundamental basics of Pharmacology and drug actions, including receptor mechanisms, drug distribution and metabolism, and pharmacokinetics. It also aims to provide students with extensive knowledge on the drug classes covered by this course, including, mechanisms of action, clinical uses, side effects contraindications and drug-drug interactions.
A- Knowledge and understanding
A1. Learning about the origin of drugs their names
A2. Learning, in general, about the main divisions of Pharmacology as a science
A3. Learning about the major drug targets
A4. Understanding the principles of drug receptor interactions
A5. Learning and understanding the different types of agonists and antagonists
A6. Understanding the basic principles of Pharmacokinetics
A7. Learning and understanding the different actions of drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system, and their clinical uses and limitations.
A8. Learning and understanding the basic principles and clinical applications of the drugs used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and the associated side effects.
A9. Learning and understanding the basic principles and clinical applications of the drugs used in the treatment of the central nervous system’s diseases and the associated side effects.
B- Intellectual skills
B1. Link the action of the drugs to the physiological functions of their targets
B2. Establish a rational for the clinical uses of the drugs based on the pathophysiology of the disease.
B3. Link the drug actions to their adverse effects
B4. Apply knowledge of drug classes and mechanisms into which additional drugs can be incorporated, compared, and contrasted as new drugs are developed and as the practice of medicine dictates.
B5Evaluate the variations in drug response between individual patients, based upon disease, genetic traits, or other innate characteristics
B6. Assess the drug interaction with other drugs.
C- Professional and practical skills
C1. Determine the suitable pharmacological managements for the discussed medical conditions
C2. Build an understanding of the general types and clinical usage of drugs discussed in this course
C3. Employ the ability to recognize and understand the physicochemical and physiological factors that affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs, and how these relate to pharmacokinetics.
C4. Interpret dose-response relationships for both desired and undesired drug effects
C5. Interpret and analyze literature related to drugs.
D- General and transferable skills
D1. The students should become aware of the side effects, contraindications and precautions, and should be able to establish a logical and practical balance between the therapeutic benefits and the potential associated risks.
D2. Search pubmed and other data bases for relevant drug information.
D3. Work in a team.
D4. Independent learning
D5. Appreciate team work
D6. Demonstrate professional behavior
Lipincott's IlIustrated Reviews: Pharmacology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; newest Edition if available. 2014. ISBN: 978-0781771559.
References
RxList: (Find information on drug indications, contraindications, side effects, dosages, etc.)
http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp
Medline Plus Health Information NLM/NIH:(A good site for drug information, information on health topics, medical dictionaries)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Interactive Clinical Pharmacology:A really cool site with pharmacokinetic animations, from a group in New Zealand
FDA homepage: (Top news on drugs, food warnings, recalls, etc.)
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/psn/index.cfm
MedicineNet.com: (They bring doctors' knowledge to you!)
Activity | Percent (%) |
---|---|
written exams and quizzes | 90% |
e-learning activity\ (Homework, case study, quiz): assignments \ Class participation across the semester | 10% |