PC2001 - Molecular Basis of Therapeutics 2

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Pharmacy & Molecular Sciences

Available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy.

This subject provides an introduction to the disciplines of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. It addresses the nature of chemical communication in the body, including the diversity of chemical messengers, their biosynthesis and release. The main targets for drug action, that is receptors, ion channels, enzymes and carrier molecules are examined, together with the way in which chemical agents are able to alter the function of these protein molecules. The subject also focuses on the principles of selective toxicity and the development of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and cancer chemotherapy agents.

Learning Outcomes

• how drug treatments may be aimed at specific targets, increasing the efficacy of treatment and reducing side effects;
• how functional proteins, that is receptors, ion channels, enzymes and carrier molecules, represent a major target for the action of pharmaceutical agents;
• the nature of chemical communication within the body, including the biosynthesis and release of chemical messengers;
• the principles of selective toxicity and the action of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and cancer chemotherapy agents.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Prerequisites:	CH1001 and PC1005
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	BC2024 and PP3150

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coordinator:	Dr Andreas Lopata
Lecturers:	Mr Ray Layton, Assoc. Professor Bill Warren, Dr Pam Megaw, Dr Bill Leggat, Professor Linda Blackall.
Contact hours:	36 hours lectures 6 hours tutorials 24 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (60%); quizzes or tests (10%); assignments (30%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.