FARMA3100 Social Pharmacy and Epidemiology Course description

The course covers important groups of pharmaceuticals and natural products, with emphasis on the mechanisms of action. It focuses on the connection between the chemical structure of a pharmaceutical and its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. Emphasis is also placed on the ability of pharmaceuticals to interact with their target molecules, and on the structure-activity relationship (SAR) in physiological environments.

The table below shows the subjects covered by the course, with credits specified:

• Medicinal chemistry 8 credits
• Pharmacognosy 2 credits

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 the chemical and physical properties of pharmaceuticals and of their reactions and reaction mechanisms in a physiological environment
• is capable of explaining different main groups of pharmaceuticals (ATC classification)
• is capable of explaining how pharmaceuticals are metabolised in the body
• is capable of explaining the use of different derivatives of pharmaceutical molecules and their significance in relation to pharmaceutical effects
• is capable of explaining the main principles of interaction between pharmaceuticals and their target molecules (receptors/enzymes/transport proteins) and how pharmaceuticals influence the activity in the body's different mediator systems
• is familiar with the classes of natural products and their traditional use

Skills

The student is capable of

• assessing the structure-activity relationship and molecular mechanisms of action for the main groups of pharmaceuticals and natural products
• analysing the chemical and physical properties of the substances, functional groups, stereochemistry, absorption and metabolism, structure-activity relationship (SAR), the connection between the chemical structure of pharmaceuticals and their pharmacodynamic properties

General competence

The student is capable of

• independently acquiring knowledge about and assessing the properties of a pharmaceutical product and its activity relationship

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 broad knowledge of the role of pharmaceuticals in the prevention and treatment of illness from an individual and societal perspective
• has broad knowledge of pharmaceutical services
• is familiar with the routines and procedures for medication reviews and discussions
• is familiar with the pharmaceuticals users' need of information in different life situations and with different illnesses;
• is capable of explaining key concepts in the field of epidemiological methodology
• is capable of explaining ethical dilemmas relevant to epidemiological research
• is familiar with key statistical concepts used in medical statistics

Skills

The student is capable of

• carrying out source searches and providing information to pharmaceuticals users in different life situations and with different illnesses, and with varying information needs
• applying epidemiological concepts
• applying digital tools in statistical calculations and graphical presentations of prescription statistics and other figures that concern the use of pharmaceuticals
• using evidence-based subject matter and innovation in project work, communicating this and contributing to discussions in the field

General competence

The student

• has insight into pharmaceutical issues in society
• is capable of reflecting on the correct use of pharmaceuticals in special groups of patients
• is capable of reflecting on the quality and validity of information provided by different sources
• is capable of contributing to making innovation and entrepreneurship a way of thinking in healthcare

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours

Molecular model set

Grade scale A-F

One external and one internal examiner will assess all the papers

Grade scale A-F

Oral exam: One external and one internal examiner will assess all the candidates.

Portfolio exam: One external and one internal examiner will assess at least 30 % of the assigments. Two internal examiners will assess the remaining assignments. The external examiner¿s assessment shall benefit all the students.