1. Introduction to general principles in pharmacology
Brief history and discussion of sources of drugs and role in society.
Introduction to some basic terminology, definitions and concepts in pharmacology (ongoing throughout the course).
Difference between selectivity and specificity of drug effect.
Safe and toxic levels of drugs. Effective and lethal dose and relation to therapeutic index and the therapeutic window.
2. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles.
Drug absorption and distribution
Drug properties that facilitate absorption.
Biological properties that facilitate absorption.
The mechanism of pH-dependent ion trapping with respect to accumulation of drugs.
Chemical properties that make a drug more water soluble.
Chemical properties that make a drug more lipid soluble.
Protein binding and the effect of administration of protein-binding drugs on drug effect.
The importance of drug distribution with regard to efficacy and toxicity of drug.
How drug distribution contributes to the termination of the actions of some drugs.
Metabolism of drugs
Major mechanisms responsible for drug metabolism.
The major enzyme systems in the body that are responsible for oxidation, reduction and/or hydrolysis of selective pharmacological agents.
Basic principles of how drug metabolism alters drug action.
How drugs are chemically altered by cytochrome p-450.
The difference between acute and chronic drug treatment with respect to drug metabolism by the liver.
How drug-induced enzyme induction and inhibition can alter responses to drugs.
The basic clinical interactions that can result from changes in drug metabolism during co-administration of drugs.
Excretion of drugs
The concept of “steady-state” with regard to plasma drug concentrations.
The importance of different pharmacokinetic parameters on the duration of drug action.
The concepts of loading dose, maintenance dose, volume of distribution, clearance, elimination half-life.
The difference between first-order, zero-order and dose-dependent kinetics of drug elimination.
Types of drug receptor-effector relationships and coupling mechanisms.
Quantitative relationship between drug concentration/dose and pharmacological effects.
3. Drugs used on the nervous system
Central nervous system overview and major neurotransmitters.
Autonomic pharmacology.
Ischaemic brain damage and treatment of Alzheimer's.
Anti-epileptics.
Psychosis and the treatment of schizophrenia.
Antidepressants and antianxiety drugs.
Treatment of Parkinsonism.
Sedative hypnotics.
General anaesthetics.
4. Drugs used as analgaesics and anti-inflammatories
5. Drugs used on the cardiovascular system
Overview of the basic function of the heart.
Starlings law of the heart.
Drugs used to treat cardiac failure, angina, hypertension and arrhythmias.
6. Drugs used on the Haemopoetic System
Drugs used to treat anaemia, coagulation disorders and hyperlipidaemias.
7. Drugs used on the Respiratory System
Drugs used to treat asthma and allergies.
8. Drugs used on the Endocrine System
Parathyroid gland and mineral homeostasis.
Adrenal cortex.
Thyroid.
9. Antimicrobials
10. Neoplastic Chemotherapy
11. Special Topics
Drugs used on the gastrointestinal system, renal system and reproductive system.
Drugs of abuse and treatment.
Drug discovery and experimental design.
Ethical issues in pharmacology.
Lectures
Laboratory activities
Seminar/Discussion groups
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
| Evaluation | Marks |
| Projects and presentations | 15-20 |
| Laboratory assignments | 15-25 |
| Midterm examination | 20-30 |
| Final examination | 25-35 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Notes:
1. Laboratory Experiments and Activities
Laboratory work will be assigned each week. The laboratory work must be completed in the week it is assigned. Laboratory experiments and assignments are a compulsory component of this course. A minimum of 50% of the laboratory experiments and assignments must be completed to receive a P or better in the course.
Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the core concepts of pharmacology and be able to relate these to the pharmacological actions and use of compounds in specific drug areas taught. Upon completion of this course students should be able to describe:
Sources of drugs, their nature, use, and place in treatment of disease and in society
The basic concepts of pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics
The quantitative effects of drugs (concentration/dose-response relationships)
The concepts of agonism, antagonism, partial agonism, inverse agonism, efficacy, and potency
The concepts of selectivity of drugs, species variation, inter-subject variation, wanted, and unwanted drug action and allergy to drugs
The molecular targets of drug action (including receptors, enzymes, ion channels, transporters, and others)
Fundamental transduction mechanisms (chemical messengers, mechanisms, and properties of inter- and intra-cellular signaling pathways)
The mechanisms of action, uses and side effects of:
Special topics may include some or all of the following. When special topics are covered students should be able to describe:
Students should consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.
Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca
| Institution | Transfer Details for BIOL 3203 |
|---|---|
| Vancouver Community College (VCC) | No credit |