Faculty: INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE PGROGRAMS This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of medical pharmacology, focusing on the study of drugs and their effects on the human body. Students will explore key topics such as drug development, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the therapeutic use of medications. The major emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for careers in pharmaceutical research, clinical pharmacology, healthcare, and drug regulation. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamental principles of medical pharmacology and their role in drug development and therapy. - Develop skills in analyzing the mechanisms of drug action and their effects on biological systems. - Learn techniques for drug discovery, development, and clinical trials. - Explore the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. - Understand the therapeutic use of medications and their role in treating diseases. - Analyze the challenges and opportunities of working in the field of medical pharmacology. - Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address contemporary issues in pharmacology and drug therapy. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Medical Pharmacology** - Overview of medical pharmacology, its history, and its significance in modern medicine. 2. **Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics** - Fundamentals of pharmacokinetics, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. - Techniques for understanding pharmacodynamics and drug-receptor interactions. 3. **Drug Discovery and Development** - Study of the drug discovery process, including target identification, lead optimization, and preclinical testing. - Techniques for conducting clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval. 4. **Therapeutic Pharmacology** - Principles of therapeutic pharmacology, including the use of drugs to treat various diseases. - Techniques for selecting and optimizing drug therapies for individual patients. 5. **Toxicology and Adverse Drug Reactions** - Fundamentals of toxicology, including the study of drug toxicity and adverse effects. - Techniques for identifying and managing adverse drug reactions. 6. **Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine** - Study of pharmacogenomics and its role in personalized medicine. - Techniques for using genetic information to tailor drug therapies to individual patients. 7. **Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Issues in Pharmacology** - Analysis of the ethical, legal, and regulatory aspects of drug development and use. - Techniques for ensuring the safe and ethical use of medications. 8. **Emerging Trends in Medical Pharmacology** - Impact of emerging trends, such as biologics, nanotechnology, and digital health, on medical pharmacology. - Techniques for integrating new trends into research and clinical practice. **Assessment Methods:** - Research papers and projects to evaluate understanding of medical pharmacology principles. - Written assignments and presentations to assess knowledge of drug mechanisms and therapies. - Participation in group discussions and debates on contemporary issues in pharmacology. - Laboratory experiments and case studies to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world pharmacological challenges. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics" by Laurence Brunton, Bjorn Knollmann, and Randa Hilal-Dandan. - "Rang & Dale's Pharmacology" by James M. Ritter, Rod J. Flower, Graeme Henderson, et al. - "Basic & Clinical Pharmacology" by Bertram G. Katzung and Anthony J. Trevor. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physiology is recommended. This major is suitable for students in pharmacology, biochemistry, medical sciences, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically, this major runs for four academic years, with a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and research projects. **Certification:** Upon successful completion, students may receive a degree in Medical Pharmacology, depending on the program and institution. **Target Audience:** This major is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in pharmacology, biochemistry, medical sciences, and related fields, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their skills in medical pharmacology. This major prepares students and professionals to excel in the field of medical pharmacology, leveraging theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and an understanding of emerging trends to contribute to drug development, healthcare, and the safe and effective use of medications.