Molecular Pharmacology and Advanced Quantitative Pharmacology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3116 | Life Sciences | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- LIFE3116
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The aim of this course is to illustrate how understanding mechanisms of drug action at a molecular level can inform our understanding of their physiological action and ultimately inform drug discovery. The module will also illustrate the utility of analytical models to quantify and understand drug action. The module will build on fundamental concepts of drug action gained in years 1 and 2.
Key concepts covered in this module will include signal transduction, receptor reserve, signal amplification, biased agonism, kinetics of drug binding and modes of drug-target binding to include competitive/non-competitive drug action & allostery. The module will focus on three major classes of drug targets; ion channels, kinases (to include receptor tyrosine kinases) and G protein coupled receptors and will reinforce fundamental concepts in enzymology and receptor action. This module will illustrate how molecular and structural biology have provided important insights into the molecular mechanisms of drug action and how these insights form a central part of modern drug discovery. Concepts here will move from the cloning of receptors, gene manipulation in model systems and in animals, revealing the details of drug binding sites from mutagenesis studies through to the current era of structural biology and the potential of in silico approaches. The importance of these concepts will be illustrated through a series of drug discovery problems. Experimental and analytical approaches associated with each drug target or concept will be reinforced through workshops and self-directed learning.
Please note that the reassessment is exam only.
Target Students
This module is for students on the BSc Pharmacology degree U6UPHCLG (B211).
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: Workbook consisting of 8 questions to be completed individually (approximately 2000 words at the end of the autumn semester). A small component of the coursework mark will be based on their participation in their group channel over the duration on the coursework period (2.5%).
- 60% Exam 1 (2-hour): Essay based exam (at the end of the autumn semester).
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The overall aim of this course is to illustrate how understanding mechanisms of drug action at a molecular level can help us understand their physiological action and ultimately inform drug discovery. The module will illustrate the utility of models to quantify and understand drug action. The module will illustrate how the quantification of drug action can inform decision making within the drug discovery process. The module will also demonstrate how molecular and structural biology informs modern drug discovery. The module will build on and fundamental concepts of drug action gained in years 1 and 2 to give students a broad and up-to-date insight into the key molecular pharmacology concepts important for modern drug discovery.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of:
A1. Current trends and developments within pharmacology.
A2. Appropriate terminology, nomenclature and classification.
A3. How to use analytical models to quantify drug action and understand modes of action.
A4. How molecular and structural biology techniques can be used to understand mechanisms of drug action.
Intellectual skills - the ability to:
B1. Critically analyse and interpret published information and data.
B2. Think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others.
B3. Understand complex ideas in cellular biology and physiology and relate them to specific problems in medicine design.
B4. Acquire substantial quantities of information systematically, process it effectively, and draw appropriate conclusions.
Practical skills - the ability to:
C1. Carry out scientific research and evaluate and make use of the material so acquired.
C2. Write and construct scientific documents using appropriate styles, conventions, and terminology.
C3. Apply basic knowledge of practical approaches and techniques.
Transferable/key skills - the ability to
D1. Communicate effectively in writing.
D2. Organise and manage working time, schedule tasks, and meet deadlines.
D3. Use and access information and communication technology.
D4. Reflect upon and assess your own progress, strengths and weaknesses.
D5. Work productively with others.