PM1PCOL1-Principles of Drug Action

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: BI1AP12 Anatomy & Physiology and BI1BEC1 Building Blocks of Life and BI1S1 Introductory Microbiology and
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Mark Dallas
Email: m.dallas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces you to biological concepts of pharmacology that will help you to understand drug action on the body. This includes how drugs exert both positive/and negative effects on the body, and how the body deals with drugs; the module will also include examples from body systems. It will include a brief introduction to classes of drugs, including basic models of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The module includes core science concepts linking physiology to drug action and is appropriate for research and medically/patient focussed students. It will also support the development of science communication skills, with specific reference to explaining drug action to an array of audiences. Training in pharmacology will be supported by integrated workshops to highlight real world application. Together, these will foster the development of an understanding of the principles of drug action and an ability to communicate science effectively.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of drug action. The module also provides the basis for the pharmacology modules taught in later years. To achieve this, the core science and practical elements detailed in the summary above will be taught using an appropriate range of teaching activities to allow integration of the disciplines that link to the therapeutic application.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• Explain drug effects through modulation of molecular targets/receptors


• Describe pharmacological concepts such as agonism and antagonism.


• Outline the effects the body has on drugs.


• Communicate science effectively to diverse audiences.

Additional outcomes:

Working in small groups during workshops and engaging in a multidisciplinary team-based working will:

• Improve team-working skills, such as leadership, motivating and working with others, and contribute to identifying the learning and development needs of team members through coaching and feedback


• Communicate effectively within a team and communicate findings to a wider audience.

Outline content:

Series of lectures introducing pharmacology concepts, terminology, methodologies and analytical concepts to cover the following topics:

• how drugs act in a stimulatory or inhibitory manner


• how drug responses are assessed and analysed


• drug pharmacokinetics

Series of workshops covering applied aspects of drug action and science communication.

Global context:

Impact of pharmacological practices on the international need for strong training of future pharmacologists and associated medical professions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course content will be provided through a mixture of formal lectures, interactive workshops using real world examples, inter-professional learning activities including seminars delivered by specialised professionals (e.g. healthcare, industrial), 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 and the av ailable 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 research and therapeutics.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12
Seminars	2
Tutorials	2
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10
Wider reading (directed)	2
Exam revision/preparation	25		5
Advance preparation for classes	4
Revision and preparation			5
Group study tasks	10
Reflection	10		3
Total hours by term		0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A 2-hour end of module written examination.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Communication submission - 4-page newsletter-styled submission via Blackboard, Submission Spring Term Week 20.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessment is provided through the workshops and submission of Lab Reports of practicals (completion of workbook in LabTutor), for which immediate feedback is given as part of the workshop.

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):

1) Required text books: A wide variety of text books is available from the University library.  Students are not expected to purchase additional texts for this module

Printing and binding: There may be some printing costs linked to coursework – final submission will be electronic

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023