Equivalent of SCQF level 7/8 Physiology and Biochemistry

This module will develop an 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.
There will also be a communication task, where you will be asked to produce a scientific poster 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.

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.