BMS340 Pharmacology (16)
CSU Discipline Area: Biomedical Science (BIMSC)
Duration: Two sessions
Abstract:
This subject introduces fundamental mechanisms of drug action and pharmacodynamics. There is an emphasis on drug-receptor interactions and structure-function relationships of drugs, using drugs affecting neurotransmitters and hormones as examples. Includes an analysis of time-dependent and dose-dependent kinetics and factors determining drug-receptor affinity and efficacy.
Also develops the pharmacology of drugs within the context of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, central nervous systems as well as with reference to endocrinology and cancer chemotherapy. The subject examines the mechanisms of drug dependence, drug resistance and drug tolerance. Includes indications and contraindications for selected drugs, taking into account factors such as the therapeutic objectives, the therapeutic window, drug interactions and unwanted side-effects.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Orange |
| Internal | Wagga Wagga | Session 2 |
| Internal | Orange |
| Internal | Wagga Wagga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BMS340
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Prerequisite(s):
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to understand the mechanism of action of drugs at the cellular level;
- be able to understand the principles pertinent to drug-receptor interaction;
- be able to discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular system and respiratory system;
- be able to discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs affecting fluid and electrolyte balance;
- be able to discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pharmacologically important autocoids;
- discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drug groups;
- appreciate the basis for secondary or unwanted side-effects of drug actions.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- mechanisms of drug action and principles of agonist-antagonist drug behaviour; - membrane receptors, particularly adrenergic and cholinergic; - drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system and the sympatho-adrenal axis; - drugs affecting fluid and electrolyte balance; - pharmacology of autocoids and their derivatives. - cardiovascular pharmacology - respiratory pharmacology - anticoagulants; - diuretics; - drugs of gastrointestinal tract; - pharmacology of CNS agents including anaesthetics, analgesics, hypnotics, sedatives; - pharmacology of drugs for behavioural modification; - principles behind drug resistance, drug tolerance and drug dependence; - endocrine pharmacology; - cancer chemotherapy
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.