PM1PDA: Principles of Drug Action

Module code: PM1PDA

Module provider: Pharmacy; School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Mark Dallas , email: m.dallas@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module introduces you to biological concepts of pharmacology that will help you to understand drug action on the body. This includes how drugs can exert both positive and negative effects on our body, and how our body deals with drugs. It will include a brief introduction to classes of drugs, including basic principles of two key branches of pharmacology namely: pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The module includes core science concepts linking the function of physiological systems and fundamental concepts of science that underpin the discovery, design, development and delivery of drugs to drug action and is appropriate for research and medically/patient focussed students. It will also support the development of science communication skills, with specific reference to explaining drug action to an array of audiences. Training in pharmacology will be supported by integrated workshops to highlight real world application of concepts covered in lectures. Together, these will foster the development of an understanding of the principles of drug action and an ability to communicate science effectively.

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of drug action. The module also provides the basis for the pharmacology modules taught in later years. To achieve this, the core science and practical elements detailed in the summary above will be taught using an appropriate range of teaching activities to allow integration of the disciplines that link to the therapeutic application.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Explain drug effects through modulation of molecular targets/receptors
2. Describe pharmacological concepts such as agonism and antagonism
3. Outline the effects the body has on drugs
4. Communicate science effectively to diverse audiences
5. Communicate effectively within a team and communicate findings to a wider audience
6. Work in small groups during workshops and engage in a multidisciplinary team-based working to improve team-working skills, such as leadership, motivating and working with others, and contribute to identifying the learning and development needs of team members through coaching and feedback

Module content

Series of lectures introducing pharmacology concepts, terminology, methodologies and analytical concepts to cover the following topics:

• how drugs act in a stimulatory or inhibitory manner
• how drug responses are assessed and analysed
• the chemical basis of drug molecules
• drug pharmacokinetics

Series of workshops covering applied aspects of drug action and science communication.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The course content will be provided through a mixture of formal lectures, interactive workshops using real world examples, inter-professional learning activities including seminars delivered by specialised professionals (e.g., healthcare, industrial), supported by tutorial sessions.

Teaching and learning will be facilitated using AD Instrument Lab Tutor hardware and software exercises. Supplementary information and a reading list will be provided by the lecturers and the available facilities for computer-aided literature searching for related material will enable students to improve independent-learning skills.

Workshops and exercises associated with the module will reinforce fundamen