James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2018

PC2001 - Molecular Basis of Therapeutics 2

Credit points: 03
Year: 2018
Student Contribution Band: Band 2
Administered by: College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences

Available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy.

This subject introduces the regulatory systems in cells and organisms which form the basis for pharmacology. It builds on the material covered in the two 1st semester subjects BC2013 and BC2014, by addressing how multicellular organisms can control and integrate their metabolic processes and how cells interrelate and communicate with each other. It also shows how disturbances in these processes cause disease and how these pathogenic processes can be normalized by therapeutic drugs. The subject begins with detailed descriptions of the molecular structure and function of biological membranes. Transport across or within biomembranes is an important feature that underpins our understanding of how proteins and drugs move between cells and within a cell. This is the basis of regulation at the metabolic pathway level and is important in understanding the mode of action of many drugs. The subject explores the functions of enzymes, how they work at the molecular level and how inhibitors may interfere with their action. Regulation at the cellular level is explored in detail, examining how signals are communicated at the cell surface to invoke downstream intracellular molecular events, how nerve cells communicate and how cell surface receptors interact with agonists and antagonists. This includes examples of specific molecular ligand-receptor interactions both clinically and those that have been exploited in drug development. Also covered are the major cellular processes, the cell cycle and cell death. Therapeutic and vaccine failure in modern day drug discovery & delivery is explored. This course of lectures should therefore give you a balanced view of how cells are controlled, how they communicate with each other and how chemical agents are able to alter cellular processes.

Learning Outcomes

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

Availabilities

Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 23-Aug-2018
Coordinator: Professor Ludwig Lopata
Contact hours:
  • 36 hours lectures
  • 6 hours tutorials
  • 24 hours practicals
    Assessment:end of semester exam (60%); assignments (40%).

    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.