In this course, you will explore the scientific principles that underlie pharmacology. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and other chemicals that influence biological function in living organisms. It encompasses the effects of naturally-occurring compounds as well as synthetic drugs and considers the molecular causes of disease as targets for drug treatment and drug discovery. Pharmacology 3A & 3B build on the Level-2 Life Sciences courses, developing an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of the human body, underpinned by a programme of laboratory practicals and discussion of current research and clinical implications.

This course will consist of five two-week teaching blocks, each consisting of approximately 12 one-hour lectures and supporting labs (up to 7 hours in duration) and workshops (2 to 3 hours in duration). Five one-hour tutorial sessions and sessions on scientific skills and graduate attributes (each 2 to 3 hours in duration) will also run throughout the semester. The timetable will vary from week to week to accommodate staff and resource availability and to meet the educational needs of each constituent block.

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The course will be assessed by means of a 3-hour examination (50%) in the spring diet, a 2-hour open-book Molecular Methods test (7.5%), and in-course assessment (42.5%). The in-course assessment comprises a lab report (15%), literature review (15%), poster presentation (7.5%) and a creative assignment (5%).

The aims of the course are:

■ To provide a broad-based knowledge and understanding of pharmacology;

■ To develop basic practical skills relevant to pharmacology-focused laboratory techniques;

■ To develop skills relating to the systematic acquisition and analysis of factual information and data;

■ To develop problem-solving skills and to critically analyse, interpret and discuss factual information and data;

■ To provide opportunities to practise and improve written and oral communication skills.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Discuss the central facts and the experimental basis of modern pharmacology;

■ Appraise the use of modern technologies for the study of pharmacology, including molecular techniques;

■ Communicate experimental, interpretative and ethical aspects of science using oral presentations, written work and information technology;

■ Plan an experiment and apply appropriate methods to analyse experimental data;

■ Solve problems of a numerical or logical nature using statistics where appropriate;

■ Identify and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature.