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2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BMSC3302 Medical Pharmacology

20 creditsClass Size: 10

Module manager: Dr Al Pickles
Email: A.R.Pickles@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of year 2 of the medical course

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- explain the modes of action, adverse effects and therapeutic uses of drugs which act on the heart; lower blood pressure, affect the clotting of blood, modulate hormonal control of various systems; have anti-inflammatory or anti-allergic properties, and act on the respiratory and gastro-intestinal systems;
- outline the principles of neurotransmission within the central nervous system (CNS) and describe the nature of the major disorders of the CNS;
- state the modes of action, adverse effects and therapeutic uses of drugs used to treat degenerative diseases of the CNS: anxiety and sleep disorders; affective disorders, psychoses and epilepsy;
- describe the modes of action, adverse effects and therapeutic uses of drugs used to alleviate pain and to induce general anaesthesia.
- use some experimental techniques relevant to modern biomedical sciences,
- use simple statistics and other basic mathematical techniques to analyze and interpret data;
- report experimental findings in a manner similar to publications in the biomedical literature;
- use scientific literature in an appropriate manner and reference published work correctly.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- acquire a detailed knowledge of the structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in health and disease, as well as the responses to physiological challenges such as adaptation to altitude.
- understand the control mechanisms that mediate cardio-respiratory responses and gain a detailed knowledge of the types, mechanisms and adverse effects of a number of drugs affecting cardiovascular and respiratory function.
- a clear understanding of the uses, mechanisms of action, adverse effects and interactions of drugs used to treat disorders of the central nervous system;
- identify the need for and apply statistical analyses to data;
- locate and select scientific information to support arguments;
- describe the basic principles of the techniques used in practical classes; and
- write a scientific report and essay.

Skills outcomes
Knowledge of cardiorespiratory pharmacology and neuropharmacology.

Carrying out laboratory-based experimental procedures, and writing scientific laboratory reports and essays.


Syllabus

In semester 1, lectures in this module will cover drugs affecting the cardiovascular system, the kidney, blood, the endocrine system, the respiratory system and gastro-intestinal tract. Two practical classes will focus on the pharmacology of the sympathetic nervous system and the physiological effects of several cardio/respiratory drugs.

In semester 2, the principles of chemical transmission within the CNS will be described along with the techniques used to study this process.

The pharmacology of the major diseases of the central nervous system will be taught. In addition, the pharmacology of drugs used to alleviate pain and to induce anaesthesia will be described.

Overall the lecture course will provide the essential pharmacological that underpins the therapeutic use of most of the commonly prescribed drugs. Tutorials will be used to discuss the latest advances in key areas of therapeutics; for example, drugs used to treat hypertension and heart failure.


Overall the lecture course will provide the essential pharmacological that underpins the therapeutic use of most of the commonly prescribed drugs. Tutorials will be used to discuss the latest advances in key areas of therapeutics; for example, drugs used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture451.0045.00
Practical25.0010.00
Tutorial41.004.00
Private study hours141.00
Total Contact hours59.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

2 hours prep/follow-up per lecture (90 hours)
1 hour prep per tutorial (4 hours)
15 hours for scientific abstract (15 hours)
8 hours for in-course essay (8 hours)
24 hours revision for exams (24 hours)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- 1 x 2 hr examination at the end of semester 1
- 1 x 2 hr examination at the end of semester 2
- Each exam consists of 2 essay questions chosen from 4 questions on offer
- 1 Essay worth 10% in Semester 1 and an abstract based on a scientific paper worth 20% in Semester 2.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 x Essay10.00
In-course AssessmentAn abstract based on a scientific paper20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam48 hr 35.00
Open Book exam48 hr 35.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 16/11/2020 11:15:49

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