PHARMACOLOGY
To fully understand the topics addressed in the present course, students must possess basic notions of cellular biology, human physiology and general and molecular pharmacology
A written test (essay-based) will be administered at the end of each module of the course. It will be based on 3 open questions concerning different topics covered during the lessons and present in the program.
A clear exposition of the topics, as well as the use of an adequate terminology are necessary to pass the exam. Students must score at least 18/30 in order to pass the test. Top marks (greater than 28/30), and possibly honors, will only be awarded to students who have smartly presented the journal club talks, actively participated in them and in discussions during the course, and can demonstrate the ability to list and thoroughly discuss the general principles underlying drug action and the major therapeutic approaches, and to work out the connections between the various topics of the course.
The grade earned in each module will be averaged to obtain the final grade of the course
The main goal of the course is to provide students with an updated knowledge of the major classes of drugs in current clinical use and their respective mechanisms of action, at a molecular, cellular and systemic level. The course is fundamental to build the backbone of students’ pharmacological advanced cultural skills necessary for all the professional profiles working in the biomedical field
The Pharmacology course consists of two modules: the “Pharmacology and Chemotherapy” module in term one, where specific aspects of systems pharmacology, including autonomic and cardiovascular pharmacology as well as chemotherapy of infectious diseases, will be discussed; the “Neuropsychopharmacology” module in term two, focused instead on drugs acting on the central nervous system. As a whole the course will provide students with a solid foundation in pharmacology
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
a) describe how drug modulation of the autonomic nervous system may impact the function of the major organ systems (cardiovascular system and kidney, respiratory and gastro-intestinal apparatuses)
b) explain how drugs may control the activity of inflammatory and immune mediators
c) describe the molecular mechanisms of drugs acting on the most prevalent diseases affecting the metabolism of sugars and lipids
d) discuss the principles of antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer chemotherapy, and enlist the major classes of chemotherapeutic drugs
e) describe the neurobiological basis of the main psychopathologies and their related pharmacological treatment
f) discuss the alleged mechanism of action of the different classes of drugs acting in the CNS
g) describe how pre-clinical evaluation of new drugs acting on CNS targets is conducted
h) evaluate scientific literature in neuropsychopharmacology through informed critical appraisal of published research
Modules
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Credits: 6
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Credits: 6