This module will provide you with a knowledge of the actions and uses of a range of important drugs with an emphasis on the mechanisms of action. Teaching is...

This module will provide you with a knowledge of the actions and uses of a range of important drugs with an emphasis on the mechanisms of action. Teaching is through lectures and compulsory tutorials. It will be assumed that you have some background in physiology, biochemistry and chemistry.

After taking this module you will be able to:

1.Describe the actions of many of the important groups of drugs used in medicine.

2. Cite experimental evidence to support ideas about the detailed mechanism of action of drugs at the molecular, cellular or tissue level.

3. Understand how drugs (and toxins) may be of use in elucidating physiological processes.

4. Understand how the time-course of drug action may depend on the processes of drug absorption, distribution and excretion.

Indicative lecture list (based on 2021/22 syllabus)

Introduction: Drug Targets, Selective Toxicity, Therapeutic Index.
	Receptor Structure.
	Transduction Mechanisms.
	Dose-Response Curves. Affinity and Efficacy.
	Basic Principles of Pharmacokinetics: Drug absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism (5 lectures).
	Drug Antagonism.
	The Peripheral Nervous System.
	Adrenergic Pharmacology (2 lectures).
	Cholinergic Pharmacology (2 lectures).
	Smooth Muscle Pharmacology.
	Local Anaesthetics: Antidysrhythmic Drugs.
	Atherosclerosis and Lipid Lowering Drugs.
	Diuretics.
	Antianginal Drugs: Cardiac Glycosides.
	Antihypertensive Drugs.
	Inflammatory Mediators.
	Antagonist of Histamine and Treatment of Peptic Ulcers.
	Eicosanoids.
	Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
	Drugs used to treat Asthma.
	2 Tutorials

The module is designed to give ophthalmic practitioners the knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage ocular hypertension and stable chronic open angle...

The module is designed to give ophthalmic practitioners the knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage ocular hypertension and stable chronic open angle glaucoma in both a primary and secondary care setting. This module will provide clinical assessment and management skills to registered practitioners working that will cover:
 Anatomy & physiology of the eye relevant to glaucoma
 Knowledge of clinical assessments required in a glaucoma clinic
 Knowledge of the risk factors for glaucoma
 Identification of tests, including imaging, for further investigation and interpreting results
 Knowledge and application of practical skills required when conducting a glaucoma examination
 Development of clinical management plans.
 Knowledge on use and prescription of common drugs used in the treatment of a glaucoma patient.
 Interpretation of evidence when making clinical decisions in the management of the glaucoma patient.

On completion, practitioners will have both the knowledge and skills to work both in a multidisciplinary setting and/or independently when examining patients presenting with ocular hypertension and chronic open angle glaucoma.