PHCL 3100: Pharmacology for Pre-Med and Life Science Students

2 credits
Pre-req: college-level biology, biochemistry, or physiology recommended.
Grading options: A-F only

Spring semester 2010
Lecture: 1:25-3:20pm Wednesdays
Location: 2-137 Jackson Hall

This introductory course in modern pharmacology is suitable for students interested in clinical medicine, biological science research, pharmaceutical industry and development of modern therapeutic agents - or those just wanting to know how drugs work.

The emphasis will be on the big picture of "therapeutic drugs" in general, and to prepare students for future success in modern medicine, research, industry, or matriculation to health science programs.

This course covers different drug categories for major organ systems including the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the endocrine/reproductive system, as well as drugs for conditions like cancer and infectious and inflammatory diseases. The course will also briefly introduce concepts in modern drug design such as gene and cell therapy and application of pharmacogenomics.

Topics include:

• Principals of drug actions
• Gene/cell therapy and modern drug design
• Drugs for:
  • nervous system
  • cardiovascular system
  • neurological disorders
  • pain control
  • gastrointestinal and respiratory systems
  • endocrine and reproductive systems
  • infectious diseases & inflammation
  • cancer

Course Director:

Li-Na Wei, Ph.D.
Phone: (612) 625-9402
Email: weixx009@umn.edu

Associate Course Director:

Hiroshi Hiasa, Ph.D.
Phone: (612) 626-3101
Email: hiasa001@umn.edu

Syllabus

Download the syllabus for the spring 2010 semester here. If you have questions about the course or want additional information, please contact us.

Optional Textbook

Pharmacology Condensed,
2nd Edition
Maureen Dale and Dennis Haylette
Published by: Churchill Livingstone
Second edition, 2009.
ISBN: 978-0443067730
Univ. of MN Bookstore

Student's Comments:

"Great class! I learned a lot and I'm very interested in learning more about Pharmacology."

"I really enjoyed this class!"

"LOVED the class!"

"Thanks, great class!"

Q - Why did you take this course?

"To learn the big picture of Pharmacology and prep for Pharmacy school."

"It sounded interesting and it was recommended by my professor."

"I thought it would be a good introductory course to take before med school."