Delivered at the beginning of year 1, Semester 1 this module provides the basic grounding in human cell structure and pharmacology to support future therapeutics learning. It does so through a combination of face to face lectures, small group teaching and practical work, reinforced with interactive eLearning activities.
After studying this module, students will have acquired an understanding of the basic functions of human cell systems including basic cell structure, function, membrane transport, cell biochemistry and cellular genetics of the healthy body. The module will then consider the structure, basic anatomy and function of nerves and synapses in general before addressing in greater detail the structure and function of the sensory, autonomic and enteric nervous systems. Students will also be introduced to the principles of pharmacology which will be applied and further tested in the therapeutics modules in this and subsequent years.
All modules are integrative. Students will develop an appreciation of how knowledge gained through this module may be applied to other first year modules specifically The Professional Pharmacist, Health, Disease and Therapeutics 1-2, Science of Medicines and Chemistry for Pharmacists. This application of knowledge will be further tested throughout the course progression.
Assessment will test students` acquisition of knowledge through written examination, using a combination of clinically contextualised multiple choice and short answer questions, together with coursework demonstrating ability to produce individual written reports about research being undertaken related to this module at Birmingham University.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the synthesis, biological properties and functions of the macromolecules from which cells are made.
Describe the regulation of gene expression at cellular level.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the internal structures of the cell and cell surface and the basic functions they perform, differentiating between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Identify basic human tissue cell types covered within the module and describe how the characteristics of these basic cells and tissues relate to the functions they perform.
Explain the basic biochemical reactions occurring within human cells during normal function and give examples of the importance of these to healthy human function.
Describe the principles by which neurons are able to receive and recognise information from the internal and external environments, generate electrical signals and communicate with other cells via synapses.
Discuss the importance of cell signalling in health and implications in disease management.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of human anatomy, including the topographical organisation of the nervous system and the associated pharmacology.
Explain the basic principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and apply this to specific drug examples.
Explain the mechanisms of drug action at receptor level and, using examples, illustrate the importance of parameters such as affinity, efficacy, agonist, antagonist and partial agonist activity in determining drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
Indentify the major neurotransmitters and associated receptor sites associated with the autonomic nervous system.
Produce required written work, or oral presentations in an appropriate structure and style, demonstrating a reflective, professional approach to feedback and teamworking.
Assessment
25361-03 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessments: January examination: 20 MCQs and 4 SAQs, 2 hours (50%)
Course work: Laboratory Practical data interpretation (30%) Group webfolio on linked research at UoB (20%)
Students are required to achieve a minimum module mark of 50%, and a minimum of 40% in each element.
Reassessment Students who fail to achieve a minimum module mark of 50% will be reassessed in every element (examination and coursework) in which they achieved less than 50%.
Students who achieve a minimum module mark of 50%, but fail to achieve more than 40% in any elements, will have to resit those elements.
