Pharmacology, 6.0 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Experimental and Industrial Biomedicine
• Bachelor´s Programme in Experimental and Industrial Biomedicine

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies and

English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (English 6) 
And
Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology corresponding to the level in Swedish upper secondary education (Chemistry 2, Mathematic 4 and Biology 2)

Exemption from Swedish 3

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Having completed the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• Explain how drugs act at a molecular and cellular level (pharmacodynamics)
• Explain how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated (pharmacokinetics)
• Explain the mechanisms behind and consequences of tolerance and drug interactions
• Explain the mechanisms, therapeutic effects and side effects of drugs within various groups
• Describe the pharmacological treatment principles for different disease groups

Skills and abilities

On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• Apply laboratory methods to the study of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
• Compile and analyse results of pharmacological experiments
• Describe pharmacological data orally and in writing

Judgement ability and approach

On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• Critically appraise and evaluate knowledge within the field of pharmacology from an academic, ethical and social perspective.

Course content

The course is a basic course in pharmacology that is required in order to understand industrial drug development, clinical drug trials and pharmacological research. The course aims to provide a general understanding of the mechanisms, metabolism, interaction and pharmacological effects of drugs. The course elucidates how different drugs are used in the treatment of specific diseases: cardiovascular diseases (e.g. hypertension, heart failure and ischaemic heart disease), coagulation disorders (haemostasis and platelet drugs), neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, inflammatory conditions and cancer.

The course encompasses the field of pharmacology, with links to cell biology, physiology, pathology and biochemistry.

Teaching and working methods

At the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences student centred and problem based learning make up the foundation of the teaching. The student takes responsibility for, studies and researches current content of the courses and study programme. The methods of the course work challenge the students to independently formulate questions for learning, to seek knowledge and in dialogue with others judge and evaluate achieved knowledge. Students in the Bachelor’s programme in Experimental and Industrial Biomedicine work together in groups based on reality based and course related biomedical issues to apply their knowledges, develop their own learning, contribute to the fellow students’ learning and to practice cooperation. Throughout the study programme theory is integrated with practical modules. The course methods and integration modules stimulates and support the student’s ability to apply their knowledge and professional competence.

Work methods used on this course are lectures, seminars, tutorial groups and laboratory sessions.

Examination

The form of examination is an individual written examination. In addition, active participation in compulsory course elements is required in order to pass the course. Compulsory course elements include practical and theoretical laboratory sessions, laboratory reports, tutorial groups, written assignments and seminars.

The written examination may be performed an unlimited number of times by those students who have not achieved a passing grade.

Grades

The course is graded with the grades Fail or passing grades 3-5, where 3 corresponds to approved, 4 corresponds to approved with credit and 5 corresponds to approved with distinction. The grade of the individual written examination (F, 3-5) is the basis for the final grade of the course.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

Application for examination

Instructions on how to apply for examinations are given prior to the beginning of each course.

Re-examination

The date for re-examination should normally be announced by the date of the regular examination at latest; in which case the scope must be the same as at the regular examination.

Examination for students with disabilities

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives. 

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course. 

Nomination of another examiner

A student who has taken two examinations in a course or a part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to the nomination of another examiner, unless there are special reasons to the contrary.  

Grades

Course literature

Other information

Planning and implementation of the course is to be based on the wordings in the course syllabus. A course evaluation is compulsory for each course and should include how the course is in agreement with the course syllabus. The course coordinator will analyse the course evaluation and propose appropriate development of the course. The analysis and proposal will be returned to the students, the Director of Studies, and as needed to the Education Board, if related to general development and improvement.

The course is carried out in such a way that knowledge of gender, gender identity/expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief system, disability, sexual orientation and age is addressed, highlighted and communicated as part of the programme.

If the course is cancelled or undergoes major changes, examination is normally offered under this course syllabus, at a total of three occasions, within/in connection to the two following semesters, of which one in close proximity to the first examination.

Department