PM1PCOL2-Key Skills for Pharmacology

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: PM1PCOL1 Principles of Drug Action and PM1PCOL3 Mathematics & Statistics for Pharmacology
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Silvia Amadesi
Email: s.amadesi@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module builds on complementary or co-requisite modules to develop expertise and knowledge on core laboratory and generic study skills. This module will also support you to further develop your ability to conduct pharmacological research.

You will apply pharmacology knowledge and skills to solve pharmacological problems. You will learn how to identify, extract and critically evaluate information from appropriate and reliable sources. You will develop your knowledge and abilities on the theoretical and practical uses of in vivo and in vitro techniques through simulated and hands-on experimentations. You will learn about experimental design in respect of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs) principles, and gain further experience on the use of quantitative methods to collect, process, analyse and present research findings.

The skills and knowledge developed here are essential to undertake practical and workshop exercises in later modules, including the Research Project. 

 

Aims:

This module aims to: 

i) Support students to start developing fundamental experimental knowledge skills including safe laboratory practice, and ability to undertake pharmacological research; 

ii) Provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for both in vitro and in vivo approaches to experimental pharmacology; 

iii) Provide opportunities for students to apply and strengthen theoretical and practical knowledge gained in complementary and co-requisite modules in the performance of key pharmacological techniques, use of analytical techniques, interpretation of data generated and dissemination of research findings. 

iv) Support students to develop an evidence-based approach to in vitro and in vivo research, also in respect to ethical principles for pharmacology research in respect to 3Rs principles and animal welfare regulation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Show knowledge and understanding of the major in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches used in drug discovery and characterisation. 


• Explain how in vitro and in vivo experiments aimed at the characterisation of new drugs are planned and designed. 


• Carry out laboratory procedures using in vitro approaches to measure drug responses.


• Carry out laboratory procedures accurately, including maintaining accurate and comprehensive laboratory notebooks.


• Show knowledge and understanding of in vivo procedures and animal models of diseases and their possible application in pharmacological research.


• Carry out scientific calculations relevant to pharmacology 


• Critically evaluate and use appropriate resources for experimental design, planning, data analysis and interpretation.


• Use computer-aided learning packages to manage, analyse and present practical data and pharmacological concepts.


• Demonstrate an evidence-based approach to research, including the ability to independently search literature and use available and appropriate information sources to research a project or solve more complex pharmacological problems including planning and designing experiments.


• Apply pharmacology knowledge to solve problems in workshops and practical sessions.


• Effectively communicate in written form or orally the details of researchers’ findings. 


• Demonstrate the ability to work successfully in a group environment to achieve shared goals.

Additional outcomes:

Working in small groups in practical classes and workshops, and engaging in multidisciplinary team-based work, students will develop self-learning, time management & communication skills including: improving team-working skills, leadership; motivating and working with others; identifying the learning and development needs of team members through coaching and feedback; and communicating effectively within a team and with a wider audience.

Outline content:

Interactive lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops will introduce students to:

• In vitro and in vivo procedures, including animal models used to study diseases, used in pharmacological research to characterise and test the safety of drugs.


• How in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies are planned and designed for drug discovery.


• How new medicines are developed.


• How to search and use available literature and appropriate information sources to research a project or solve more complex pharmacological problems including planning and designing experiments for drug discovery.

Practicals and workshops will provide students with core knowledge and skills for research in pharmacology and for study skills through:

• Using basic laboratory techniques and instrumentation analyse and discuss the use of in vitro and in vivo procedures including animal models to study diseases, develop new medicines and treatments and test the safety of new medicines and treatments.


• Carry out laboratory procedures using an in vitro approach to measure drug responses and characterise molecules e.g. receptor agonist and antagonist responses in isolated organs. 


• Use word processors, spreadsheets and databases to manage, analyse and present practical data and concepts related to pharmacology.


• Communicate in written form or orally the details of own research.


• Simulations and practical experience of a range of practical techniques and safe laboratory practice aimed to understand how drugs are characterised, how drug responses are assessed and analysed. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course content will be provided through a mixture of formal lectures, interactive workshops using appropriate case studies, and inter-professional learning activities including seminars delivered by specialised pharmaceutical industry professionals, supported by tutorial sessions. 

Teaching and learning will be facilitated using AD Instrument Lab Tutor hardware and software exercises. Supplementary information and a reading list will be provided by the lecturers a nd the available facilities for computer-aided literature searching for related material will enable students to improve independent-learning skills.

Workshops and exercises associated with the module will reinforce fundamental concepts of pharmacology that underpin therapeutics and pharmaceutics areas.

 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5	4
Seminars		1
Tutorials	2	2
Practicals classes and workshops	6	6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	5	5
Advance preparation for classes	5	5
Revision and preparation	20	20
Group study tasks	5	5
Reflection	2	2
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Practical skills assessment	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Professional skill assessment/set exercise

Practical skills assessment/lab report 

 

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment is provided through small group tutorials and workshops, instructor-, self-, and peer-led assessment and feedback. Worked examples and case studies encountered in tutorials will provide the opportunity for formative feedback from staff and peers as well as self-reflection.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

An overall module mark of 40% will be required.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment of coursework will be by resubmission of coursework or submission of equivalent pieces of work, as appropriate.  Reassessment of departmentally and university administered examinations will be by written examination, as appropriate.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Cost	Amount
Required text books	A wide variety of textbooks is available from the University library.  Students are not expected to purchase additional texts for this module
Specialist equipment or materials
Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear
Printing and binding	There may be some printing costs linked to coursework – final submission will be electronic
Computers and devices with a particular specification
Travel, accommodation and subsistence

Last updated: 22 September 2022