Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Module Identifier
BR36120
Module Title
Molecular Pharmacology
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Workshop/practical report This assignment is in two parts: Students are shown how to calculate two key outputs from supplied data of radiolabelled ligand binding to membrane vesicles. The students interpret these results using knowledge gained in the module. 1500 Words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Case Notes Essay The student is supplied with a set of case notes for mystery patient X. There will be several sets of case notes which will be assigned randomly. The essay will lead to an evidence led diagnosis of the patient's condition (this will be one of the conditions covered in the module) in which they relate all of the relevant symptoms to the molecular nature, or understood pathology of the condition. They should suggest suitable treatment and prognosis. The essay will test knowledge and understanding from across the range of topics covered in the module. 2500 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Case Notes Essay The student is supplied with a set of case notes for mystery patient X. There will be several sets of case notes which will be assigned randomly. The essay will lead to an evidence led diagnosis of the patient's condition (this will be one of the conditions covered in the module) in which they relate all of the relevant symptoms to the molecular nature, or understood pathology of the condition. They should suggest suitable treatment and prognosis. The essay will test knowledge and understanding from across the range of topics covered in the module. 2500 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Workshop/practical report This assignment is in two parts: Students are shown how to calculate two key outputs from supplied data of radiolabelled ligand binding to membrane vesicles. IThe students interpret these results using knowledge gained in the module. 1500 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
Discuss the biochemistry and the molecular biology of the human disease conditions covered by the module.
Identify realistic pharmacological options for treating specific diseases and understand the mechanisms by which these treatments work.
Be able to calculate receptor/ ligand binding parameters and draw molecular/ physiological conclusions that are based on such calculations
Analyse and present experimental results to a professional standard.
Supplement and integrate primary sources with the taught material.
Brief description
This module focusses on drugs and their modes of action in humans, with emphasis on drug/ receptor interactions in the autonomic and central nervous system . The module considers clinical conditions including heart failure, psychosis, asthma, depression and many more.
Content
An understanding of interactions between drugs and their targets is central to both the use and development of pharmaceuticals. In addition, the actions and side effects of these drugs reveal much about the molecular mechanisms underpinning the functioning of the human body. In this module we will examine the biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical use of drugs.
Following a brief introduction to some key pharmacological principles we will focus on drugs in the context of specific systems in the human body. Diseases of the systems selected will be outlined with a particular focus on the biochemistry and molecular biology of these conditions. Other aspects of the healthy functioning of these systems may also be discussed. Focusing on the molecular biology of health and disease allows us to discuss the latest research in these areas, and the range of illnesses chosen will highlight significant new developments in our understanding of both the disease and its treatment
For each system/disease the pharmacological options will be discussed with an examination of the mechanisms by which the drugs work, the evidence for their efficacy, and the problems associated with their use (and abuse as appropriate). Throughout there will be a significant critical focus on the primary literature so that students encounter real data and understand the limitations and problems of studying drugs intended for humans.
As well as encountering a wealth of experimental data in the lectures, you will also have the opportunity of analyzing relevant data yourselves and developing skills in presenting and discussing the results to a professional level.
Following a brief introduction to some key pharmacological principles we will focus on drugs in the context of specific systems in the human body. Diseases of the systems selected will be outlined with a particular focus on the biochemistry and molecular biology of these conditions. Other aspects of the healthy functioning of these systems may also be discussed. Focusing on the molecular biology of health and disease allows us to discuss the latest research in these areas, and the range of illnesses chosen will highlight significant new developments in our understanding of both the disease and its treatment
For each system/disease the pharmacological options will be discussed with an examination of the mechanisms by which the drugs work, the evidence for their efficacy, and the problems associated with their use (and abuse as appropriate). Throughout there will be a significant critical focus on the primary literature so that students encounter real data and understand the limitations and problems of studying drugs intended for humans.
As well as encountering a wealth of experimental data in the lectures, you will also have the opportunity of analyzing relevant data yourselves and developing skills in presenting and discussing the results to a professional level.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Processing, analysis and presentation of experimental or workshop data. |
| Communication | Writing of essays and reports. |
| Information Technology | Use of excel to analyse data and prepare quality plots for inclusion in reports. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | A subject specific careers talk will be timetabled into the module to inform students interested in working in the pharma sector |
| Problem solving | Drawing evidence led conclusions from experimental data. . |
| Subject Specific Skills | Gain knowledge and understanding of a selection of common clinical conditions and how they can be treated by modern medicines. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6