MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
MODULE DETAILS
Module title
THERAPEUTICS 1
Module code
Credit value
Level
PY162
40 credits
Level 4 X Level 5
Level 6
Level 0 (for modules at foundation level)
Mark the box to the right of the
appropriate level with an ‘X’
Level 7
Level 8
Entry criteria for registration on this module
Pre-requisites
None
Specify in terms of module codes or
equivalent
Co-requisite modules
PY161, PY163, PY164
Specify in terms of module codes or
equivalent
Module delivery
Mode of delivery
Taught
Other
Pattern of delivery
Weekly
X
Distance
Placement
Block
Other
Online
X
When module is delivered
Semester 1
Semester 2
Throughout year X
Other
Brief description of module This module will bring together all the therapeutics taught across the year
content and/ or aims
1 cases into one module
Overview (max 80 words)
Module team/ author/
coordinator(s)
School
Site/ campus where
delivered
Dr K Jennert-Burston (Coordinator)
School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences
Moulscoomb
Course(s) for which module is appropriate and status on that course
Course
MPharm
Status (mandatory/ compulsory/ optional)
Mandatory
MODULE AIMS, ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT
Aims
Learning outcomes

To provide an introduction to cell biology, microbial and human
physiology relevant to common diseases
 To introduce the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of
drugs used to treat exemplar common diseases
 To describe the features of exemplar tropical diseases and explain
strategies for their prevention and treatment
 To give examples of animal-borne infections and their potential impact
on humans.
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic cell biology and the
particular features of microbial growth and replication.
2. Understand basic cell biology including the biology of cancer and
Content
the mechanism of action of selected anti-cancer drugs.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts of the
mechanisms of drug action.
4. Describe ways in which the autonomic nervous system can be
modulated by drugs.
5. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the physiology and pathology of
the gastrointestinal tract and the airways.
6. Explain the pathophysiology of anaemias and their treatments
7. Display a knowledge of common conditions of the skin, eyes, ears,
and mouth and their treatment in a community pharmacy setting.
8. Understand the treatment of pain including evidence-based
medicine.
9. Demonstrate a knowledge of a range of tropical diseases, their
prevention and treatment.
10. Appreciate the features of sexually transmitted infections.
11. Demonstrate awareness of the zoonotic risk to public health and
the measures to prevent transmission of disease.
The material pertaining to these learning outcomes will be
delivered in an integrated manner by presentation of a range of
illustrative case-studies. For example:
Lectures
Introduction to life forms, cellular structures and micro-organisms. The
distinctions between the various groups microorganism, their
classification and their pathogenic potential: the concept of harmless
and hazardous strains. The body’s defences against infection and
body sites vulnerable to infection.
Introduction to antimicrobial drugs: the distinction between antibiotics,
antiseptics and other classes of biocides. Introduction to the concept of
selective toxicity. Targets for antimicrobial drug action.
Some principles of antimicrobial drug therapy: criteria to be satisfied in
order to achieve successful treatment of an infection. Antibiotic
susceptibility and resistance, and its measurement. Antibiotics
available for the treatment of ophthalmic infections.
The maintenance of sterility of ophthalmic products during use; sterile
and non-sterile products and factors predisposing to microbial spoilage
of medicines. Preservative toxicity. (Conjunctivitis Case)
Introduction to cancer (incidence, diagnosis, types of cancer)
The eukaryotic cell, hallmarks of cancer cells. Cancer and gene
mutations (including genes, gene expression, DNA replication and
repair). The cellular effect of benzpyrene mutations (including
introduction to cell cycle and signalling). Mechanisms of anti-cancer
therapies. (Lung Cancer Case)
Cell membrane structure and function, resting membrane potential,
nerve action potential, sensory receptors. Drug-receptor interactions.
Gate Theory and the mechanisms of action of analgesics. (Pain Case)
Thrush, chlamydia, cystitis (gonorrhoea & syphilis) & treatment .
Anaemia: formation and breakdown of red blood cells. Intake and
transport of iron around the body, transferrin, ferritin, B12 and folic acid.
