This pharmacology course provides students with a basic understanding of the approach to the rational and safe use of drugs in the control, prevention, and therapy of human disease. The course consist of three units: 1) basic principles and autonomic drugs; 2) the pharmacology of the cardiovascular system and CNS pharmacology; 3) chemotherapeutic agents (antibacterials, antifungals, antivirals, and anticancer drugs. At the conclusion of this course the student should be able to demonstrate competency in this area as evidenced by their ability to: 1. Describe the concept of pharmacological receptors and follow technical descriptions of mechanisms of action, toxicity, and how these are scientifically measured and presented in the scientific literature. 2. Describe how drugs are handled by the human body in terms of their absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion. 3. Relate the pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system to the direct and side effects that patients might exhibit upon the administration of agents with autonomic effects. 4. Relate the pharmacology of the cardiovascular system to the direct and side effects that patients might exhibit while undergoing treatment for cardiovascular disorders. 5. Discuss the mechanisms and potential side effects of CNS stimulants and drugs used in Parkinson’s disease. Describe the importance of pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics in understanding drug action. Describe the pharmacology of antibiotics, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer agents, including side effects that patients might exhibit while undergoing chemotherapy. The course is for Master’s students only. Enrollment limited to 35.
Click here for Spring 2024 syllabus.
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