FARMA2310 Physiology and Pharmacology 2 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 II include the respiratory system, the blood, the cardiovascular system, the sensory nervous system and central nervous system. The course focuses on regulating the function of these organ systems and the pathophysiology of selected illnesses and pharmaceuticals used to treat them.

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

• Physiology 6 credits
• Pharmacology 9 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 the composition and structure of the respiratory system, the blood, the cardiovascular system, the sensory nervous system and central nervous 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 pharmacotherapy for selected illnesses
• is capable of explaining the cellular mechanisms of action, pharmacological effects and probable side effects of relevant groups of pharmaceuticals

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.

Admission to the programme.

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

Knowledge;

The student can

• describe the most important areas of the philosophy of science (metaphysics, epistemology and ethics) and selected perspectives from the philosophy of science
• explain the philosophy of science as a basis for psychology and behaviour analysis as disciplines
• explain scientific method
• explain different theories of ethics
• explain the ethical guidelines and guidelines for professional conduct that are described by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
• describe the key principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Regulations of the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC)

Skills

The student can

• describe and reflect on ethical issues relevant to the psychology field
• describe and reflect on conflicts of values and ethical dilemmas at individual, group and society levels
• describe and reflect on experiment as a scientific method

Competence;

The student can

• reflect on positions in the philosophy of science in relation to choices of methods and different theories of normative ethics

Work and teaching methods used in the course are lectures and self-study. Seminars will also be held where the students present subject matter. Participation in these seminars is compulsory. Students will present texts from the syllabus, encourage discussion and receive guidance on further reading. During the course, the students will submit four assignments related to key topics in the syllabus. The assignments will be set by the lecturer. The students’ learning outcomes will be documented through presentations, written papers and the examination.