FARB2200 Physiology and Pharmacology 1 Course description

This course is about the effect pharmaceuticals have on the body and how pharmaceuticals are used in different therapeutic fields. Key topics are basic pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, the endocrine system, the musculoskeletal system and the digestive system. The course focuses on regulating the function of these organ systems and the pathophysiology of selected illnesses and pharmaceuticals used to treat them.

The student must have passed the first year of the programme or equivalent.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can explain basic pharmacodynamic concepts and pharmacokinetic processes
• can describe the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, endocrine system, musculoskeletal system and digestive system
• can explain how the function of the above-mentioned organ systems can be regulated
• can explain the cellular/molecular mechanisms of action of pharmaceuticals and endogenous signal molecules related to the above-mentioned organ systems, including target molecules and signalling pathways
• can explain the pharmacological effects and probable side effects of relevant drug classes
• can explain the connection between physiology, pathophysiology and the principles of drug treatment of selected therapeutic areas

Skills

The student

• can perform basic pharmacokinetic calculations
• can apply knowledge of mechanisms of action, effects and side-effects in the assessment of drug treatment of selected therapeutic areas
• can communicate and discuss relevant subject matter with fellow students
• can work individually and in groups using a problem-based approach to relevant subject matter

General competence  

The student

• can demonstrate an awareness of drug use in selected therapeutic areas
• can familiarise himself/herself with the mechanisms of action of new drugs and the treatment principles of selected therapeutic areas

Subjects covered by the course, with credits specified:

• Physiology 6 credits
• Pharmacology 9 credits

Work and teaching methods include lectures, problem-based learning (PBL), seminars, and skills training in the form of laboratory assignments. The teaching methods flipped classroom and team-based learning (TBL) are used for parts of the course. Digital learning resources are made available to the students in advance, and the time they spend at the university is used to work on assignments and group work.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Minimum attendance of 80% in supervised group work with pertaining seminars (PBL) and the laboratory course

Supervised individual written exam, 6 hours.

Calculator.

Grade scale A-F

All exams are assessed by two examiners. At least 30% of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner’s assessment should benefit all the students.

• 10 credits overlap with the course FARMA2210 Physiology and Pharmacology 1
• 5 credits overlap with the course FARMA2310 Physiology and Pharmacology 2