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

Through work with the literature and the tasks, the student should learn to initiate and tutor collaborative learning processes for young and adult students. The tuition is in English if English speaking students attend the course.

No prerequisites required.

A student who has completed his or her qualification has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge of concepts, components or frameworks deriving from central theories, paradigms and approaches within the field of distributed collaborative learning
• has thorough knowledge of the interrelationships between education and ICT development processes and their manifestations in international and national practices

Skills

The student

• can analyse specific issues that are pertinent to development and change of online teaching environments in their societal contexts in primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education
• can analyse and deal critically with various sources of information from the field of distributed collaborative learning and apply them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments.
• can analyse existing theories and methods in the field of distributed collaborative learning and work independently on practical and theoretical problems.
• can carry out an independent limited research or development project within the field of distributed collaborative learning under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.

General competence

The student

• can apply his/her competence and skills in the field of distributed collaborative learning in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.
• can communicate and discuss research-based knowledge in the field of distributed collaborative learning with professionals and non-professionals
• can contribute in critical ways to the development of the field of distributed collaborative learning

In line with the course topic, the course is totally net based, and the work methods are highly collaborative. Active participation from all students is a necessity. The course requirements will ensure that the student acquires sufficient practical skills in using tools for collaboration as well as theoretical knowledge. It will also give the students a continuous workload during the semester.

The students are supposed to read the course literature on their own.