Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BMS11110
Module leader: Fiona Kerr
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The module will provide you with an introduction to the major aspects of the scientific study of drugs in man, not just with respect to the design of optimum drug therapy, but also looking at the differences between pharmacology and toxicology. You will learn about how drugs work, their limitations, and the variability of response. You will study how cells transduce messages from the plasma membrane into the cell and nucleus. You will learn about how the body?s endogenous signalling system works and how this informs drug development. This includes the basic principles of receptor theory, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and their relevance to establishing the theoretical and practical basis for the rational clinical application of drugs. You will also examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxicology.This includes the basic principles of toxicokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), and the factors affecting each. You will examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of xenobiotic toxicity, together with toxicity testing in the pharmaceutical industry. You will gain an insight into how intracellular signalling mechanisms can be manipulated, resulting in new research methodology. You will also engage with the literature surrounding molecular pharmacology and toxicology in order to understand recent developments in research in this area.You will cover the concept of ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors, intracellular kinase cascades, calcium signalling and linked control of transcription factors. Manipulation of signalling cascades in therapeutics and research. Basic principles of receptor theory, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and rational drug design. Introduction to toxicology. Toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. Detailed descriptions of specific toxicant and pharmacological examples. In vitro and in vivo models of toxicity. Mechanisms of xenobiotic toxicity and toxicity testing.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically explore signal transduction in excitable cells.

LO2: Evaluate the pharmacological principles that are applied to drug behaviour.

LO3: Evaluate the importance and role of dose-response relationships in pharmacology and toxicology.

LO4: Conceptualise the basis of toxicology using named examples of drugs.

LO5: Critically explore the mechanisms underpinning the use of drugs to manipulate signal transduction in research and therapeutics.

LO6: Critically engage with the literature surrounding modern molecular pharmacology and toxicology.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, 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: Fiona Kerr
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 24 Lectures will be delivered in person as well as being recorded and uploaded weekly on Moodle within 7 days to allow you to access at a time most suitable for you. To get full benefit from the lecture and to support other students, you are expected to come prepared having engaged with the lecture material and associated essential reading.
Face To Face Tutorial 10 Tutorials will be offered to discuss the theoretical concepts covered in the lectures and to focus on their application. This is intended to support all students in the tutorial to learn from each other via group discussion.
Online Guided independent study 163 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions and to complete your essential reading, normally published scientific articles. You are encouraged to read more widely around the topics you are studying and engage in Moodle activities and resources. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare and plan for your assessment tasks.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 3 A practical simulation class will be offered in which you will perform an experiment in a computer lab to acquire pharmacology/toxicology data and consolidate your understanding of the mechanisms learned in lectures and tutorials.
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 40 1~2~3~4~5 Week 7 HOURS= 2 hours This is a data interpretation and critical analysis test based on data collected in the practical simulation labs providing summative assessment. The assessment will consist of submission of data collected in the computer lab and your ability to answer questions to interpret the meaning of this data based on learning from class.
Class Test 60 1~2~3~4~5~6 Exam Period HOURS= 2500 words This is a journal comprehension assessment providing summative assessment. It is based upon a published journal article and questions will be asked based upon the content of the journal article. The journal article is released to you two weeks prior to the due date, and the question paper one week prior to submission.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS11110 Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
 

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