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Steve St. Onge

This pharmacology course will explore the mechanism of action of pharmaceutical drugs on a molecular level. We will delve into various drug classes and decipher how they affect systems within the human body. Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate increased knowledge in pharmacokinetics, drug toxicity, therapeutics and drug discovery.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Describe the fundamental principles of drug action, including: basic pharmacokinetics, basic pharmacodynamics and receptor binding.
  • Analyze the process of drug development , including the involvement of regulatory agencies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of major drug classes, including therapeutic uses, mechanism of action and various routes of drug administration.
  • Differentiate the common side effects associated with major therapeutic drug classes and how they may impact patient care.
  • Construct an evaluation of a recently approved fda medication.
  • Compute basic and advanced dosage calculation problems.
  • Differentiate the various responsibilities of healthcare providers in the prescribing and administration of medications.
  • Design a therapeutic treatment plan for a patient with a commonly treated disease state or disorder.
  • By the end of this course learners will be able to:

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundation in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and receptor binding
Develops knowledge in major drug classes, including therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action and routes of administration
Enhances understanding of common side effects associated with major therapeutic drug classes and their impact on patient care
Strengthens abilities to evaluate recently approved FDA medications
Develops proficiency in dosage calculation problems
Provides opportunities to analyze the process of drug development, including the involvement of regulatory agencies

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Pharmacology with these activities:
Watch video tutorials on pharmacology
Expand your understanding of pharmacology by watching video tutorials.
Show steps
  • Search for video tutorials on pharmacology topics.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes.
  • Review your notes and test your understanding.
Review Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
Deepen your understanding of pharmacology by reviewing this comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters and take notes.
  • Answer the end-of-chapter questions.
  • Discuss the chapters with your classmates or instructor.
Practice dosage calculation problems
Solidify your understanding of dosage calculation by completing practice problems.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the problems and check your answers.
  • Review the concepts behind the problems to reinforce your understanding.
Three other activities
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Participate in a study group
Enhance your learning by discussing course material with peers.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the material.
  • Quiz each other on concepts.
Design a therapeutic treatment plan for a patient
Demonstrate your understanding of pharmacology by designing a treatment plan for a patient.
Show steps
  • Choose a patient case study or create your own.
  • Research the patient's condition and medications.
  • Develop a treatment plan that includes drug selection, dosage, and administration schedule.
  • Write up your treatment plan and present it to your instructor or peers.
Participate in a pharmacology competition
Test your knowledge and skills against other students.
Show steps
  • Find a pharmacology competition.
  • Study for the competition.
  • Participate in the competition.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Pharmacology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pharmacist
Pharmacists use their detailed knowledge of drugs to help patients understand how and when to take medications. They may advise patients about potential side effects and answer any questions they may have. To be successful as a Pharmacist, you should consider taking Introduction to Pharmacology. This course can help build a foundation in the basic principles of medicines and how they affect the body.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians help Pharmacists with the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy. They may prepare and dispense medications, maintain inventory, and provide customer service. Similar to Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians can benefit from taking Introduction to Pharmacology. This course can give you a stronger understanding of the medications you handle on a daily basis, which can help you provide safer and more effective patient care.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants work under the supervision of a doctor to provide medical care to patients. They may perform physical exams, prescribe medications, and assist with surgeries. Since Physician Assistants prescribe medications, they may benefit from taking Introduction to Pharmacology. This course provides a solid overview of how medications work, which can help Physician Assistants make more informed decisions about patient care.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses who can diagnose and treat patients. They may prescribe medications, order tests, and provide counseling. As Nurse Practitioners often prescribe medications, taking Introduction to Pharmacology may be very helpful. This course can help provide a better understanding of how drugs work, which can help Nurse Practitioners make safer and more effective decisions about patient care.
Drug Safety Associate
Drug Safety Associates work in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that medications are safe and effective. They may review clinical trial data, identify potential side effects, and work with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance. Individuals working as Drug Safety Associates should take Introduction to Pharmacology. This course can provide insight into the drug development process as well as the potential risks and benefits of medications.
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Research Associates work in the pharmaceutical industry to manage clinical trials. They may recruit patients, collect data, and monitor patient safety. Introduction to Pharmacology may be helpful for Clinical Research Associates. This course can provide a better understanding of how drugs work, which can help ensure that clinical trials are conducted safely and effectively.
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals on living organisms. They may work in academia, industry, or government. Those working as Toxicologists should consider taking an Introduction to Pharmacology. This course can teach the fundamental principles of how drugs affect the body, which can help Toxicologists better understand the potential risks of chemicals.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives sell medications to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. To be more successful as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, you may consider taking Introduction to Pharmacology. This course provides insight into how drugs work, which can help build stronger relationships with healthcare providers.
Medical Writer
Medical Writers create educational materials about medications and other health-related topics. They may work for pharmaceutical companies, medical journals, or other healthcare organizations. An Introduction to Pharmacology may be helpful for Medical Writers. This course can provide a more thorough understanding of how drugs work, which can be valuable knowledge when writing about medications.
Health Educator
Health Educators teach people about health and wellness. They may work in schools, community centers, or other settings. Health Educators may find that taking an Introduction to Pharmacology is helpful. This course can teach individuals about the effects of drugs on the body, which can help them make more informed decisions about their own health and the health of others.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Laboratory Technicians perform tests on blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. They may also prepare and dispense medications. Medical Laboratory Technicians may choose to take an Introduction to Pharmacology. This course can give a better understanding of the medications being tested, which may help ensure more accurate results.
Quality Assurance Associate
Quality Assurance Associates work in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that medications are manufactured and tested according to good manufacturing practices. Individuals in this role may consider Introduction to Pharmacology. This course can provide a better understanding of the drug development process and the importance of quality control.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data in the medical field. They may work in academia, industry, or government. Biostatisticians who wish to work in the pharmaceutical industry may consider taking Introduction to Pharmacology. This course can provide knowledge of how drugs work, which can be helpful when analyzing clinical trial data.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Specialists work in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that medications comply with government regulations. They may review clinical trial data, prepare regulatory submissions, and work with regulatory agencies. Regulatory Affairs Specialists may consider taking Introduction to Pharmacology. This course can provide a stronger understanding of the drug development process and the regulatory landscape.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants provide advice to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, including medication management. They may work for consulting firms, hospitals, or other healthcare organizations. Healthcare Consultants may find Introduction to Pharmacology to be helpful. This course offers insight into the drug development process and how medications are used in clinical practice.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Pharmacology.
Popular review book for medical students and other healthcare professionals. It provides a concise overview of the field of pharmacology, with a focus on the most important drugs and drug classes.
Classic textbook in the field of pharmacology. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, with a focus on the basic principles of pharmacology and the clinical use of drugs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of toxicology. It covers the principles of toxicology, the methods used to study toxic effects, and the application of toxicology to risk assessment and regulation.
Reference book that provides information on drugs, chemicals, and biological substances. It useful resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of pharmacology.
This database of clinical trials that includes information on the design, conduct, and results of clinical trials. It useful resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of pharmacology.

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