Modules

Module title: Pharmacology & Pharmaceutics
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BMS11112
Module leader: Giacomo Russo
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Biomedical Science
Prerequisites

N/A
2020/1, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Giacomo Russo
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Lectures, and tutorials will cover LOs 2 & 4, whilst workshops will collaboratively tackle LO1 where students will be presented with data and will need to interpret PK parameters and make conclusions about the original dosage form. Formative assessments such as peer quizzes at the end of specific lectures will ensure every learner is as active as possible, and the workshops will enhance collaborative learning within the student cohort and creation of a learning community. (approx. 30 NESH)

The labs will cover aspects of LO4, in the context of LO3 where analytical techniques such as UV/VIS assay and Log P determination will be used to quantify and obtain physico-chemical information respectively. Because the lab tasks are customizable (students can decide which parameters they want to test in the lab) there is an opportunity for individualised student experience. (approx. 20 NESH)


Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment for LOs (1 & 2) will take place during data interpretation workshops where students will be given sets of pharmacological data (e.g. concentration vs time curves) and asked to assess and interpret the data. Feedback will be provided verbally during each session and supported by providing worked examples.

LO 4 formative assessment will consist of peer quizzes, where students will be invited to formulate 2/3 question on the topic and pose the questions to their classmates. Feedback will be provided verbally to each student (with the option to receive this in written form, as requested).

Feedback and feedforward exercises will also take place after the lab sessions (LO 3) in order to prepare for the component I summative task, a written lab report. Full feedback with be provided in written form inside returned, assessed lab books.


Summative Assessment:
Summative assessment for LO 3, will be based on a protocol writing and lab report exercise, based on previous knowledge acquired in the lab sessions. Students will be provided with a selection of medicines and given a choice on the type of experiment they would like to perform. They will then write a protocol for conducting their experiment, along with their acquired data within a lab report.

LOs 1, 2, & 4 will be summatively assessed in a written class test based on topics and exercises tackled in the lectures, formative assessments or workshops. Class test will include data interpretation questions (LO1) application of knowledge (LOs 2&4) and problem-solving exercises.


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 22
Face To Face Tutorial 11
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 12
Independent Learning Guided independent study 155
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 50 3 10 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 1500
Class Test 50 1, 2 & 4 13 HOURS= 2, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

This module will build upon the pharmacokinetic principles of ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination) and bioavailability (F) to allow you to appraise how different medicine design affects these parameters.

We will critically evaluate how different formulation additives, route of administration and release kinetics (Immediate release, sustained release, targeted release) can impact not only on the pharmacokinetic profile of a drug, but also the doses and the dosing regimen used. We will explore factors that influence the rate and extent of drug absorption which include food-drug interactions.

We will critically review and reflect on the use of key analytical and bioanalytical techniques to assess drug concentration within the body and its application in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and dose adjustment. You will learn how to interpret different representations of data such as plasma concentration time curves and urinary drug excretion curves.
You will also gain a commercial awareness of medicine manufacture processes (e.g. coatings) and the value of elements such as tablet size, colour and packaging. We will also tackle the biologics market, where medicines are manufactured using recombinant DNA technology.

In the labs you will learn about experimental design, preformulation tests such as Log P (Partition coefficient) determination and use of instrumental analytical techniques such as UV/VIS assays in preformulation testing. In the labs you will also be required to maintain a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliant lab book.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Interpret and evaluate a wide range of different forms of pharmacological & graphical data to assess the relationship between pharmacology & pharmaceutics.

LO2: Discriminate between and critically appraise the impact of different formulations of a medicine on the central pharmacokinetic parameters (ADME).

LO3: Critically review the value, applications and limitations of key analytical & bioanalytical techniques in therapeutic drug monitoring.

LO4: Demonstrate a critical awareness of the medicine manufacturing process and the contemporary developments in pre-formulation & formulation studies.

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader
 

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