Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Level 8 (2nd year University level) Physiology, Biochemistry AND AND Pre-requisite: [Module BMS08106] Physiology, adaptation and disease AND Pre-requisite: [Module BMS08101] Biochemistry

This module will build upon the concepts and understanding gained in your 1st and 2nd year physiology, genetics, and biochemistry modules, and will integrate with other 3rd year biomedical sciences modules, to develop a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and how they may be treated. The module includes an introduction to the general principles of pharmacology, and will focus on how therapeutic drugs are administered, absorbed, distributed, metabolised and excreted by the body. Targets for therapeutic drugs will be examined, including receptor theory and dose response relationships, and the importance of drug specificity. Pathobiology is the study of how the disease arises in the first place, i.e. the disease mechanism. The pathobiology of any disease can normally be traced back to one of four main factors; genetic, environmental, pathogenic or life-style choices. Through examination of specific examples of disease you will develop a detailed knowledge of the principal causes of those diseases, and how they may be treated. The practical elements of this module will include performing a cell-based toxicity assay, and developing a protocol to compare the effectiveness of over-the-counter medications. You will be asked to produce a scientific website designed to give patients and health care practitioners information on the pathology of a particular disease and the molecular mechanisms of current treatment options. Throughout the module, you will be expected to engage with primary research literature.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Illustrate the molecular aspects of how drugs act: receptor classification and drug-receptor interactions; dose-response relationships; differentiate between agonists and antagonists.

LO2: Examine the relationship between absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs and xenobiotics.

LO3: Critically appraise current therapeutics used to treat and alleviate disease.

LO4: Utilise specialised information sources and evaluate primary literature and apply this knowledge using specific disease examples.