PHRM19001 Pharmacology and Toxicology

Students will study the fundamental principles of toxicology and selective toxicity, and examine the main processes by which toxins are absorbed, transported, metabolised and excreted. Selected examples of the mechanisms of action of plant, microbial and fish toxins on target tissues in humans and livestock will be examined in detail. Examples of heavy metal toxicity and toxic ecological events will be studied, as will chemotherapy as a selective toxicity strategy against tumours. In the pharmacology component, the mechanism of action of some major drug groups used in the treatment of disorders in the autonomic nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, and the cardiovascular and pulmonary system will be examined at the drug-receptor level. Pharmacokinetics, receptor selectivity, efficacy and the optimum route of administration of drugs will be considered.