Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Pharmacology and Pathobiology
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BMS09111
Module leader: Sharron Vass
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

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
Description of module content:

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 poster designed to give 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.
Learning Outcomes for module:

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.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Sharron Vass
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Tutorial 4 There are two additional tutorial sessions designed to support this module. One will be a helpful recorded guide on how to prepare for your coursework, the other will be an introduction to drug design using computer modelling.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 6 There are two lab-based Pharmacology practicals. The first investigates the effectiveness of OTC stomach medications, the second analyses the toxicity of ethanol.
Online Guided independent study 168 This module uses a blended learning approach, in addition to lectures and tutorials, it will also include videos, animations, journal articles, and links to relevant external web-pages which you should study in your own time.
Face To Face Lecture 22 Lectures will be delivered weekly in-person. We will cover the basic concepts in Pharmacology, and then move on to example disease pathologies and how these can be treated. To help consolidate your learning, lectures will be followed by tutorials with activities related to the lecture content. A copy of the slides will be placed on moodle in advance so you have time to prepare.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 60 1~2 Week 9 HOURS= 3 hours The first assessment for this module will be an on campus class test. It will be designed to be completed within 2.5 hours and will cover the taught content from the first part of this module. It will be directly aligned to Learning Outcomes 1 & 2.
Poster 40 3~4 Week 13 , WORDS= 1000 words Designing and presenting a scientific poster. In this assessment you will be asked to design an informative poster on a particular disease state, and how this disease is treated. A portion of the mark will be given for presentation and how well you can use primary literature to critically appraise current treatment approaches.
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Pharmacology and Pathobiology
 

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