(Sexual Health Case)
Neuronal and hormonal regulation of the GI tract including role of
autonomic and sympathetic nervous system, role of endocrine and
paracrine hormones. The physiology of digestion and absorption
including digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins. The
three phases of digestion (cephalic, gastric, intestinal). Proteins,
carbohydrates, fats and glycolysis / Krebs cycle. The role of bacteria in
the GI tract including role of commensal bacteria. Probiotics and
nutrition including background on the use of probiotics, physiological
actions, controversies. (Indigestion Case)
Causative agents of skin infections and their treatment. MRSA. (Skin
case)
Anatomy of the airways; microbial transmission and infection (to
include bacterial vs viral); basic introduction to histamine and its
pharmacology. (Cold Case)
Malaria – anti-malarials: mode of action, prophylaxis. (Holiday Health)
Zoonotic risk – eg Weil’s disease (leptospirosis), deer ticks / lyme
disease, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, toxoplasmosis,
psittacosis, cat scratch fever (bartonellosis), bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE). (Veterinary Medicine)
Indicative laboratory sessions
1. Sources of microbial contamination in the environment (looking at
contaminants in the atmosphere, water, on solid surfaces,
possessions etc. (Conjunctivitis Case)
2. Detection specific named pathogens including those relevant to
ophthalmic infection. Assessment of antibiotic sensitivity.
(Conjunctivitis Case)
3. Demonstration of drug actions on isolated tissue. (Pain Case)
4. Demonstration of neuronal control of the gut. (Indigestion Case)
Learning support
Current editions of:
1. Textbook of receptor pharmacology - Foreman, John C.,
Johansen, Torben, Gibb, Alasdair J.
2. Rang and Dale's pharmacology - Rang, H. P., Dale, M. Maureen
3. Brody's human pharmacology: molecular to clinical - Wecker,
Lynn, Crespo, Lynn M.
4. Hanlon, G. W. and Hodges, N. A. Essential Microbiology for
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Wiley-Blackwell. (Also
available as an EBook)
5. Denyer, S. P., Hodges, N. A., Gorman, S. & Gilmore, B. F.
(Eds). Hugo and Russell’s Pharmaceutical Microbiology, WileyBlackwell. (Also available as an EBook)
6. Aulton, M. E. (Ed). Aulton’s Pharmaceutics: The design and
manufacture of medicines, Churchill Livingstone.
7. Cooper, GM and Hausman, RE, The Cell, A Molecular Approach.
Sinauer Associates.
8. British National Formulary.
Teaching and learning activities
Details of teaching and
learning activities
Formal lectures (84 hrs), laboratory exercises (16 hrs), guided study,
independent study and assessment (300 hrs).
Allocation of study hours (indicative)
Study hours
Where 10 credits = 100 learning hours
SCHEDULED
This is an indication of the number of hours students can expect to
spend in scheduled teaching activities including lectures, seminars,
tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and
workshops, supervised time in workshops/ studios, fieldwork,
external visits, and work-based learning.
100
GUIDED INDEPENDENT
STUDY
All students are expected to undertake guided independent study
which includes wider reading/ practice, follow-up work, the
completion of assessment tasks, and revisions.
300
PLACEMENT
The placement is a specific type of learning away from the University
that is not work-based learning or a year abroad.
TOTAL STUDY HOURS
400
Assessment tasks
Details of assessment for
this module



Unseen written examination (LO1-11)
Laboratory-based assessments (LO1)
Submission of laboratory reports (LO3 & 4)
Types of assessment task1
% weighting
Indicative list of summative assessment tasks which lead to the award of credit or which are required for
progression.
(or indicate if
component is
pass/fail)
WRITTEN
Written exam
70
COURSEWORK
Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project
output, set exercise
30
PRACTICAL
Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment, set
exercise
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Area examination board
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
External examiners
Name
Position and institution
Date appointed
Date tenure
ends
Prof J. Neill
Professor of Psychopharmacology, Manchester
Pharmacy School, University of Manchester
01/10/12
30/09/16
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Date of first approval
2013
Only complete where this is not the first version
Date of last revision
n/a
Only complete where this is not the first version
Date of approval for this version
2013
Version number
1
Modules replaced
n/a
Specify codes of modules for which this is a replacement
Available as free-standing module?
Yes
No
1 Set exercises, which assess the application of knowledge or analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills, are included
under the type of assessment most appropriate to the particular task.
X