This module aims to develop the students understanding of both modern receptor pharmacology and of the need to use tissues and animals (including humans) in drug research and development. There is a particular emphasis on the experimental approaches used and the interpretation of experimental evidence. It builds on core knowledge from undergraduate training, to expose students to the techniques and approaches used in research, developed primarily through seminars with researchers who are using those techniques.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of studying the effects of drugs at the molecular, intact tissue and whole body levels
Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the structure and function of some of the major classes of receptors
Demonstrate an understanding of how the signals from various receptor systems may be integrated at a cellular level to produce a co-ordinated response
Demonstrate an understanding of the potential impact of pharmacokinetics, adaptive reflexes and homeostatic mechanisms on the effects of drugs in different experimental systems
Critically evaluate the issues involved in developing animal paradigms of human disease states
Critically evaluate the experimental techniques involved in current research in molecular pharmacology and the variety of methods which may be employed to study the action of drugs in vivo
Assessment
38642-01 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
2 hour written examination (50%)
2500 word written experimental interpretation (50%)
Reassessment:
Academic failure: Students are required to repeat failed components only.
Failure to submit: Submission of coursework is compulsory for the programme. Students are advised that failure to submit in the absence extenuating circumstances could result in failure of the module. Students will be required to submit outstanding work to meet the module outcomes
