Outline
Outline
Pharmacology explores the effects of drugs on living organisms. An in-depth understanding of pharmacological principles is essential to the safe and effective application of medicines aimed to prevent or treat disease. It is the cornerstone for a career in drug discovery and development, and is highly complementary to those planning on a career in biomedical sciences. In this major, students will learn how drugs target specific receptors in tissues and explore the major biochemical pathways that are activated. Other topics include dose-response relationship, toxicity, drug metabolism and elimination, drug design and development, and how genetic variation between populations influences drug response. With the increased global challenge to develop new drugs against infectious agents, an emphasis is placed on the understanding of drug action against microorganisms. Theoretical knowledge is underpinned through computer-based simulations and hands-on laboratories covering molecular, cellular and physiological responses, and modern drug analysis techniques.
