FARMA2210 Physiology and Pharmacology 1 Course description

The courses Physiology and Pharmacology I and II elucidate the effect pharmaceuticals have on the body and how they are used in different therapeutic fields. Key topics in Physiology and Pharmacology I are basic pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, the peripheral nervous system, the endocrine system, the musculoskeletal system, the digestive system and immunology. The course focuses on regulating the function of these organ systems and the pathophysiology of selected illnesses and pharmaceuticals used to treat them. Immunology is an important topic in the course, and emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanism of action of biological pharmaceuticals.

Listed below are the subjects covered by the course, with credits specified:

• Physiology 5 credits
• Pharmacology 5 credits
• Immunology 5 credits

Passed the first year of the programme.

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

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of general pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
• has knowledge of the composition, structure and function of the periphery nervous system, the endocrine system, the immune system, musculoskeletal system and digestive system
• is capable of explaining how the function of the abovementioned organ systems can be regulated
• is familiar with selected illnesses in terms of etiology, pathophysiology, symptomatology and risk factors
• is familiar with the treatment principles for the selected illnesses
• is capable of explaining the connection between physiology, pathophysiology and the effects of pharmaceuticals on selected illnesses
• is capable of explaining the cellular mechanisms of action, pharmacological effects and probable side effects of relevant groups of pharmaceuticals
• is capable of giving an account of the activation mechanisms, function and regulation of the immune system
• is familiar with the conditions for immunological memory and vaccination

Skills

The student is capable of

• applying knowledge of the mechanism of action of selected pharmaceuticals and their effects and side-effects in the assessment of pharmaceutical treatment
• discussing and communicating issues in the field in relation to pharmaceutical treatment of selected illnesses
• working individually and in groups using a problem-based approach to relevant subject matter

General competence

The student 

• demonstrates an awareness of the use of pharmaceuticals for selected illnesses
• is capable of familiarising himself/herself with the mechanisms of action of new pharmaceuticals and the treatment principles of selected illnesses

Work and teaching methods include lectures, problem-based learning, seminars, and skills training in the form of laboratory assignments.

The Flipped Classroom and team-based learning (TBL) are among the teaching methods used in the course. Digital learning resources will be made available to students in advance and the time they spend at the university will be used to work on assignments and group work.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• a minimum attendance requirement of 80% in supervised group work with pertaining seminars (PBL) and laboratory course

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Supervised individual written exam, 6 hours.  

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Grade scale A-F

One external and one internal examiner will assess at least 30% of the papers. Two internal examiners will assess the remaining papers. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students.