Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the farmcological basis to acquire a deep understanding of natural bioactive compounds and their potential beneficial / toxic effect.Knowledge and understanding
• Acquire basic knowledge of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy.
• Acquire knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for understanding the pharmacological activity of the active ingredients
• Know the pharmacological activity of natural bioactive compounds and the related mechanisms of action
To know the methods of experimental pharmacology employed in the research and development of novel dietary supplements
• Acquire ability to use the specific language of the discipline
Knowledge and understanding applied
• Apply knowledge of the mechanisms of action of the active ingredients to define their pharmacological activity and their use for health
Judgment autonomy
• Understand the meaning of the effect of food supplements compared to drugs
• Knowing how to independently assess the validity of a prevention strategy based on food supplements/ nutraceutical
Communication skills
• Have the ability to synthesize information and communicate it effectively to specialist and non-specialist interlocutors.
Learning skills
• Develop skills and methodology that allow you to study in a highly autonomous way
• Ability to update through the consultation of scientific databases
Prerequisites
no
Course unit content
- General principles of pharmacology: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacological activity of the main natural bioactive compounds
-Experimental pharmacology in the lab
Full programme
Pharmacodynamics:
- Quantal and gradual responses
- Efficay and potency
- Mechanisms of action of the active principles
Pharmacokinetics
- absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME)
- main pharmacokinetic parameters
- kinetics of repeated doses
Classes of natural bioactive compounds:
- pharmacological activity
- mechanism of action
- health indications
Drug interactions
Practical lessons: preparation of cell cultures, spectrophotometric quantification of cellular proteins, cytotoxicity test, data analysis, preparation of plant extracts
Bibliography
GOODMAN & GILMAN’S: "The pharmacological basis of therapeutics"
Slides provided by the teacher
Teaching methods
The lessons will be mainly frontal/online, but organized in order to involve students. The registrations and slides used to support lessons, as an integral part of the teaching material, will be provided directly to the students and uploaded on the Elly platform.
In the event of a protracted health emergency, mixed or fully online teaching will be adopted, with remote lessons organized via Teams.
Practical lessons will be carried out in January. The students will be divided into groups and they will attend the lab according to a schedule communicated in autumn. Short videolessons explaining the experimental techniques, to be consulted before attending the lab, will be upload on Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination with open questions requiring short or extended answers.
In case of health emergency, the examination will be carried out via Teams.
Scale of assessment: 0-30
Weights and evaluation criteria:
1) Acquired knowledge (up to 20/30);
2) capacity to communicate concepts through the use of the specific language of the discipline (up to 10/30).
Other information
no
