Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

Introductory survey of the major drug groups commonly used in therapeutics. Presents the scientific bases of drug action and the utilization of their properties in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Content and instruction is largely directed toward students in biomedical and life sciences programs (e.g., nursing and exercise science). Prerequisites include a strong background in basic sciences (chemistry and biology) and physiology (PGY 300 or equivalent).

Explores principles of drug action on biological systems, action mechanism of each agent class on specific organ systems, a review and extension of pertinent physiologic concepts of that system, chemical structure-drug activity relationships, sites of action, metabolic patterns of principal drugs, and therapeutic and toxicologic aspects. Dual-listed with PMY 512.

Designed to introduce students to the basic principles and practice of toxicology. Chemical mutagenesis and carcinogenesis will also be included, with an emphasis on understanding mechanisms for these responses. An overview of risk assessment will include quantitative aspects of cancer and non-cancer based risk assessments. The adverse effects of several classes of chemicals will be investigated at specific target organs. An emphasis will also be placed on understanding the mechanism(s) for the adverse responses of specific agents at a given target site.

Involves a literature search and library work on a current topic in pharmacology or toxicology. Includes interdisciplinary projects, such as analyses of trends in drug use, toxicological projects, and applied clinical aspects.