Foundations of Pharmacology

Catalog description

Pharmacology is the study of drugs, including how the body is affected by the drug as well as how our body breaks down and metabolizes the drug. Pharmacology is at the center of biomedical science, at the intersection of biology and chemistry. Pharmacologists are responsible for identifying new targets for drugs, creating compounds to affect those targets, studying the efficacy and side effects both in animals and humans, then finally working with governmental bodies to bring the drug safely to market and into the clinic. It is a truly interdisciplinary field that is responsible for the invention of many life-saving drugs currently on the market and many to come. Specifically, this course will begin with an in-depth look at the fundamentals of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, including binding curves, dose response curves, and drug adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Next, an overview of the different types of receptors targeted by common drugs and how they transduce signals will be given. Following this, we will learn about the mechanisms of action of drugs used to treat different physiological systems. Lastly, the class will conclude with guest lectures from researchers working to bring real drugs to the clinic. The challenges of the drug discovery and approval process will be provided. Particularly, a lab that does addiction research will be speaking and will give perspective on the social aspects of this pharmacological topic. Pharmacology is a key component in the curriculum for pharmacy school, medical school, and many fields of biomedical graduate study. Knowledge in this subject is also desirable for many employers in industry. Prerequisites: Undergraduate level BIOL206 Minimum grade of C- and Undergraduate level BIOL207 Minimum grade of C- Course Attributes: Solidarity & Kinship Flag, Writing Flag Core College of Arts & Sciences Biology