This programme builds on year 1 and 2 modules, especially PHAY0003 "Body systems and therapeutics 1", PHAY0007 "Body systems and therapeutics 2" and PHAY0008 "Body systems and therapeutics 3", and continues the biological and clinical therapeutic themes introduced within them. PHAY3102 concentrates on the immune system, disease relating to inflammation, infectious diseases and cancer, providing a solid foundation of the relevant biological principles. Based on this, students will understand and be able to explain the aetiology and pathophysiology of typical disease states of these systems and the scientific rationale behind relevant therapeutic interventions. The clinical use of medicines, evidence-based medicine and guidelines (such as NICE) will be explored.

Cancer (Semester 1)

This theme will start by focusing on the aetiology of cancer, cancer development and progression. Tumour symptoms, diagnostics, screening and treatment options will be addressed. Subsequently, the focus will be on medical cancer therapy, dealing with the main aspects of chemotherapy and the use of hormone treatment. This section will allow students to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of action and resistance, toxicity and clinical uses of the main classes of anticancer drugs. In order to address the role of the pharmacist in a clinical setting, we will discuss the Pharmaceutical care plan developed on an oncology ward. This will cover issues such as doses and administration, side effect management, drug interactions, patient monitoring and patient support.

Immunology and inflammation (Semester 1 & 2)

The immune system is vital to protect the body from harmful microorganisms, but at the same time these processes must be able to differentiate self from non-self and not overreact to beneficial organisms that form part of our natural floras. Immunodeficiencies, arising from hereditary defects, disease or chemical means, and their effects on susceptibilities to infection illustrate the importance of the system. Unfortunately, the immune system can make errors; the body can react to itself resulting in autoimmune diseases or overreact to harmless antigens giving rise to hypersensitivity. Knowledge of the process involved both at organ and cellular levels are a necessary foundation to understand therapies that modulate, for example in transplantation and hypersensitivities, or, in the case of vaccination, exploit immune response activities. In this section the functional anatomy, physiology and cell biology and the immune system will be covered in the contexts of both health and disease and is a necessary pre-requisite for understanding the inflammatory processes covered in the second semester.

Infectious Diseases (Semesters 1 &2)

This series of lectures will provide a comprehensive introduction to the aetiological agents of infectious diseases and the therapeutic and preventative approaches used to combat/ control them. We will begin by surveying the different types of microorganisms, particularly focusing on the common agents of infectious disease. Next we consider currently available antimicrobial agents, the principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy, antibiotic resistance and underline the importance of prudent antibiotic use. Finally, we will examine infectious disease epidemiology and associated control strategies. In practical classes you will get 'hands on' experience in the evaluation of antimicrobial activity and gain an understanding of how these results are used to guide antimicrobial chemotherapy. The material provided in this section is an essential prerequisite for understanding the nature of infectious disease and application of appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy covered in semester 2.