Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
DLSI-0034
Organization:
Distance Learning Systems Indiana, Inc
Location:
Online
Length:
9 weeks (144 hours).
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Introduction to Pharmacology
Description

Objective:

The goal of Pharmacology is to understand how different pharmacotherapeutic agents play a role in treating various diseases and disorders, while keeping knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and specific patient needs in mind. In this course, the basic concepts of drug safety, nomenclature, classification, legislation, administration, and mechanisms of action for commonly used drugs will be discussed. Proper applications for each of the main drug classes will be explored in depth, as well as specific examples of each. Avenues of pharmacological research regarding antibody treatment and chemotherapy usage in cancer treatment will also be described.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognize definitions of various terms associated with drug effects.
  • Calculate and distinguish dosing and drug administration differences between pediatric, adult, and elderly patients.
  • Identify basic anatomy and physiology of each organ system and the key organs involved.
  • Compare and contrast the various routes of drug administration and recognize examples of each.
  • Interpret the various types of drug interactions and the factors that cause these interactions.
  • Apply your knowledge to determine which drugs are used to treat specific disorders/diseases across various body systems.
  • Identify specific mechanisms of action for commonly used drugs.
  • Distinguish important contraindications and risks for commonly used drugs.
  • Apply basic pharmacology concepts, including drug safety, nomenclature, classification, and legislation.
  • Recognize current avenues of drug research, including chemotherapy and antibody usage for immunosuppression.

General Topics:

  • Introduction to Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Geriatric Pharmacology, Dosage Calculations, Nutrition and Therapy, Antibacterial Agents, Antifungal and Antiviral Drugs, Drugs used to Treat Parasitic Infections, Antiseptics and Disinfectants, Antineoplastic Agents & Cancer Drugs, Immunopharmacology
  • Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System, Drugs Affecting the Sympathetic Nervous System, Drugs Affecting the Parasympathetic Nervous System, Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Ganglia, Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  • Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Local Anesthetics, General Anesthetics, Opioid Analgesics, Nonopioid Analgesics, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatories, and Anti-gout Drugs
  • Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs and Alcohol, Antipsychotic and Antianxiety Drugs, Antidepressants, Psychomotor Stimulants, and Lithium, Psychomimetic Drugs of Abuse, Antiepileptic Drugs, Antiparkinson Drugs and Alzheimer’s Disease Drugs
  • Review of Cardiac Physiology and Pathology, Treatment of Heart Failure, Antiarrhythmic Drugs, Antianginal Drugs, Diuretics
  • Antihypertensive Drugs, Anticoagulants and Coagulants, Hypolipidemic Drugs, Hematinics
  • Antihistamines and Mast Cell Stabilizers, Respiratory Pharmacology, Treatment of Asthma and COPD, Therapy of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Peptic Ulcers, GERD, and Vomiting, Agents that Affect Intestinal Motility
  • Introduction to the Endocrine System, Adrenal Steroids, Gonadal Hormones, Oral Contraceptives, and Erectile Dysfunction Drugs, Drugs Affecting the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands and Bone Degeneration, Pancreatic Hormones and Antidiabetic Drugs, Posterior Pituitary Hormones: Antidiuretic Hormone and Oxytocin
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Case Studies
  • Discussion
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials