Pharmacology II – Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra

Base Knowledge

Anatomophysiology I and II, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Drug Chemistry, Pharmacology I

Teaching Methodologies

The content related to Modules 1-5 leverages fundamental knowledge of pharmacological sciences applied to solving real cases, fostering analytical and critical reasoning in Pharmacology. Module 6 advocates the objective application of knowledge in more complex situations, developing pharmacological skills in their practical dimensions and enhancing oral and written communication abilities. The selected teaching methodologies (TM) combine innovative pedagogical strategies through active, student-centered learning moments, aiming to promote the trilogy of knowledge in its dimensions: knowing (knowledge), doing (skills), and being (competencies).

TM1 – Interactive expository teaching using appropriate audiovisual media, with active individual learning moments focused on solving pharmacological problems to apply knowledge: Mentimeter Platform (Wordcloud, Q&A, Multiple Choice, Ranking tools) [Modules 1-5]

TM2 – Interactive expository teaching using audiovisual media with active group learning moments focused on the analysis and discussion of scientific articles in the field to apply knowledge: Jigsaw Activities [Modules 1-5]

TM3 – Interactive expository teaching using audiovisual media with active group learning moments focused on the analysis and discussion of scientific articles in the field to apply knowledge: Think-Pair-Share Activities [Modules 1-5]

TM4 – Project-based teaching: practice is action-oriented with the development of analysis and problem-solving skills in practical cases in clinical trials using available online clinical trial management software [Module 6]

TM5 – Project-based teaching: practice is action-oriented through the group design of a clinical trial protocol with the identification of the comparator and the establishment of non-inferiority, equivalence, and superiority studies. The teacher facilitates the learning process through synchronous guidance on the Jamboard Platform [Module 6]

TM6 – Project-based teaching: practice is action-oriented through the participation of experts in the field in webinars organized for this purpose [Module 6]

TM7 – Project-based teaching: practice is action-oriented with the conceptualization and development of an explanatory infographic for each project using the Canva platform [Module 6]

TM8 – Project-based teaching: practice is action-oriented with the group presentation of the developed project in Pitch format, aiming to gain oral communication skills in pharmacological sciences [Module 6]

Learning Results

By the end of the course unit, students are expected to have developed skills to:

C1 – Interpret the mechanisms of action of pharmacologically active molecules capable of modulating: i) hemostasis, ii) the endocrine system, iii) the digestive system, iv) antimicrobials, v) antineoplastics.

C2 – Contextualize the origin of adverse effects and drug interactions of the molecules in question, applying systemic thinking algorithms and recognizing how complex physiological systems are modulated in different domains.

C3 – Apply the process of drug research and development in its clinical phase, selecting appropriate protocols with a focus on the pharmacological aspect.

C4 – Reason analytically and critically, mastering oral and written communication strategies in pharmacological sciences.

Program

Theoretical Matrix (T)

Module 1. Blood Modifiers (6h T)

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations of the following pharmacological groups:

1.1. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents

1.2. Fibrinolytics

1.3. Unfractionated and fractionated heparins

1.4. Coumarins

1.5. Fibrinolytics

1.6. Hemostatic agents

1.7. Anti-anemic agents

1.8. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents

Module 2. Pharmacology of the Endocrine System (12h)

2.1. Review of the endocrine and metabolic systems’ functions

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations of the following pharmacological groups:

2.2. Drugs used in the treatment of dyslipidemias

2.2.1. Nicotinic acid, fibrates, and bile acid sequestrants

2.2.2. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

2.2.3. PCSK9 inhibitors

2.3. Drugs used in glycemic control

2.3.1. Insulin therapy

2.3.2. Insulin sensitizers

2.3.3. Hypoglycemic agents

2.4. Drugs used in thyroid dysfunction

2.5. Mineralocorticoids and vasopressins

2.6. Modulators of calcium metabolism and bone remodeling

2.7. Hormonal contraception

Module 3. Pharmacology of the Digestive System (6h)

3.1. Review of the histaminergic and muscarinic systems
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations of the following pharmacological groups:
3.2. Proton pump inhibitors
3.3. Muscarinic antagonists
3.4. PG agonists
3.5. Antacids
3.6. Selective H2 antihistamines
3.7. Antiemetics
3.8. Laxatives
3.9. Antidiarrheals

Module 4. Antimicrobials (12h)

4.1. Review of bacterial, viral, and fungal cell determinants
4.2. Definition of concepts: bacteriostatic, bactericidal, spectrum of action, antibiotic sensitivity
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations of the following pharmacological groups:
4.3. Antibacterials
4.3.1. Inhibitors of bacterial cell wall synthesis
4.3.2. Metabolic inhibitors
4.3.3. Protein synthesis inhibitors
4.3.4. Nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors
4.3.5. Mechanisms of bacterial resistance
4.4. Antivirals
4.4.1. Drugs active against DNA viruses
4.4.2. Drugs active against RNA viruses
4.4.3. Drugs active against retroviruses
4.5. Antifungals
4.5.1. Polyenes
4.5.2. Echinocandins
4.5.3. Azoles
4.6. Antihelmintics

Module 5. Antineoplastics (9h)

5.1. Alkylating agents
5.2. Antimetabolites
5.3. Tubulin/topoisomerase modulators
5.4. Immunomodulators
5.5. Resistance mechanisms

Module 6. The Process of Clinical Research and Development (R&D) of Drugs and Health Products in Pharmacology

6.1. Clinical Trials (14h)
6.1.1. Protocol Design:
6.1.1.1. Phase I Trials: Absolute bioavailability, extrinsic factors, intrinsic factors
6.1.1.2. Phase II Trials
6.1.1.3. Phase III Trials
6.1.1.4. Evaluation and Market Authorization: ICH Guidelines (6h)
6.1.1.5. Post-Marketing Surveillance Studies (4h)
6.2. Establishment of Biomarkers (2h)
6.3. Drug Repositioning (2h)
6.4. Ethical and Regulatory Issues (2h)

Curricular Unit Teachers

Sofia Andreia Domingues Viana

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

Primary Bibliography

Therapeutic Medication and Its Pharmacological Bases, 5th edition. Coordinated by S. Guimarães, D. Moura, and P. Soares da Silva. Porto Editora, 2006.
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 10th edition, edited by Katzung. McGraw-Hill.
Goodman and Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 10th edition. Edited by A. G. Gilman et al. Pergamon Press.
Guide to Drug Development: A Comprehensive Review and Assessment, 1st edition, by Bert Spilker, 2009. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Secondary Bibliography

Class notes
Peer-reviewed scientific articles indexed in Medline
Clinical trials guidelines, EudraLex – Volume 10