Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Pharmacology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
An appointment by e-mail is required.
Dra. Rosalía Rodríguez (subject coordination): rrodriguez@uic.es
Introduction
After the acquisition of basic concepts in Biochemistry, Biology, Physiology and Pathology, the subject of Pharmacology is focused on the interactions between drugs and the human body. As well as studying the principles of pharmacokinetics and the mechanisms of the action of drugs, the students should also understand the possible undesired effects and interactions that may occur as a consequence of drug administration.
Pre-course requirements
Basic knowledge of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, physiology and pathology.
Objectives
To introduce the principles of pharmacodynamics.
To introduce the main routes of drug administration and the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as well as the existing tools for their study.
To introduce the main types of drug interactions.
To introduce the main groups of drugs and medicines that are representative of each group: action mechanisms, side effects and indications.
To show the utility and management of major drug databases.
To familiarize the student with reading and critical comprehension of papers in pharmacology.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE14 - To be aware of the way in which the main medications work and their ability to modify biological activity.
- CG02 - To be aware of the aspects that govern pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
Understand the mechanisms of actions of the main groups of drugs and their effects on human physiology.
Recognize the intrinsic factors that may influence drug action (absorption, metabolism, genetics…)
Identify the indications, adverse reactions, contraindications and main pharmacokinetic characteristics of each group.
Identify potential drug interactions associated with concomitant use of drugs.
Understand the process of drug development.
Make agile use of reliable sources of information about medicines.
Syllabus
1. Basic concepts in Pharmacology
- Basic definitions
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacokinetics
- Toxicity and adverse drug reactions
- Inter-individual variability (special cases, Pharmacogenomics)
- Drug interactions
- The process of drug invention
2. Neuropharmacology I: The autonomous nervous system
- Adrenergic transmission
- Cholinergic transmission
- Other mediators
3. Neuropharmacology II: The central nervous system
- Noradrenergic and serotonergic system
- Dopaminergic system
- GABAergic system
- Opioid peptides
4. Inflammation and immunomodulation
- Analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents
- Immune response and immunomodulation
- Pharmacological blockade of other mediators of inflammation
- Pulmonary pharmacology
5. Chemotherapy of infectious diseases
- General principles
- Mechanisms of action
- Resistance to antibiotics
- Antibacterial drugs
- Antiviral drugs
6. Endocrinological pharmacology
- Introduction
- Thyroid and anti-thyroid drugs
- Pharmacology of diabetes
- Agents affecting bone turnover
- Reproduction pharmacology
7. Modulation of cardiovascular function
- Regulation of renal function
- Pharmacology of the heart
- Antianginal and vasodilatory drugs
- Pharmacology of hemostasis and thrombosis
- Antidyslipidemic drugs
8. Pharmacology of the digestive system
- Neuro-pharmacological mechanisms of vomiting
- Pharmacological modulation of gastric secretion
- Pharmacology of motility and intestinal secretion
9. Chemotherapy of neoplastic diseases
- General principles
- Mechanism of action and adverse reactions to cytotoxic drugs
- Targeted therapies
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Master class: The teacher explains theoretical concepts in a 2-hour class to the entire group of students.
Case method: Students work in groups to solve problems that will be provided on the same day as the class. In the classroom the students discuss the exercises with the active participation of the teacher, who may also introduce new concepts whenever necessary.
Laboratory practice: Students carry out experimental work under the supervision of the teacher to illustrate concepts explained in the lectures.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1st sitting
- Lab classes report: 10%
- Midterm exam: 20%
- Clinical cases: 20%
- Final exam: 50%
The students that provide interesting ideas or ask pertinent questions that improve the quality of the class, either lectures, case methods or practical sessions, may obtain a 5% excellence. Only the students who actively participate in the subject may get this bonus
2nd sitting: the marks of the lab classes and the cases are retained; the final exam is worth 70%.
Other sittings:
It is not mandatory to attend the case methods, the lab classes or the mid-term exam; in that scenario, the final exam will worth 100%. The students who want to attend the practical classes and the clinical cases again should inform the teacher; in this case, the final mark will be calculated as defined for the 1st sitting (point 1).
General aspects to be considered regarding evaluation:
1) The student must obtain a mark of at least 5 in the final exam to make the average with the clinical cases, lab classes and midterm exam (and the final average must be higher than 5).
2) The exam will contain multiple choice questions, where each right answer gets +1 and each wrong answer gets a 0.25 penalty.
3) The exams (both the mid-term and the final) include questions related to topics discussed in the lectures and case method
4) Class attendance:
- Attendance at lectures is not compulsory but students who wish to attend must follow the rules established by the teacher.
- To be evaluated in the case methods, it is mandatory to attend a minimum of 8 sessions (one session can be missed without penalty).
- Attendance at the lab classes is mandatory and the students must attend with the indicated group. Students expelled from the lab classes will automatically fail the subject.
5) In the event of inappropriate use of electronic devices (including the recording of the teacher and other students, or their use for purposes not related to the class) the student will be asked to leave the classroom.
Bibliography and resources
Lectures: the teacher explains theoretical concepts in a class of 120 min to the entire group of students.
Case method: students work in groups to solve problems that will be provided the same day of the class. In the classroom the students discuss the exercises with the active participation of the teacher, who may also introduce new concepts whenever necessary.
Laboratory practice: Students carry out experimental work under the supervision of the teacher to illustrate concepts explained in the lectures.
Evaluation period
- E1 16/05/2025 A08 14:00h
- E2 02/07/2025 A08 09:00h