Course

Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
OOSL-0101
Version:
3
Organization's ID:
PHARM103
Organization:
StraighterLine
Location:
Online
Length:
14 weeks (75 hours)
Minimum Passing Score:
70
ACE Credit Recommendation Period:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 General Pharmacology
Description

Objective:

This undergraduate pharmacology course introduces students to the fundamental principles of drug action and their clinical applications across a wide range of human physiological systems. Emphasizing core concepts such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic indications, and side effect profiles, the course bridges basic science with practical clinical relevance. Learning is supported through instructional videos, interactive modules, and case-based activities that encourage critical thinking and application. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in pharmacological reasoning, preparing them for advanced study or careers in healthcare and biomedical sciences.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain how pharmacokinetic principles influence drug selection and dosing, in general, pediatric, and geriatric populations
  • Apply mathematical and critical reasoning skills to calculate accurate medication dosages, titrations, and infusion rates
  • Compare the mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and side effect profiles of drugs which impact the major organ systems
  • Evaluate how physiological and pathophysiologic changes in major organ systems affect drug metabolism, efficacy, safety, and monitoring requirements
  • Differentiate drug classes within major therapeutic categories (e.g., antihypertensives, diuretics, anticoagulants, bronchodilators), and justify their use based on disease mechanisms and patient-specific factors
  • Interpret how genetics, comorbidities, and concurrent medications contribute to individual variation in drug response and adverse effects
  • Integrate knowledge of physiology, drug action, side effects, and patient characteristics to propose evidence-based pharmacologic interventions for common clinical conditions

General Topics:

  • Checkpoint 1: Introduction to Pharmacokinetics Checkpoint 2: Math Review and Dosage Calculations Checkpoint 3: Pharmacology of the Peripheral Nervous System I Checkpoint 4: Pharmacology of the Peripheral Nervous System II Checkpoint 5: Renal Systems and Vascular Pharmacology Checkpoint 6: Vascular Nutrition, and Hematologic Pharmacology Checkpoint 7: Pharmacology of the Heart Checkpoint 8: Respiratory System Pharmacology Checkpoint 9: Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Checkpoint 10: Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System I Checkpoint 11: Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System II Checkpoint 12: Pharmacology of Pain Management Checkpoint 13: Pharmacology of the Endocrine System I Checkpoint 14: Pharmacology of the Endocrine System II Checkpoint 15: Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases I Checkpoint 16: Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases II Checkpoint 17: Antineoplastics and Drugs Affecting the Immune System
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Computer Based Training
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes
  • Written Papers
Supplemental Materials
Equivalencies

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