Course Number and Title:
BIO 108 Basic Pharmacology
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: BIO 100
Course Credits and Hours
2 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces pharmacology for healthcare students. Topics include basic drugs as related to diseases, effects of drugs on different systems of the body, interactions of drugs, side effects, contraindications, and effectiveness in relation to dosages.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
1. Identify the general principles of pharmacology. (CCC 1)
2. Differentiate selected medications that affect the peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscle. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
3. Differentiate selected medications that influence the central nervous system. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
4. Differentiate selected cardiac medications. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
5. Differentiate selected medications that influence the vascular and renal systems. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
6. Differentiate selected medications that affect the respiratory system. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
7. Differentiate selected medications that affect the gastrointestinal system. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
8. Differentiate selected medications that influence the endocrine, reproductive, and skeletal systems. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
9. Differentiate selected anti-microbial medications. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
10. Differentiate selected anti-neoplastic medications. (CCC 1, 5, 6)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
1. Identify the general principles of pharmacology.
- List and define the major areas of pharmacology
- Describe what a drug is and explain the differences between therapeutic effect, side effect, and toxic effect
- Understand the terms site of action and mechanism of action and how agonist and antagonist drugs interact at drug receptor sites
- Characterize the relationship between drug dosage and drug response and the relationship between drug response and time
- Understand the terms associated with drug safety, therapeutic index, idiosyncrasy, drug allergy, and teratogen
- Explain the nomenclature used to name and classify drugs
- Recall the main drug references and the information they provide
- List different forms of drug products and the routes by which they are administered
- Understand the pharmacokinetic factors that determine the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs
- Identify how half-life, blood drug level, and bioavailability relate to drug response
- List several factors of individual variation that can alter drug response
- Understand the drug factors that relate to pediatric drug administration
- Discuss the different types of drug interaction
- Explain the basic terminology of chronic drug administration and dependence
- Describe the main physiological changes that occur with aging
- List several factors that affect the absorption and distribution of drugs in the elderly
- List several factors that affect the metabolism and excretion of drugs in the elderly
- Discuss the effect of nutrition and age-related diseases on drug response
- Explain the problems associated with drug compliance and polypharmacy in the elderly
- Solve basic arithmetical problems involving fractions, decimals and percents
- Write ratio and proportion equations and solve for the unknown term
- Illustrate conversions from one metric unit of measure to another
- Solve drug problems involving solutions and solid dosage forms
- Solve problems involving pediatric dosing
- Understand the monitoring of IV infusion rates
2. Differentiate selected medications that affect the peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscle.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications that are used to treat cardiovascular pathologies.
- Identify the potential side effects of cardiovascular medications.
- Describe the contraindications of cardiovascular medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of cardiovascular medications.
- Classify and differentiate medications affecting the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and autonomic ganglia.
- Differentiate selected skeletal muscle relaxants.
- Compare and contrast selected local anesthetics associated with the peripheral nervous system.
3. Differentiate selected medications that influence the central nervous system.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications used to treat central nervous system pathologies.
- Identify the potential side effects of central nervous system medications.
- Describe the contraindications of central nervous system medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of central nervous system medications.
- Differentiate sedative-hypnotic drugs, alcohol, antipsychotic, antianxiety, antidepressant, psychomotor stimulants, and psychotomimetic drugs.
- Discuss the drugs used to treat epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
- Compare and contrast anesthetics and opioid analgesics used to treat the central nervous system.
4. Differentiate selected cardiac medications.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications used to treat cardiac pathologies.
- Identify the potential side effects of cardiac medications.
- Describe the contraindications of cardiac medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of cardiac medications.
- Discuss glycosides and the treatment of congestive heart failure.
- Classify and differentiate anti-arrhythmic medications.
- Differentiate selected anti-anginal drugs.
5. Differentiate selected medications that influence the vascular and renal systems.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications used to treat vascular and renal pathologies.
- Identify the potential side effects of vascular and renal medications.
- Describe the contraindications of vascular and renal medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of vascular and renal medications.
- Compare and contrast diuretic and anti-hypertensive medications.
- Differentiate selected anticoagulant and coagulant medications.
- Discuss medications and nutritional therapy used to manage lipid levels.
- Describe medications used to treat anemia.
6. Differentiate selected medications that affect the respiratory system.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications used to treat the respiratory system.
- Identify the potential side effects of respiratory medications.
- Describe the contraindications of respiratory medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of respiratory medications.
- Differentiate how histamines and anti-allergic agents are used to treat respiratory and integumentary pathologies.
- Discuss medications used to treat asthma.
- Compare and contrast mucolytics and expectorants.
7. Differentiate selected medications that affect the gastrointestinal system.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications used to treat the gastrointestinal system.
- Identify the potential side effects of gastrointestinal medications.
- Describe the contraindications of gastrointestinal medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of gastrointestinal medications.
- Differentiate the medical therapies used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and vomiting.
- Describe selected medications that affect intestinal motility.
8. Differentiate selected medications that influence the endocrine, reproductive, and skeletal systems.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications used to treat the endocrine, reproductive, and skeletal systems.
- Identify the potential side effects of endocrine, reproductive, and skeletal medications.
- Describe the contraindications of endocrine, reproductive, and skeletal medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of endocrine, reproductive, and skeletal medications.
- Compare and contrast adrenal steroids, gonadal hormones, and contraceptives.
- Discuss drugs that affect the thyroid, parathyroid, and bone degeneration.
- Describe the medications used for the treatment of diabetes.
- Differentiate posterior pituitary hormones and drugs used to promote uterine contractions.
9. Differentiate selected anti-microbial medications.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications used as anti-microbial agents.
- Identify the potential side effects of anti-microbial medications.
- Describe the contraindications of anti-microbial medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of anti-microbial medications.
- Compare and contrast medications used to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
- Describe medications used to treat parasitic infections.
- Discuss antiseptics and disinfectants.
10. Differentiate selected anti-neoplastic medications.
- Discuss the mode of action of selected medications used as anti-neoplastic agents.
- Identify the potential side effects of anti-neoplastic medications.
- Describe the contraindications of anti-neoplastic medications.
- Identify how dosage changes influence the effectiveness of anti-neoplastic medications.
- Compare and contrast immunosuppressive and immunostimulant drugs.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.