University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJJR-20-3 Title: Applied Pharmacology Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Quality and Standards Committee Date: September 2010
Valid from: September 2010 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Entry requirements:
Excluded combinations:
Learning outcomes:
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the process of neurotransmission and critically discuss the mechanisms by which selected drugs modify this process;
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of selected neurotransmitters and their receptors, with particular reference to disease and treatment;
- discuss the pharmacology of the sympathetic nervous system and drugs that modify/block sympathetic activity;
- discuss the pharmacology of steroids and their misuse in sports (including anabolic-androgenic steroids);
- undertake a critical evaluation of the relative contributions of a range of mediators in the process of inflammation, including the use of NSAIDs in sport;
- discuss the pharmacology of diuretics and their use as masking agents in sport;
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms by which selected drugs modify exercise performance and hence discuss why they are abused in sport.
Syllabus outline:
Material to be covered includes:
- Synaptic structure and function. An in-depth analysis of the process of neurotransmission; the criteria and techniques used to identify neurotransmitters; ligand-gated ion channels; G-protein-linked receptors.
- Neurotransmitters. The physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry of selected neurotransmitters; links to disease and related treatment options.
- CNS stimulants. The mechanisms by which drugs such as amphetamine, ephidrine and caffeine produce their effects, the types of physiological effects that may result and hence their potential effects on athletic performance.
- Sympathetic nervous system. The pharmacology of sympathetic neurotransmitters; the effects of sympathomimetic drugs and beta-blockers on athletic performance.
- Steroids. The pharmacology of steroid hormones; androgenic and anabolic actions; medical applications and their potential effects on athletic performance.
- Inflammation. An integrated study of the roles of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes in inflammatory responses; detailed analysis of the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory agents; new targets for anti-inflammatory drug development; NSAID treatment of inflammation in sports injuries.
- Diuretics. The pharmacology of the different categories of diuretic agents; the physiological effects of diuretics and their misuse in sport.
Teaching and learning methods:
The material will be presented as lectures, supported by directed reading, provision of self-assessment questions, and additional supporting information provided via Blackboard.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
The module will be primarily supported by relevant research articles and reviews that the students will be directed to during lectures and through supporting information provided. Examples of relevant reading available through the library include:
Journals:
- British Journal of Pharmacology
- Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
- Journal of Applied Physiology
- Trends in Neurosciences
- Trends in Biochemical Sciences
- All relevant Journals in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Books:
- Rang, Dale, Ritter & Flower (2007) Pharmacology (6e) Churchill, Livingston
- Reents (2000) Sport and Exercise Pharmacology, Human Kinetics
- Cooper, Bloom & Roth (2003) Biochemical Basis of Neuropharmacology (8e) Oxford University Press
- Hancock (2010) Cell Signalling (3e) Oxford University Press
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 60% B: 40%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 hours) - Assessment Period 2 Final Assessment |
1 |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
CW1 |
1 | |
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 hours) - Assessment Period 2 Final Assessment |
1 |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
CW1 |
1 | |
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)