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 course provides a sound grounding in some traditions and approaches that are categorised as qualitative research and their epistemological basis. The focus will be on different methodological approaches each time the course is taught.

Newer qualitative social research draws inspiration from philosophy and the humanities, and is reflected in the subject. A presentation of various ways of producing empirical material is given. In the course, emphasis is placed on the dialogue between theory and empirical work in analysis, the choice of analytical tools, the development of empirically based and/or theory-inspired analysis models and the generation of theory on the basis of empirical work. The importance of context-sensitive analyzes and what it may entail in the field of social work and social policy. The subject also discusses various quality criteria for qualitative knowledge projects.

After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates

• are capable of assessing the expediency and application of different methods' area of use, possibilities and limitations
• have thorough and nuanced insight into one or two specific methodological analytical approaches, and can relate them to their own research field

Skills

Candidates are capable of

• applying qualitative research methods and conducting qualitative analyses of a high standard
• making well-thought-through choices that fit the candidates' own projects and pertaining research questions

General competence

Candidates are capable of

• considering ethical issues of different types with academic integrity
• participating in relevant international debates in the subject area
• identifying and preparing new researchable questions on the basis of complex societal conditions

The course will be organised as lectures, student presentations and discussions.

Grade scale A-F

Candidates must write an essay of about 12-15 pages, taking their own knowledge project in qualitative methodology as their point of departure. A passed essay is a precondition for being awarded the 10 ECTS credits. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specified deadline.